2022 Race Will Be March 26th & 27th
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Please Note: Registration closes on Ultrasignup on Monday, March 21st at Midnight. There is not late registration at Friday Packet Pickup or before the race start Saturday morning. If you plan to run, register before March 22nd.
About the Lake Martin 100, 50 and 27 Mile Endurance Race
The Lake Martin 100 is a beautiful course that follows miles of Lake Martin shoreline and creeks flowing into the lake. The course is 100% on the private lands of the Russell Forest Trial System. The trail system is over 25,000 acres of some of the most beautiful land in the southeast. The only paved roads you will see are a few cabin roads you will cross. Most runners will never see a car on any of these roads during the race.
The Lake Martin 100 was designed from the ground up to be the perfect step-up from a 50K to a 50 mile or from a 50 mile to your first 100 mile trail race. Our goal is your success. We promise to do everything in our power to help you accomplish your ultra goal, whether that goal is to run your first ultra, the 27 Mile Fun Run, or to break 21 hours in the 100. We also pledge to make your race experience Fun! The race will be hard. All those beautiful hills become steeper and longer with each successive lap. Those gentle carriage paths become very long about mile 80. But if you have put in enough training miles, we will encourage you, push you, help you, and even yell at you if necessary, to get you to the end. We might even let you rest occasionally. If you are ready, you can do it.
Each 25 Mile loop is 75% Single Track and 5% Double Track Carriage Paths/Trails. There are about 4 1/2 miles of gravel roads, all but 800 yards by the Adamson Road Trailhead do not allow any automobile traffic. A little less than 1/2 mile is on a paved walking path leading to and from the Cabin Aid Station. There are NO sections on Paved Roads.
The course layout makes race planning extremely easy. It also makes things very simple for you crew. There are only two physical aid stations in the Lake Martin 100 or 50 or 27. There is the Start/Finish aid station at the Cabin and there is Heaven Hill. The two aid stations are only 3 miles apart by car. Runners stop at each aid station 4 times per 25 Mile Loop. The aid stations ranging from 5 miles to 7 miles apart by trail. That adds up to 18 "Full Service" aid station stops in the 100. The course looks line three "0s" side by side. Where the "0s" touch is where the aid stations are located. (The course looks like this, 0+0+0 with the aid stations located at the "+s" - See the diagram below.) There are also three major trailheads within 5 miles of the Cabin that your crew can easily reach in minutes. It just doesn't get any easier than that.
For experienced 100 mile runners the lake Martin 100 is no “Walk in the Park.” My Suunto Ambit 3 Vertical GPS watch shows 14,128 feet of elevation gain. Probably the true elevation gain is something over 13,000 but the course is very hilly. There are virtually no trails that could be called flat. There are also no big climbs. Almost all of the hills range from 50 to 100 feet in height, but those small hills are relentless. If you alternate walking and running, you will not need to time the cycles. The Lake Martin 100 Official Cutoff is 32 Hours. The 50 Mile and 27 Mile Cutoffs are16 Hours. Actually, we don't enforce any cutoffs at the Lake Martin 100. If it takes you 20 hours to finish the 50 mile, you are a finisher. Same with the 27 Mile. Also, if you register for the 100 or 50 and have to drop down, you are still a finisher if you cover at least 27 miles. (Exception, You MUST be off the trails before sunset Sunday. That's a Russell Land's Rule)
Non-Technical Defined: I describe the Lake Martin trails as non-technical. If you regularly run ultras on single track trails, at least in the Southeast, you will agree the LM100 trails are non-technical. If you're a road runner or only run on trails groomed by machines, you may not agree. Some Russell Forest Trails have lots of small rocks about the size of your fist. There are also roots on all the single-track trails. You simply have to pay attention where you step. I was a "roadie" for 35 years. For a roadrunner, it's like running down an old sidewalk with a few crack, holes and uneven blocks. You just have to "Watch where you step."
