The Bear 6/3 Hour MTB Race

5k NOGAWILD Safari Fun Run/Walk. September 12th, 2026

Join us for a one-of-a-kind family-friendly run/walk through the parks where you will run/walk by 100s of animals from antelope, penguins, camel, zebra, kangaroos, and more! Join us in this fun-run fundraising event to help support the efforts of Creation Encounters. You can learn more about their work here. Come prepared to walk/run on an all-terrain course. To learn more about the course itself click here.

Check-in is at 8:00 a.m. The first wave goes out at 8:30 a.m.

8:30am Safari Run/Walk All About the Animals Course (2.8 miles)- 2 laps. This course follows Wildlife Park pathways and the Safari Drive-Thru road (gravel, asphalt, and mulch). Children under 4 are free with a participating adult.

9:00am Kids/Family Fun Run (1 mile)- Take 1 to 2 laps around the Safari Park for a wild and family-friendly adventure!

There will also be a Virtual Option for those who cannot join us in person but would still like to exercise and help support the animals!

Each option price will increase by $5 one month prior to the Fall Safari Run so get your spots early!

Raffle and giveaway immediately follow the Safari Run. Awards will be given to the first 3 female and first 3 male finishers! Each Safari Run participant will receive one free raffle ticket and Safari Run medallion. Other raffle tickets can be purchased. Must be present for the raffle to win. Your registration for the Safari Run also includes admission to our Safari Drive-Thru after the event!

Please note - This is a fundraiser race and is not a timed race at this time. We encourage you to keep track of your own time with your watch

We cannot wait to see everyone for the Safari Run! Thank you for signing up!

** Event T-shirts are only guaranteed if you register for the early bird special, by 1/3/2027, availability for those who registered after will be on a first come first serve basis at package pick up race day!**

This 48th annual event features an 18K run known as one of the toughest races in Georgia and the South...maybe in North America!

Event details and schedule

PLEASE NOTE* Registration will be at the pavilion on the north side of Riverside Park (across the street from Big Daddy’s), in the event of inclement weather, registration may be moved the Helen FestHalle.

Besides the 18K run that starts at 10:00 a.m. there is also a 5K loop race that will begin at the Festhalle in downtown Helen at 8:00 a.m. Other features of the races are: 1) baggage check-in for those in the 18K that want some warm clothes at the finish atop Hogpen Gap and 2) a quality race event shirt. No personal vehicles are allowed at he finish line area.

All proceeds of the races go to fund operating expenses (i.e. building houses) for the Northeast Georgia Habitat for Humanity.

Fees: 5K - $30 early, $35 regular, $20 students...18K - $60 early, $65 regular, $40 students...Combo (run 5K and 18K) - $80 early, $85 regular, $55 students.

The Mount Yonah Vertical Race

“Without mountains, we might find ourselves relieved that we can avoid the pain of the ascent, but we will forever miss the thrill of the summit. And in such a terribly scandalous trade-off, it is the absence of pain that becomes the thief of life.” —Craig D. Lounsbrough

Details

Join Team Summit for the third annual Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge weekend.

Participants will have FOUR options upon registration.

-5,000FT of climbing over 3 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 25km.

-10,000FT of climbing over 6 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 50km.

-Double UP - Race both events! Saturday and Sunday

-10,000FT 50k Relay - Grab a friend and tag-team Saturdays 10,000FT 50K! Runners may alternate ascents at their leisure.

Prizes provided by ALTRA Running.

This event sold out in 2024 and 2025! Register now and secure your spot.

The trail is technical and steep for the majority of the climb, with a few sections of scrambling required. As you get closer to the summit, the path becomes a dirt/gravel double-track leading to the top. There are #runnable sections of the trail depending on your skill level.

After-party hosted at NoFo Brew Co - 2 miles from the trailhead!

NEW FOR 2026

Saturday’s 50K will offer a 2-person relay! Bring a friend and tackle the distance together, alternating ascents at your leisure.

NEW FOR 2025!

This will become a two day race over Saturday and Sunday. The 50K will be held on Saturday and the 25K on Sunday.

Location

Yonah Mountain Trailhead

34.63721066176569, -83.72498145886013

Start/Finish will be in the main parking lot for Mt Yonah. This is a gravel lot with limited space, volunteers will direct participants on where to park. Please consider carpooling.

Schedule

Friday February 26th

530PM - Bib Pickup at NOFO Brew Co (Cleveland)

Saturday February 27th

630 AM - Bib Pickup available

8 AM - 10,000FT-50K Race Start

4 PM - Must have started final lap!

6 PM - Course closed

6 PM - After-party at NoFo Brew Co (2 miles away) and bib pickup for 25K

Sunday February 28th

730 AM - Bib Pickup available

9 AM - 5,000FT-25K Race Start

3 PM - Must have started final lap!

5 PM - Course closed

5 PM - After-party at NoFo Brew Co (2 miles away)

The Course

The race course follows the Yonah Mountain hiking trail up to the summit of the mountain. From there you will pass the overlook before returning down the mountain. The trail is runnable in some sections, rocky and rooty in others, and a few spots require scrambling over boulders. The race will start with a quick out and back on the gravel road leading to the trail-head, this is so runners will thin out before hitting the trail. Each time you return from your summit, you will repeat the same out and back, this is necessary to achieve the distance and vert advertised. You may encounter hikers on the course, so use caution and be courteous.

Strava Route

CUTOFFS

10 Hours for the 50K Saturday- You must be on your final summit attempt by 4PM!

8 Hours for the 25K Sunday - You must be on your final summit attempt by 3PM!

HIKING POLES

Allowed!

