Southern States 100
Your Gateway to 200-Mile Adventure
March 20-22, 2026
A 100 mile, point-to-point trail race, on the Pinhoti Trail, from Cave Springs, Georgia to the top of Mt Cheaha
The Southern States 100 & 200 takes place on National Forest Lands. The run will cross through the Chattahoochee and Talladega National Forests.
Experience a 100-Mile Race Like No Other
The Southern States 100 isn't just another hundred-miler—it's your chance to experience what a 200-mile ultramarathon feels like from the inside, without running the full distance. Join the legendary Southern States 200 runners for the final 100 miles of their epic journey along the Pinhoti Trail.
Start alongside 200-mile veterans in Cave Spring, Georgia, and finish together atop Mount Cheaha, Alabama's highest peak.
What Makes This Unique
Join a 200-Mile Adventure
You'll start in Cave Spring, Georgia, exactly where the 200-mile runners reach mile 101.5 of their journey. Experience the camaraderie, support systems, and mindset of one of America's premier ultra-distance events.
Learn from the Best
Run alongside seasoned 200-mile veterans who've already covered 100+ miles. Witness their strategies, mental approach, and determination firsthand. It's the ultimate masterclass in ultra-endurance running.
Premium 200-Mile Support System
Enjoy the incredible support infrastructure designed for 200-mile events:
Gourmet aid stations with made-to-order meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Heated aid station tents so you can and sort through dropbags in comfort
Heated sleep stations with sleeping pads and bags
Real tables and chairs to rest and refuel properly
Drop bag service at nearly every aid station
The Challenge
Course Details
Distance: 100 miles point-to-point
Start: Cave Spring, Georgia (Rolater Park)
Finish: Mount Cheaha summit, Alabama
Elevation: Significant climbing to Alabama's highest point
Terrain: The Pinhoti Trail through Talladega National Forests
Time Limit: 52 hours
What to Expect
This isn't your typical 100-mile race. Aid stations are spaced like a 200-miler—anywhere from 6 to 14.6 miles apart. You'll need to be more self-sufficient and carry extra calories and water between stations.
But here's what you get in return: The most supportive, well-provisioned aid stations you'll ever experience in ultrarunning.
Race Day Logistics
Start Details
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Rolater Park, Cave Spring, Georgia
Packet Pickup: Friday morning at Rolater Park
Getting to the Start
Option 1 - Shuttle Service: $50
Departs Cheaha State Park, Friday, March 20th, at 7:30 AM Central Time
Perfect for runners without crew support
Rooms available at Bald Rock Lodge for Thursday night, March 19th. ($160.00)
Option 2 - Crew Transportation
Your crew can drive you directly to the start
No shuttle fee required
Pacers
Pacers are allowed starting at Coleman Lake Aid Station, mile 54.9, for all 100 milers.
Runners over 65 may have a pacer from the start at Cave Spring.
The 200-Mile Experience Advantage
Premium Aid Stations
Unlike typical 100-mile races with basic aid stations every 5-6 miles, you'll experience:
Restaurant-Quality Meals (Well, almost!)
Made-to-order breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Hot food available 24/7
Comfort Features
Real tables and chairs to eat and dig through your dropbag
Heated sleep stations at multiple locations
Time to properly sort gear and supplies
Full Service Support
Drop bags accepted at most aid stations
Medical personnel on-course
Crew access at most locations
Learn 200-Mile Strategies
Pacing wisdom from 200 mile runners, 100+ miles into their journey
Nutrition strategies that work for ultra-distance
Mental techniques for pushing through difficult moments
Gear management for long-distance success
Perfect Preparation for Your 200-Mile Future
The Southern States 100 is ideal preparation if you're considering:
The Southern States 200
Any future 200-mile event
Stepping up your ultra-distance game
What you'll learn:
How to handle longer gaps between aid stations
Nutrition strategies for extended distance and efforts
Mental approaches for ultra-distance challenges
What real 200-mile support looks like and how to use it
Hydration ideas that work for experienced runners in multi-day events
Sleep can make a difference that cannot be imagined until you try it
An Unforgettable Community
Amazing People
You'll spend time with some of the most dedicated, inspiring people in ultrarunning—both the experienced 200-mile runners and the incredible volunteers who make this event possible.
Shared Achievement
Cross the finish line alongside runners who've just completed one of the most challenging endurance events in the country. The celebration at Mount Cheaha's summit is unlike anything in ultrarunning.
Finish at the Top
End your journey at the Bald Rock Lodge, steps from the finish line atop Alabama's highest peak. Enjoy immediate access to showers and comfortable accommodations.
Essential Information
Race Weekend: March 20-22, 2026
Start Time: 12:00 PM Eastern, Friday March 20
Cutoff: 52 hours
Distance: 100 miles point-to-point
Terrain: Pinhoti Trail, National Forest lands
Shuttle: $50 (departs Cheaha State Park 7:30 AM Central)
Pacers: Allowed starting at Coleman Lake Aid Station
Drop Bags: Accepted at 5 aid stations
Why Choose Southern States 100?
This isn't just another 100-mile race—it's a rare opportunity to experience ultra-distance running at its finest. You'll enjoy premium support, learn from experienced ultra-runners, and finish with a sense of accomplishment that goes far beyond completing 100 miles.
Ready to experience what makes the Southern States events special?
Whether this is your first 100-miler or you're preparing for longer distances, the Southern States 100 offers an experience you simply can't get anywhere else.
Join us for a weekend that will change how you think about ultra-distance running.
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