Start and Finish Location: The race starts at the Cabin, Located in Russell Crossroads. This is also the location of the Cabin Aid Station:
Address: Russell Crossroads, 288 Stables Loop, Alexander City, AL 35010. GPS coordinates are: 32.763937, -85.945281
The Lake Martin 100 was designed from the ground up to be the perfect step-up from a 50K to a 50 mile or from a 50 mile to your first 100 mile trail race. Our goal is your success. We promise to do everything in our power to help you accomplish your ultra goal, whether that goal is to run your first ultra, the 27 Mile Fun Run, or to break 21 hours in the 100. We also pledge to make your race experience Fun! The race will be hard. All those beautiful hills become steeper and longer with each successive lap. Those gentle carriage paths become very long about mile 80. But if you have put in enough training miles, we will encourage you, push you, help you, and even yell at you if necessary, to get you to the end. We might even let you rest occasionally. If you are ready, you can do it.
Each 25 Mile loop is 75% Single Track and 5% Double Track Carriage Paths/Trails. There are about 4 1/2 miles of gravel roads, all but 800 yards by the Adamson Road Trailhead do not allow any automobile traffic. A little less than 1/2 mile is on a paved walking path leading to and from the Cabin Aid Station. There are NO sections on Paved Roads.
The course layout makes race planning extremely easy. It also makes things very simple for you crew. There are only two physical aid stations in the Lake Martin 100 or 50 or 27. There is the Start/Finish aid station at the Cabin and there is Heaven Hill. The two aid stations are only 3 miles apart by car. Runners stop at each aid station 4 times per 25 Mile Loop. The aid stations ranging from 5 miles to 7 miles apart by trail. That adds up to 18 "Full Service" aid station stops in the 100. The course looks line three "0s" side by side. Where the "0s" touch is where the aid stations are located. (The course looks like this, 0+0+0 with the aid stations located at the "+s" - See the diagram below.) There are also three major trailheads within 5 miles of the Cabin that your crew can easily reach in minutes. It just doesn't get any easier than that.
For experienced 100 mile runners the lake Martin 100 is no “Walk in the Park.” My Suunto Ambit 3 Vertical GPS watch shows 14,128 feet of elevation gain. Probably the true elevation gain is something over 13,000 but the course is very hilly. There are virtually no trails that could be called flat. There are also no big climbs. Almost all of the hills range from 50 to 100 feet in height, but those small hills are relentless. If you alternate walking and running, you will not need to time the cycles. The Lake Martin 100 Official Cutoff is 32 Hours. The 50 Mile and 27 Mile Cutoffs are16 Hours. Actually, we don't enforce any cutoffs at the Lake Martin 100. If it takes you 20 hours to finish the 50 mile, you are a finisher. Same with the 27 Mile. Also, if you register for the 100 or 50 and have to drop down, you are still a finisher if you cover at least 27 miles. (Exception, You MUST be off the trails before sunset Sunday. That's a Russell Land's Rule)
Non-Technical Defined: I describe the Lake Martin trails as non-technical. If you regularly run ultras on single track trails, at least in the Southeast, you will agree the LM100 trails are non-technical. If you're a road runner or only run on trails groomed by machines, you may not agree. Some Russell Forest Trails have lots of small rocks about the size of your fist. There are also roots on all the single-track trails. You simply have to pay attention where you step. I was a "roadie" for 35 years. For a roadrunner, it's like running down an old sidewalk with a few crack, holes and uneven blocks. You just have to "Watch where you step."
Start and Finish Location: The race starts at the Cabin, Located in Russell Crossroads. This is also the location of the Cabin Aid Station:
Address: Russell Crossroads, 288 Stables Loop, Alexander City, AL 35010. GPS coordinates are: 32.763937, -85.945281
A Very Simplified Version of the 25 Mile loops of the Lake Martin 100
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Detailed Timeline for the Lake Martin Race Weekend
Monday, March 21st through Wednesday, March 23rd:
Trail work and trail marking. Sections of the course receive limited use over the winter and some trails will be buried in leaves. Before marking, many trails must be blown clean. Anyone wishing to help is welcome. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the course.
Thursday March 24th - Set up Aid Stations at Heaven Hill and the Cabin:
Set up aid station tents and lighting at both aid stations. Set up the start/finish area at the Cabin. Set up the arch and timing system as much as possible. Do a last-minute check of all trails accessible by truck. Set ups the Harbor Lodge dining room for packet pickup and dinner Friday Night.
