CHATTOOGA RIVER 50 KM ULTRA WEEKEND

SAME COURSE AS 2011 (see the maps below)

Run along the wild and scenic Chattooga River in the mountains of South Carolina, pass by waterfalls and go through some of the most beautiful wilderness in the state. The course is an out-and-back, starting and finishing at Cherry Hill Campground. From the start, runners will follow the Winding Stairs Trail 3.5 miles to Temassee Road, turn-around and return to Hwy 107 and an aid station. Crossing the road, runners will then take the Big Bend Trail 2.7 miles to the Foothills Trail. The course then follows the Foothills Trail along the Chattooga River for about 6 miles before turning away from the river and climbing to Hwy 107 and another aid station. This is a long, tough stretch between aid stations and runners must be prepared, carry plenty of fluids and be somewhat self-sufficient. There is water from the Chattooga River, but it should be treated before drinking. After the aid station, course continues on the Foothills Trail for 2 miles to a turn-around point. On the return trip, after Big Bend Trail, the course returns to the finish line in Cherry Hill Campground.

You can choose to run Saturday or Sunday or for the ultimate challenge, run both days. There will be a limit of 70 runners each day.

Aid Stations will be fully-stocked with a wide variety of food and drinks, plus food at the finish. No cut-off times. Unique awards to all finishers. Mandatory to carry at least one water bottle.

Trail is marked with blazes painted on trees plus some orange ribbons and orange flags. This is a difficult course with some technical sections and you must have previous trail experience to enter. In past years, we have had broken ankles and runners off-course for hours. I hope to not see Search and Rescue again. However, I know that even with experience, stuff can happen, but please be prepared for this type of run before you enter.

Directions to start: Coming from Walhalla on SC Hwy 28, bear right onto SC 107. Drive approximately 8.5 miles to Cherry Hill Recreation Area, entrance on your right. There is a parking area at the top near the entrance for those not camping. Cherry Hill has 29 campsites, water, flush toilets and showers for a $10 fee per night. There is also camping and cabins at Oconee State Park, about 6 miles from the start. Seneca has numerous motels and there is a motel in Walhalla.

Race Director: Terri Hayes
Questions? Email: ultraterri@bellsouth.net
Phone: 352-287-2411

To register fill in the Registration Form and mail it to:

Terri Hayes
300 Washington Ave., Apt. 4
Inverness, Florida 34450

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