It’s a big weekend for trail runners with two vastly different endurance events taking place — the Southern States 200 and Devils Racetrack Backyard Ultra — along with a handful of fun shorter races on tap.
The inaugural Southern States 200 begins Friday in northwest Georgia. It is one of only three point-to-point mountain trail races in the United States. It is a collaboration of Southeastern Trail Runs in Birmingham and Running Lane Events in Huntsville.
As of midday Thursday, 37 runners were registered including from Quebec and Saskatchewan. Runners from 13 states, as far as California and Pennsylvania, are on the list.
North Alabama runners include James Ebert and Martin Schkneekloth of Huntsville, and Jon Elmore of Decatur.
Runners have 100 hours to complete the route, which is officially 201 miles with 27,628 feet of elevation gain. It follows the Pinhoti Trail from near Dalton, Ga., to the highest point in Alabama, Mount Cheaha. Runners will have 15 aid stations along the way.
Devils Racetrack Backyard Ultra
At the Wade Mountain Preserve north of Huntsville, the third Devils Racetrack Backyard Ultra will test competitors in a “last man standing” format.
The field of 41 will start at 7 a.m. when the horn blows on the first 4.167-mile loop. A short road jaunt separates the field before everyone dives into the woods. The route goes around the famed Devils Racetrack and back the preserve parking lot finish line.
Runners must cross the finish line and be back in the starting corral by the time the horn sounds for the following loop. Cross the line but not in the corral? You’re out. Within eyesight of the corral and line but you didn’t make it? You’re out. The rules are clear, and so everyone’s on even ground. It’s a 14:24-per-minute pace. At night, for safety, the route goes to the road from the trail, but returns to the trail at safe light, if necessary.
Michael Wall nipped Kyle Wagner last year to win with 70.833 miles to Wagner’s 66.667. The winner is the last individual to complete a loop. If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.
Eleven records were set in the 2023 race in the men’s and women’s divisions. The race has grown each year, from a field of 16 in 2022 to 30 in 2023 and 11 more this year.
You’re Not Crazy?
If you’re not certifiable and want some fun, shorter events this weekend, you’re in luck.
Several area 5K events are scheduled this weekend, including the annual Salmon Run in downtown Huntsville. Others include the First Priority 5K in Decatur, and HBCU Stem Education 5K on Sunday.
HAMR is hosting its Biking Spring Skills Clinics weekend at Monte Sano State Park, too. Instructors will help beginners and intermediate riders. Registration is required and there are some fees.
And, if you’re looking for something longer, the annual Whiskey Run Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K will be Sunday at Palmer Park in Madison.
Be sure to check the TVO Calendar for all of these events, registration info, and future events (including the fun, fast Cookie Dash 5K on April 20).