Friday, March 25th - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Package Pickup for all races will be Friday afternoon near the Cabin (Race Start Location) at Russell Crossroads.
Do NOT bring dropbags to Friday afternoon packet pickup.
*** You MUST have a government issue photo ID to pick up your race packet and bib. Each Runner must pick up their own race packet. You may not have someone pick up your race packet for you. You can pick up your bib Friday afternoon or Saturday morning before the race. ***
Friday, March 25th - 5:00 PM
We will be a short race briefing at or near the Cabin. There is a small stage on the "Village Green" near Catherine's Market we may use if it OK with Russell Lands. There is also a possibility we will be able to serve food at the meeting. The meal will be free but we will require the purchase of meal tickets in advance (probably $3) to cover tips for the caterer. We will cover such things as trail marking, course conditions, any last-minute changes, etc. and answer any questions. The meeting is NOT mandatory, but everyone is welcome, and we strongly urge all runners to attend.
*** THERE IS NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT RUSSELL LANDS FRIDAY NIGHT! ***
There are no exceptions so please don't ask. Runners may set up their personal aid stations Friday night near the Cabin but may not camp. This means no campers or motorhomes may be parked anywhere on Russell Lands. Russell security will "remove you!" That is, unless I do it first! There is camping at Wind Creek State Park just 9 miles from the start.
Saturday, March 26th – 5:00 to 6:15 AM
Packet Pickup for all races and drop-bag drop-off at the Cabin Start area.
We will accept drop bags for the Heaven Hill Aid Station for 50 and 100 mile races only. Be sure they are properly labeled with Name, Bib # and Aid Station and have them at the start no later than 6:30 AM. We will have an area designated for Heaven Hill Drop Bags, probably in the back of my white, Ford F150 truck. Drop bags for the Cabin aid station should be left on the porch of the Cabin. You may also leave your Cabin Dropbag in your car. We do not accept dropbags for Heaven Hill from 27 Mile Runners. However, 27miles are welcome to leave a bag in the Cabin or have supplies in your car. 27 mile runners with crew are welcome to have the crew meet them at Heaven Hill Aid Station, Adamson Rd Trailhead or any other trailhead.
If you arrive later than 6:15 AM you may not be able to get your race packet until after the race start. Your start may be delayed as much as 15 minutes so please arrive early. All runners may bring drop bags to the Cabin start area Saturday Morning.
Saturday, March 26th - 6:20 AM: We will have a short race briefing with final details and remind everyone that if you are not wearing your HuTag around your ankle, your race may not be recorded!
Saturday, March 26th - 6:30 AM: Start of the 100, 50 and 27 Mile Race, in front of the Cabin.
The races will start promptly at 6:30AM (Sunrise - 6:39 AM - Sunset - 6:59 PM) If you expect to take more than 11 hours to run the 27 or 50 mile you should have a flashlight or headlamp with you or have one in your dropbag at the Cabin.
Saturday, March 26th – 10:30 PM: Finish - 27 Mile and 50 Mile Race. (16 hour cutoff)
Sunday, March 27th – 2:30 PM: Finish - 100 Mile Race.
Racecourse will close at 2:30 PM Sunday, March 26th. (32 hour time limit) There will be mandatory cutoffs in place at the start/finish area at the start of the third and fourth laps of the 100. Sunday morning, a hot breakfast will be available at the Cabin for runners as they finish the 100. You and your crew are welcome to enjoy the custom made, hot breakfast. 100 mile runners are not required to stop at the 32 hour cutoff. As long as you can make it back to the Cabin before sunset you may continue running. We are required to dismantle and clean up the star/finish area so everything may be gone when you finish. You are still a 100 mile finisher and receive a Lake Martin 100 Buckle. If you think you may need more than 33 hours to finish you need to have crew members to stay at the Cabin until you make it back.
Awards will be presented as runners finish. Awards are given is all races to 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall, male and female.
