Crew and Pacers

Rules and guidelines for your crew and pacers.

Aid station #8, Cave Spring, Rolater Park, Mile 101.55

Crew and Pacer Information

Do You Need a Crew or Pacers?

Many runners complete 100-mile and 200-mile races without crew or pacers. Whether you need support depends on your racing style and goals. Here are the key considerations:

Potential Drawbacks of Having a Crew

Time Management Issues Crews often arrive hours early and wait in difficult conditions. You may feel obligated to spend extra time with them instead of moving efficiently through aid stations. Make sure your crew understands their job is to help you get in and out quickly while meeting all your needs.

Navigation Challenges Some aid stations are extremely difficult to find, especially at night. If your crew is lost, you'll worry about them instead of focusing on your race. Always keep critical supplies in your drop bags as backup.

Benefits of Having a Crew

Mental and Physical Support When you're struggling—exhausted, dehydrated, or feeling terrible—your crew can calm you down, ensure you're eating and drinking properly, and help you recover. Late in the race, they may know what you need better than you do.

Motivation Knowing your crew has spent hours or days supporting you can be powerful motivation to reach the finish line. Not wanting to let them down may be what gets you through the toughest moments.

PACER RULES

General Rules:

  • Pacers must follow ALL rules for runners

  • Pacers must wear the official "Pacer Bib" at all times (one bib provided at check-in, must be passed between multiple pacers)

  • Pacers must sign a "Pacers Release" form before starting (available at all crew-accessible aid stations)

  • Pacers must notify aid station personnel when starting and stopping (failure to do so may result in runner disqualification)

  • Pacers must carry all Mandatory Runner Gear except SPOT Trackers and are subject to random gear checks

When Pacers Are Allowed:

  • All runners may use pacers starting at High Point (Georgia) Aid Station at mile 69.38

  • Runners 65+ may use pacers for the entire race starting at any crew-accessible aid station

  • Pacers may only start and stop at crew-accessible aid stations

Staying Together:

  • Runners and pacers MUST stay together at all times

  • If a pacer can't keep up, the runner must slow down

  • Exception: Within 300-500 yards of the next aid station and within sight, pacers may run ahead to prepare gear

Prohibited:

  • Dogs are not allowed with any runner or pacer at any time

CREW RULES

Where Crews Can Help

Your crew may meet you at all crew-accessible aid stations. They MAY NOT provide aid or assistance outside aid station locations.

Aid Station Protocol

Before You Arrive:

  • Crews may NOT enter the aid station tent/pavilion before you check in

  • Crews may retrieve your drop bag early to prepare your supplies (drop bags are located away from the main aid station area)

  • If you crew has a long wait for your arrival, (hours not minutes) they are welcome to volunteer and help the aid station - Check with AS Captain

When You're Checked In:

  • Crews may accompany you into the aid station and assist you

  • Crews may get food, drink, or supplies from the aid station for you (make sure they know your bib number)

  • Aid station food and shelter is for runners and pacers ONLY—crews may not take items for personal use

Important Restrictions:

  • Young children are NOT ALLOWED in aid station tents/pavilions at any time (keep them outside for their safety)

  • Dogs must stay in crew vehicles or near your personal aid station area on a leash

  • Dogs are NOT allowed in aid station tents/pavilions

Crew Responsibilities

  • Follow all directions from the aid station captain

  • You are responsible for your crew's behavior

  • NO LITTERING—EVER (immediate disqualification!)

  • Trash bags are provided at all aid stations - Use them for Aid Station provided food only

  • Your crew is NOT, under any circumstance, to put their trash in Aid Station trash containers

  • Do NOT stash food, drink, or supplies anywhere along the course

Timing and Parking

Arrival Time:

  • Crews should not arrive more than 30 minutes before you (exceptions: Dry Creek, High Point Georgia, and Cave Spring and Coleman Lake — these larger stations allow early arrival)

  • Use Tackleaders live tracking to estimate arrival times

  • If arriving early, park away from the aid station and wait

  • Your crew is welcome to stop by the aid station early to see if help is needed

Parking:

  • All crew vehicles must display a Southern States 200 Crew Car Pass on the dashboard with runner's name and number visible

  • Vehicles without passes will not be allowed in aid stations

  • Park as directed by volunteers

  • Review specific restrictions for each aid station at: https://www.southernstates200.com/directions-crew-access-as

Vehicle Requirements

Allowed:

  • Any standard car or truck

  • Motor homes or camper vans up to 24 feet in length

NOT Allowed:

  • Motor homes or camper vans over 24 feet

  • Camper trailers of any size

Access:

  • All crew-accessible aid stations can be reached by standard car (four-wheel drive not required)

  • Most are on paved highways

  • Hilltop Blue: 2+ miles on gravel county road from Coleman Lake (good condition)

  • Highrock: Forest Service Road 531—12 miles bumpy gravel from Coleman Lake, OR 3.1 miles gravel from CR 281 (Skyway Mountain Highway)

Crew Passes

Crew Car Passes will be available at Packet Pickup and must be displayed at all times.

Important Reminder

Volunteers may have been working for many hours or even days. Your crew must not complain or argue with volunteers. Any complaints should be directed to the Race Director AFTER the race.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR CREW

Your crew may not understand what they're getting into, especially first-timers. They'll face challenging conditions with long waits. Prepare them properly, and they might come back next year!

Essentials to Provide Your Crew

Food and Drinks:

  • Stock the car with their favorite snacks and substantial food

  • Cooler with ice, water, sodas, tea, Gatorade (maybe beer, but skip the Fireballs)

  • Coffee drinks or a thermos they can refill, Coleman stove for hot beverages

  • Research restaurants along the course

Comfort Items:

  • Pop-up tent, folding table and chairs (plus an extra chair for you)

  • Camping tent and sleeping bags if needed

  • Extra dry clothes, jackets, hats, gloves, warm base layers

  • Multiple pairs of shoes and socks

  • Ponchos or rain jackets

  • Chemical hand warmers and umbrella

  • Large towel for spreading supplies

Accommodations:

  • Rent hotel rooms at strategic locations along the course when possible

  • Consider renting campsites at campgrounds along the course

Organization:

  • Backpack or large bag for loading your supplies

  • Preload it so everything is readily available

Check the weather forecast the day before, but don't rely on it completely. Be prepared for anything!