Georgia · Saturday, April 18, 2026
The Helenback Race Series is a half marathon event held on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The Currahee Challenge takes place from the base of Currahee Mountain on the Colonel Robert Sink Trail, the training site of the 501st, 506th, 511th and 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments seen in Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan & The Dirty Dozen. Come and join us for an excellent and challenging 5K run/walk or 10K hill run. PLEASE NOTE: the finish line will remain open until 11:30am.
☕️ 🏃♂️ Love running? Love coffee? Why not both?
Join us for the Coffee Lovers Run, where every mile leads you closer to great coffee, good vibes, and even better company. Set a goal, bring a friend, and join this super fun run.
Overview:
Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.
This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.
All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!
There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!
When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey.
Timing:
Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.
No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!
What You Get (Swag Bag):
Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)
Finisher's Towel or Giveaway
Finisher's Medal!
Digital Training Pack
Online Results & Certificate of Completion
Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs
We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.
Packet Pickup:
No hassle of picking up packets required!
-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)
When will I get my Swag?
You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.
Race Updates:
We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.
Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)
Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!
Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: [email protected])
(Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis)
Wave A: 7:30AM
Wave B: 8:00AM
Wave C: 8:30AM
Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)
Are there any other Questions we missed?
https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/
Virtual Run Option:
Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to [email protected] to receive your medal!
Race Bundle:
Sign-up for more races and get a discount!
Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:
If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business!
https://www.thebestraces.com/events
Team Glo Volunteers:
If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/
Be part of the Journey!
Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com
Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)
Event details and schedule
5K – Saturday, November 14, 2026 9:15 a.m.
This is a timed event with several age/gender categories and awards will be made for 1st to 3rd places, in each category. Please visit (link) for further information and to register, or just buy a shirt and support our Ranger Vets.
10K – Saturday, November 14, 2025 9:00 a.m.
This is a timed event with several age/gender categories, and awards will be made for 1st to 3rd places, in each category. Parking is abundant in Dahlonega, and all safety precautions will be taken. Please visit (link) for further information and to register, or just buy a shirt and support our Ranger Vets.
Half Marathon (Mountain Marathon) Sunday, November 15, 11:30 am. to 3:00 pm
This event uses all the same forestry roads the US Rangers train on. Tough YES, but not too tough for runners capable of covering the 13.1 miles. This course starts and finishes on the airfield at Camp Merrill. Almost all of the half marathon course is off-pavement on service roads that curl through the Appalachian Mountains, only feet from the Appalachian Trail. Challenge yourself with two grueling hills where America’s best soldiers are trained. Parking is abundant. Food and Beverage will be available at the on-post service Club, The Overhang, after the event. This includes beer and wine and a full menu. You can count on some active duty Rangers to be running the course. Please visit (link) for further information and to register, or just buy a shirt and support our Ranger Vets.
Ranger Challenge - 5K OR 10K Plus Half Marathon
Sign up for two races - the 5K OR, the 10K on Saturday, November 14th AND the half marathon on SUNDAY, November 15th, for an extra challenge!
*Pre-registration strongly requested for planning purposes. Walk-up registrants will not be guaranteed a T-shirt for the event.
Event Details:
Race Day Registration 5K and 10K - SATURDAY, November 14th from 07:30-08:45am at Hancock Park
Race Start Times - 10K @ 9:00am and 5K @ 9:15am
Race Day Registration Half Marathon - SUNDAY, November 15th from 10:30am to 11:15am at the Overhang at Camp Merrill
Race Start Time @ 11:30am to 3:00 pm
Awards
5K awards - Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female and Age Groups 1st, 2nd and 3rd place starting at 10 and Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and Up
10K and Half Marathon awards - Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female and Age Groups 1st, 2nd and 3rd place starting at 14 and Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and Up
Top overall male/female per category are recognized with a Custom Crafted Ranger Plaque