We also give 1st in age group awards of Master (40-49) Grand Master (50-59) and Ultra Grand Master (60+)
Trail work and trail marking. Sections of the course receive limited use over the winter and some trails will be buried in leaves. Before marking, many trails must be blown clean. Anyone wishing to help is welcome. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the course.
Thursday March 24th - Set up Aid Stations at Heaven Hill and the Cabin:
Set up aid station tents and lighting at both aid stations. Set up the start/finish area at the Cabin. Set up the arch and timing system as much as possible. Do a last-minute check of all trails accessible by truck. Set ups the Harbor Lodge dining room for packet pickup and dinner Friday Night.
Friday, March 25th - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Package Pickup for all races will be Friday afternoon near the Cabin (Race Start Location) at Russell Crossroads.
Do NOT bring dropbags to Friday afternoon packet pickup.
*** You MUST have a government issue photo ID to pick up your race packet and bib. Each Runner must pick up their own race packet. You may not have someone pick up your race packet for you. You can pick up your bib Friday afternoon or Saturday morning before the race. ***
Friday, March 25th - 5:00 PM
We will be a short race briefing at or near the Cabin. There is a small stage on the "Village Green" near Catherine's Market we may use if it OK with Russell Lands. There is also a possibility we will be able to serve food at the meeting. The meal will be free but we will require the purchase of meal tickets in advance (probably $3) to cover tips for the caterer. We will cover such things as trail marking, course conditions, any last-minute changes, etc. and answer any questions. The meeting is NOT mandatory, but everyone is welcome, and we strongly urge all runners to attend.
*** THERE IS NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT RUSSELL LANDS FRIDAY NIGHT! ***
There are no exceptions so please don't ask. Runners may set up their personal aid stations Friday night near the Cabin but may not camp. This means no campers or motorhomes may be parked anywhere on Russell Lands. Russell security will "remove you!" That is, unless I do it first! There is camping at Wind Creek State Park just 9 miles from the start.
Saturday, March 26th – 5:00 to 6:15 AM
Packet Pickup for all races and drop-bag drop-off at the Cabin Start area.
We will accept drop bags for the Heaven Hill Aid Station for 50 and 100 mile races only. Be sure they are properly labeled with Name, Bib # and Aid Station and have them at the start no later than 6:30 AM. We will have an area designated for Heaven Hill Drop Bags, probably in the back of my white, Ford F150 truck. Drop bags for the Cabin aid station should be left on the porch of the Cabin. You may also leave your Cabin Dropbag in your car. We do not accept dropbags for Heaven Hill from 27 Mile Runners. However, 27miles are welcome to leave a bag in the Cabin or have supplies in your car. 27 mile runners with crew are welcome to have the crew meet them at Heaven Hill Aid Station, Adamson Rd Trailhead or any other trailhead.
If you arrive later than 6:15 AM you may not be able to get your race packet until after the race start. Your start may be delayed as much as 15 minutes so please arrive early. All runners may bring drop bags to the Cabin start area Saturday Morning.
Saturday, March 26th - 6:20 AM: We will have a short race briefing with final details and remind everyone that if you are not wearing your HuTag around your ankle, your race may not be recorded!
Saturday, March 26th - 6:30 AM: Start of the 100, 50 and 27 Mile Race, in front of the Cabin.
The races will start promptly at 6:30AM (Sunrise - 6:39 AM - Sunset - 6:59 PM) If you expect to take more than 11 hours to run the 27 or 50 mile you should have a flashlight or headlamp with you or have one in your dropbag at the Cabin.
Saturday, March 26th – 10:30 PM: Finish - 27 Mile and 50 Mile Race. (16 hour cutoff)
Sunday, March 27th – 2:30 PM: Finish - 100 Mile Race.
Racecourse will close at 2:30 PM Sunday, March 26th. (32 hour time limit) There will be mandatory cutoffs in place at the start/finish area at the start of the third and fourth laps of the 100. Sunday morning, a hot breakfast will be available at the Cabin for runners as they finish the 100. You and your crew are welcome to enjoy the custom made, hot breakfast. 100 mile runners are not required to stop at the 32 hour cutoff. As long as you can make it back to the Cabin before sunset you may continue running. We are required to dismantle and clean up the star/finish area so everything may be gone when you finish. You are still a 100 mile finisher and receive a Lake Martin 100 Buckle. If you think you may need more than 33 hours to finish you need to have crew members to stay at the Cabin until you make it back.
