Southern States 200

Frequently Asked Questions

General Event Information

What are the basic event details? The Southern States 200 is a 203.10-mile endurance run starting Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, at 12:00 Noon and finishing Sunday, March 22nd at 4:00 PM. You have 100 hours (4 days, 4 hours) to complete the course with 27,509 feet of elevation gain.

Is this a race or competition? The Southern States 200 is an endurance adventure, not a race. The focus is on personal challenge, camaraderie, and self-discovery rather than competition. While awards are given to the first 3 finishers in each gender group, the emphasis is on completing the journey.

What's the course terrain like? The course is 81.73% single or double track trails, 13.15% paved roads, and 5.12% packed dirt or gravel roads. It crosses through the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia and Talladega National Forests in Alabama, finishing at Mt. Cheaha, Alabama's highest point.

Registration & Logistics

What's the refund and transfer policy?

• Before January 1: 100% refund or free transfer to next year

• January 1 to 30 days before event: 75% refund or free transfer to next year

• Within 30 days of event: No refunds or transfers available

Where do I check in? We have two check-in options:

• (Option 1) Runner check-in is Tuesday, March 17th from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Fairfield Inn on College Drive in Dalton, Georgia.

• (Option 2) Packet pickup and check-in Wednesday, March 18, from 9:00-11:30 AM at the Mill Creek start.

Is there shuttle service available? Yes, there's a shuttle from Cheaha State Park (finish location) to Dalton on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon (Central Time). You must reserve this shuttle in advance on UltraSignup and book a room at the Fairfield Inn for Tuesday night.

Required Gear & Preparation

What gear is required? All runners must carry:

• Water filter bottle (Katadyn BeFree, LifeStraw, or similar)

• Minimum 24 oz of water at start of all sections

• 400 extra calories (This is reserve. It is in addition what you expect to need.)

• Electrolytes

• Light rain jacket

• Space blanket or emergency bivy sack

• Collapsible cup bottle for cold liquids (event is cupless)

• Cell phone and charging method

• GPS device with latest course file loaded

• Headlamp or waist light

• Extra batteries or charging method for the light

• Whistle

• Warm hat or buff

• Long sleeve top

• Gloves

• SPOT Tracker (provided)

Why is the event "cupless" and what does it mean? The run is cupless to cut down on waste. Runs produce a huge amount of trash. We are doing our best to minimize waste without affecting the quality of the event.

• We don't provide cold cups for drinks like water, Tailwind, or sodas.

• We do provide hot cups for soup, coffee, and hot chocolate.

• You must bring your own collapsible cup or bottle for cold beverages.

• Soft cups with attachment rings work well and are available for purchase at the start for $5.

Do I need to be an experienced 100-mile runner? While 100-mile experience helps, anyone who can finish an ultra can complete a 200-mile event with proper preparation. Key differences include: slowing down significantly, training with more hiking, learning to eat regularly during long runs, planning for sleep, and staying hydrated and fueled.

Aid Stations & Support

How many aid stations are there? There are 15 full aid stations and one water-only stop. Five aid stations also serve as sleep stations with heated tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags.

What food is available at aid stations? Fresh, made-to-order food is available 24/5, including breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes), lunch (hamburgers, sandwiches, quesadillas), and dinner options. Standard aid station fare like chips, cookies, and candy are also available. All aid stations serve Tailwind, water, sodas, coffee, and have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Do you provide gel’s? NO. We provide food. If you want gels, you will need to bring your own.

Is checking in and out of aid stations required? Yes, checking in and out of all 15 full aid stations is mandatory. Failure to do so results in immediate disqualification. You're responsible for ensuring your bib number is recorded both arriving and leaving each aid station.

Which aid stations allow crew access? Most aid stations allow crew access, but some have specific restrictions. Several aid stations require crews to arrive no more than 30 minutes before their runner and have parking limitations. Always display your crew car pass and follow aid station captain instructions. The list is available on the website.

Pacers & Crew

When can I have a pacer? Pacers are allowed starting at High Point Chattahoochee (Georgia) Aid Station at mile 69.4. Pacers can only start and stop at crew-accessible aid stations. Runners 65 years or older may have a pacer for the entire race starting at any crew-accessible aid station.