REQUIRED GEAR

-All Summit events are cup-less. All participants should carry a bottle, bladder, or collapsible cup at all times. Revolution Running Co is donating 150 reusable silicon cups to the event, ask for one during check-in!

-All participants should have a waterproof shell or jacket with them at all times.

-Adequate footwear - the trail is rocky, rooty, wet, muddy, icy, and everything in between. Be prepared.

*This is a mountain race that takes participants up and over 3000' above sea-level. The weather at the summit can feel drastically different from the trailhead. Do not leave the trail-head without the required gear on you at all times. There is no rescue or bail-out point near the summit, except by helicopter.

AID

A full aid station will be provided at the main trailhead, featuring Precision Fuel carb/electrolyte mix(60g of carb/1,000mg of sodium), along with everything else you’d expect including hot food, as well as GF and plant-based options. You will pass this after every loop (roughly every five miles).

There will be a water stop on course near the summit, you will pass it shortly before the summit and again on your way down. Volunteers will be at the mountain-top as well with emergency supplies as-needed, but only for emergencies.

CREWING

Due to limited space at the trailhead, personal pop-up tents/tables are not allowed. If needed, you may use your vehicle for a personal aid setup, being mindful of others visiting the park or participating in the event. Reminder that you will pass through the whole length of the parking area during each repeat.

Sorry, no pacers or crew allowed on the trail with participants.

WEATHER

Our team closely monitors the weather during race weekend and leading up to it for any adverse conditions. The Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge will be run "rain or shine", but could potentially be delayed or cancelled depending on the severity of any storms and with guidance from the USFS. Your safety and the safety of our crew and volunteers will always be our priority. If storms are expected, keep an eye on your email and our socials for any updates.

DETAILS HERE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

For most up to date details, visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia

TOUR OF GEORGIA GRAN FONDO

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KEY INFORMATION

Helen, GA

Sunday, April 19 , 2026

Click here to save to your google calendar

Event Open to All from Beginner to Elite

3 Loops to Choose From

Gran & Medio riders start at 8am; Piccolo riders start at 10am

4 Timed Sections in the Gran Route – Best Combined Time Wins

Complete event details available at https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia

Age Group Categories

No racing license required

We reserve the right to combine fields.

Super Prizes!

Custom “Race Winner” kit From SUAREZ for all Gran Route age group winners

Awards for Gran, Medio, and Piccolo age-group podiums

Great Finish-Line Party

Post Ride Meal Included

Congratulatory Finisher Beer

Huge Prize Raffle

All riders are eligible to win incredible prizes from Gran Fondo National Series sponsors!

Course Maps

https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/georgia-maps

U23 Made Possible By Shimano

Riders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2026, are eligible to use the coupon code: U23byShimano at checkout for any of the company’s owned SENA Gran Fondo National Series events including Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Maryland, as well as the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. The offer is limited to participants under the age of 23 and entrants are verified by their age. Juniors – cyclists under the age of 18 – are eligible to use the same coupon code.

Packet Pick up / Check-in / Bike Expo

(Watch for updated Information on these dates and locations the below is from 2025 but will likely be the same)

Pick up on Friday to avoid the morning rush

Friday from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at City of Helen Riverside Park - 812 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545!

Saturday from 6:00 AM up until 30 mins prior to your start time 807 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545 (Race Start/Finish).

What does the price of your entry include?

• Traffic control

• Fully stocked aid stations with energy product and food

• Four timed sections (requires over $100,000 in timing equipment)

• Goody-bag with various swag items

• Finisher gift for all Gran Route Finishers

• Awards for age-group placement

• Chance to win and Prizes for placement

• Chance to win raffle prizes

• The enjoyment of riding an amazing cycling route

2026 Course Description:

Nestled in the Bavarian Alpine village of Helen, GA the ride starts in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. After rolling out of Helen the route hits the first timed segment at mile 2.5, where any riders with intentions of an overall podium finish will need to put their cards on the table from the start. The first time section immediately enters the mountainous area made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. In 2008, Unicoi Gap was the second to last climb on the approach to the race-deciding ascent up Brasstown Bald where Kanstantin Suitsou got the jump on Trent Lowe and Levi Leipheimer to win the event. As riders tackle this timed section they cover over 7 miles and climb 1500ft to the top of Unicoi Gap. The climb is very gradual for several miles, before turning into a real alpine ascent. Enjoy the vistas of the Chattahoochee National Forest on the descent before turning left and climbing up and over Jack’s Gap.

A left turn on Richard Russell Scenic Hwy will put riders face to face with the 2nd timed section, Hogpen gap. Within 6.5 miles and another 1500ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3469ft with ramps of 12%. The views at the top of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking. Check your speed and be careful on the descent as there are many sharp turns. Enjoy the ride through the forest knowing that the hardest riding is behind you.

After tackling the two biggest climbs of the day riders will head east from Helen through Unicoi State Park. The route then hits the 3rd timed section at mile 46, comprised of rolling terrain for a 4 mile section. Riders then get to enjoy a non-timed section of the route for the next 30 miles as the route explore the area round Lake Burton and Seed Lake. Be sure to save a bit of energy for the final time section, it only last just over 2 miles but at over 80 miles in to the day you'll need to find some go go power.

The route finishes back into the landmark town of Helen where, in 1969, local business owners collaborated to create what is now called “Bavaria in the Appalachians.” Just outside of Helen on the route is the Nacoochee Indian Mound, the center of the ancient Cherokee town of Gauxule, visited by Desoto in his search for gold. Be sure to plan to stick around for beers, food and music served up at the finish line.

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