Awards will be presented as runners finish. Awards are given is all races to 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall, male and female.
We also give 1st in age group awards of Master (40-49) Grand Master (50-59) and Ultra Grand Master (60+)
The Russell Forest Trail System
Use of the Russell Forest Trial System is Free to all runners and hikers. Stop by the Information office at Russell Crossroads (Just about 100 yards south of Katherine's Market) as fill out a Russell Lands Usage agreement. You will be given an annual pass. The only requirement to use the trails is, call Russell Land's Security when you start your run and let them know where you are parked and how long you plan to be on the trails. When you finish your run, call security again to let them know you are leaving. Get the Russell Lands Trail App before you start if you don't know the trails. There is good cell reception everywhere in the area. The trails can be a bit confusing so the app will help. Trail maps are also available at trailheads and at the information center.
The Russell Lands mobile app is your official guide to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, all at your fingertips. Explore over 100 miles of Russell Forest trails. Locate yourself on the trail map. Share your location or see your friends' locations on the trail map. Record your treks and the distances you travel. Display your treks and replay them on the trail map. Email images to friends, post them to Facebook and other social media, or view them in Google Earth. Keep up-to-date with Russell Lands events, and easily locate and contact restaurants with the built in directory.
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Tailwind is a sponsor of all Southeastern Trail Runs Races and is provided at all aid stations in the Lake Martin 100.
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Lots of photos and a video of the Lake Martin Course from the 2020 preview run.
Photos from the 2020 LM100 preview run by Southeastern Trail Runs and MRuns.
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2020 LM 100 Preview Run Video
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Photos from MRuns
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Lodging near Russell Crossroads:
For 2022 we are unable to offer lodging at Harbor Lodge as we have the past several years. COVID regulations at Children's Harbor make it impossible. There are many options for camping and lodging a few miles from the start. Wind Creek State Park is just 9 mile from Russell Crossroads and offers both campsites and cabins. There are several hotels in Alexander City 12 to 15 miles north of the start. There are many lake homes for rent through Airbnb and can be a great value if you are providing lodgings for a family or crew. Be Careful Here! If you rent a house on the opposite side of the lake from Russell Lands, ( the west side) it can be a very long drive on winding country roads to the start. Be sure to check Google Maps "drive time" from houses not close to the start. For example, A house less than 4 miles from the start, straight across the lake, will take about 45 minutes to drive to the start. A house or condo in Still Water Resort is a 35 minute drive.
Register now at Ultrasignup.com
Registration closes Tuesday, March 21st. There is no late registration.
Shirt Cutoff is March 13th.
Getting to the Lake Martin 100 start at the Cabin at Russell Crossroads:
The Lake Martin races are run on the Private Lands of the Russell Forest Trail System at Starts at Russell Crossroads, 10 miles south of Alexander City, in east-central Alabama. The closet airport is in Montgomery, Alabama, 49 miles southwest of Lake Martin. Birmingham's Shuttlesworth Airport is 89 miles to the northwest. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport is 137 miles east northeast.
Note: If you fly into the Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport, it's a straight shot down Highway 280 to Alexander City. Hwy 280 can be a nightmare at rush hour. If you start south from the airport after 4:00 or 4:30PM, you can expect heavy traffic all the way out of Birmingham through Chelsea, about 22 miles.
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This is a "Relive" video of one 25 Mile Loop of the Lake Martin 100, 50 & 27 course.
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Click on the image below to see the video of the 2019 Lake Martin 100
The 2019 Lake Martin 100 and 50 Mile Endurance Run and the 27 Mile Fun Run
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The Lake Martin 100 Course, 25 Mile Loop on the Russell Lands Map.
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Terrain Map of the Lake Martin 100 Course.
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Elevation Profile of the Lake Martin 100 Course - 25 Mile loop. The Profile is color coded to the Russell Lands Map above.