What are the rules for pacers? Pacers must wear the provided pacer bib, sign a waiver, notify aid station personnel when starting/stopping, stay with their runner, carry all mandatory gear, and can run ahead only within 400 yards of aid stations to prepare supplies.

Do I need a crew? No, many runners complete 200s without crews. However, crews can provide crucial support with nutrition, gear changes, motivation, and problem-solving during difficult moments. Consider your experience level and support needs.

Course Navigation & Safety

How is the course marked? The course uses blue flags with reflective tape, arrow signs at intersections, and wrong-way signs. Flags are placed about every 300 yards on easy to follow sections. Flags are closer together in confusing areas. Line of sight in places. Always follow the flags and use GPS navigation as backup.

What if course marking is damaged? In 2024, someone maliciously altered course markings in three locations. If you reach an intersection with no flags or signs, immediately check your GPS device and contact race directors if possible. Always carry a GPS device with the official course file loaded.

What are the safety rules? Key safety rules include: no cutting the course, run toward oncoming traffic on roads, wear reflective gear or rear red light at night on roads, no headphones on road sections or approaching aid stations, carry required gear at all times, and follow all crew parking restrictions.

Drop Bags & Logistics

How do drop bags work? Drop bags (maximum 12" x 16" x 24" or 50L dry bags) are accepted at designated aid stations. Label bags clearly with your name, bib number, and destination aid station. Don't use trash bags. Drop bags are returned to the finish after aid stations close.

What should I put in drop bags? Include dry clothing, towels, extra gear, medications, food, charging equipment, and comfort items. Have backup supplies in multiple bags since your crew might not reach every aid station.

Weather & Conditions

What weather should I expect? March weather in Georgia and Alabama can be extreme and change rapidly. Temperatures can drop dramatically during storms. Be prepared for heat, cold, rain, wind, hail, and severe thunderstorms. Mountain storms can be particularly dangerous with little warning.

What happens if weather conditions are severe? Severe weather at the start could result in a delayed the race start. Weather will not stop the race once started. If severe weather hits while you are running, take shelter where possible. If lightning is present, move off ridges until the threat passes.

What happens if conditions will not allow the race to take place on the race date? The event reserves the right to change dates or cancel due to extreme conditions, Acts of God, or permitting agency requirements. No refunds are given for date changes or cancellations - entries are automatically transfer to the new date or the following year.

Medical & Disqualification

What medical assistance is available? Medical personnel are available, but if you require an IV, oxygen, or are deemed unable to safely continue, your race is over. Aid station captains and medical staff decisions are final.

What behaviors result in disqualification? Immediate disqualification results from: cutting the course, not checking in/out of aid stations, littering, requiring medical intervention (IV/oxygen), rude behavior toward volunteers or other trail users, not carrying required gear, or crew violations of parking/aid station rules.

What are the major medical issues 200 mile runners encounter? Without questions, BLISTERS. Most 200 milers end up with blisters.

If I get a blisters, how should I treat it? The best way to treat blisters is to take care of them immediately. As soon as you notice them. When you first get a “hot-spot,” stop and apply KT Tape across the area. This may prevent it from becoming a blister. If there is a blister when you stop, do the following.

• Stop and drain the blister as soon as you notice it.

• Apply a thin coat of Povidone-iodine solution to the blister. Allow to dry.

• Place a layer of KT Tape over the blister.

• Add socks and shoes and you are ready to go

What is the best way to prevent blisters? Everyone has their own solution. Here are a few basics that work for some.

• Start the race with a strip of KT Tape across the ball of your foot.

• Wear a pair of “Injinji” Liner Socks against your foot.

• Wear a pair of wicking shocks over the Injinji socks. (Some like a thicker sock for the outer layer.)

• Try to keep your feet dry.

• Have extra socks in your dropbags to help keep you feet dry.

Contact Information

How do I get more information? Contact the race directors at information@southernstates200.com or join the Southern States 200 Facebook group for updates and community discussion.

Where can I find course files and maps? GPS files, interactive maps, and detailed course descriptions are available on the Southern States 200 website. Always download the most recent course files before the event.