Drop Bags
Dropbag Rules for Heaven Hill:
100 Mile Runners: Be sure your bags are labeled. Place the Heaven Hill bag in the appropriate place for transport no later than 6:30 AM. 100 milers may have two bags for Heaven Hill.
50 Mile Runners: Be sure your bags are properly labeled. Place the Heaven Hill bag in the appropriate place for transport no later than 6:30 AM. 50 milers may only have one dropbag at Heaven Hill.
27 Mile Runners: We will not accept dropbags from 27 mile runners to be delivered to Heaven Hill. If you wish, you may park at Adamson Road trailhead Saturday morning and carry a bag up the road to HH. You will have to go back to HH and retrieve it after your race. 27 milers are welcome to have a dropbag at the Cabin.
Dropbags for the Cabin Aid Station: Bags may be left anywhere you like as long as they are not in the way of runners or cars. If you arrive early, you can park close to the cabin along the road. You are welcome to use your car as you aid station. Your crew is welcome to set up personal aid stations along the gravel road or in the field across from the cabin. Here are the GPS Coordinates for the Cabin at Russell Crossroads: 32°45'50.3"N 85°56'42.6"W or 32.763962, -85.945163
Returning Dropbags to the Cabin:
50 and 100 Mile Runners, When you go through Heaven Hill AS the final time, do not place the bag back where you got it! There will be a sign telling you where to place bags to go back to the cabin. (Or tell the aid station volunteer you will not need it again and they can put it in the correct place.
For 50 milers, your final time through HH will be your 4th time, (The second time on lap 2.)
For 100 milers, your final time through HH will be your 8th trip through. (Second time through on your 4th lap.)
We will get them back as soon as possible. If you do not want to wait, you are welcome to drive up to Adamson Rd Trailhead and hike the 500 yards to the HH aid station and pickup you own bag. Please take your race bib when you go pick up the bag.
- Drop bags going out to Heaven Hill aid stations must be in bags, not plastic totes.
- Max 5 gallon size, "approximately."
- All Bags must be labeled. Name, Bib#, Aid Station (for both HH and the Cabin)
- No trunks, Ice chests, No Styrofoam of any kind, No Tupperware or Cardboard Boxes.
100 Mile Runners: Be sure your bags are labeled. Place the Heaven Hill bag in the appropriate place for transport no later than 6:30 AM. 100 milers may have two bags for Heaven Hill.
50 Mile Runners: Be sure your bags are properly labeled. Place the Heaven Hill bag in the appropriate place for transport no later than 6:30 AM. 50 milers may only have one dropbag at Heaven Hill.
27 Mile Runners: We will not accept dropbags from 27 mile runners to be delivered to Heaven Hill. If you wish, you may park at Adamson Road trailhead Saturday morning and carry a bag up the road to HH. You will have to go back to HH and retrieve it after your race. 27 milers are welcome to have a dropbag at the Cabin.
Dropbags for the Cabin Aid Station: Bags may be left anywhere you like as long as they are not in the way of runners or cars. If you arrive early, you can park close to the cabin along the road. You are welcome to use your car as you aid station. Your crew is welcome to set up personal aid stations along the gravel road or in the field across from the cabin. Here are the GPS Coordinates for the Cabin at Russell Crossroads: 32°45'50.3"N 85°56'42.6"W or 32.763962, -85.945163
Returning Dropbags to the Cabin:
50 and 100 Mile Runners, When you go through Heaven Hill AS the final time, do not place the bag back where you got it! There will be a sign telling you where to place bags to go back to the cabin. (Or tell the aid station volunteer you will not need it again and they can put it in the correct place.
For 50 milers, your final time through HH will be your 4th time, (The second time on lap 2.)
For 100 milers, your final time through HH will be your 8th trip through. (Second time through on your 4th lap.)
We will get them back as soon as possible. If you do not want to wait, you are welcome to drive up to Adamson Rd Trailhead and hike the 500 yards to the HH aid station and pickup you own bag. Please take your race bib when you go pick up the bag.
View photos and results of the 2020 Lake Martin Virtual Races
Southeastern Trail Runs 2022 Sponsors
