2026 TRAINING CAMP
FEBRUARY 7TH & 8TH, 2026
ANOUNCING THE 2026 SOUTERN STATES 200 TRAINING CAMP
The dates for the Southern States 200 Training Camp have been confirmed! It will take place on February 7th and 8th, 2026, at Cheaha State Park in Alabama, which serves as the finish location for both the SS200 and SS100. Participants of the 100-mile event are encouraged to join. The camp will consist of three segments, offering two preview runs of the course, including the final ascent to Alabama's highest point, Mt Cheaha! On Sunday morning, we will preview an additional section of the course.
The registration fee is $150. This includes transportation for two course preview runs, lunch on Saturday, a happy hour, dinner on Saturday evening, and donuts and coffee on both Saturday and Sunday mornings (often referred to as a "continental" breakfast). Participants will also receive SWAG, including a Southern States dry bag, a “Training for the Southern States 200” shirt, and more.
Please note that participation is limited to 30 individuals. We highly recommend that all first-time 200-mile runners attend this camp, and we also welcome anyone considering the 200-mile race. The course is accessible to everyone, not just those who are registered.
Lodging is not included. Participants in the class should reserve a cabin or chalet in the park, plan to camp in the park, or reserve a hotel room in Oxford. There is not a restaurant in Cheaha State Park. The closest are in Oxford.
REGISTER ON ULTRASIGNUP
Registering for the training camp is easy. Simply log into Ultrasignup and select the green “Register” Button. The final option available is to register for the Training Camp. Please respond to the questions, as we are providing lunch and dinner Saturday, we need to be aware of dietary preferences. Participants will receive a “Training for the Southern States 200” shirt, so we also ask for your shirt size. That’s all there is to it.
Training Camp Schedule: Saturday, February 7th and 8th, 2026 (Both runs are optional.)
Saturday, February 7th:
7:30 to 8:00 AM - Meet at Redbud Pavilion in Cheaha State Park. We will have coffee and donuts waiting.
8:15 AM - Load shuttle for short ride to Lost Gulch Aid Station.
8:30 AM - Begin run, 8.6 miles to Bald Rock Lodge. This is the infamous final climb in the SS200, to the top of Mt. Cheaha. Virtually every runner in the 2024 SS200 was concerned or “terrified” of this climb. Runners at the camp will find it’s “not-nearly” as bad as they imagined.
11:30 to 12:45 AM - Lunch at the Redbud Pavilion, provided by Southeastern Trail Runs.
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - The Classroom: Experienced 200 milers will tell you what you need to know to finish the Southern States 200. Or the SS100. We will have speakers of all levels, from front of the pack runners, to those battling the cutoffs. There is a world of difference between finishing a 200 under 49 hours and finishing in 96 hours. Two days difference! We will also have experienced 200 mile “crew members” explain what your crew in going to experience during the race. Runners will need to prepare their crews for what they are getting themselves into!
5:00 - 6:00 PM - Dinner, inside or out, depending on the weather. If the weather is nice, we will have a fireside cookout.
Sunday, February 8th:
7:00 AM - Donuts and Coffee at our Chalet.
7:15 AM - Load the shuttle to drive to Fay’s Blowdown.
7:45 AM - Run from Fays to Lost Gulch (11 miles)
10:00 to 11:00 AM the shuttle will take runners back to Cheaha.
Getting to Redbud Pavilion: The camp will be held in the Redbud Pavilion at Cheaha State Park. Leave the pay booth at the entrance to the park and continue up Bunker Rd for about 1/2 mile. At the first pavedd road, turn left. Drive past the observation tower and communication tower to the stone pavilion on your right.
Lodging in Cheaha State Park: There are 5, two-bedroom Chalets with one queen bed in each bedroom. There are 11 single room cabins each with a private bath. The park has two “Glamping” sites with a total of 8 tents. There are also two large campgrounds in the park.
Lodging in Oxford, Alabama: Oxford has all the standard Interstate Hotels and Restaurants. The closest is Candlewood Suites, 16 mile from Cheaha State Park. We used Candlewood last year from the training camp. It is new in nice. The park was closed due to snow. Cheaha State Park to Oxford takes about 25 minutes to drive.
Training Camp Schedule: Saturday, February 7th and 8th, 2026 (Both runs are optional.)
Saturday, February 7th:
7:30 to 8:00 AM - Gather at Redbud Pavilion in Cheaha State Park, where coffee and donuts will be provided.
8:15 AM - Board the shuttle for a brief ride to Lost Gulch Aid Station.
8:30 AM - Begin the run, covering 8.6 miles to Bald Rock Lodge. This segment features the challenging final ascent in the SS200 up Mt. Cheaha. Many runners expressed concerns about this climb during the 2024 SS200, but participants at the camp will find it “not nearly” as daunting as anticipated.
11:30 AM to 12:45 PM - Lunch will be served at the Redbud Pavilion, courtesy of Southeastern Trail Runs.
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - The Classroom: Seasoned 200 milers will share essential insights for completing the Southern States 200 or the SS100. With speakers ranging from top competitors to those facing cutoff challenges, there’s a significant difference between finishing a 200 in under 49 hours versus 96 hours. Additionally, experienced 200-mile crew members will discuss what crews can expect during the race, preparing runners for their crew's journey.
5:00 to 6:00 PM - Dinner will be served, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. A fireside cookout will occur if conditions permit.
Sunday, February 8th:
7:00 AM - Enjoy donuts and coffee at our Chalet.
7:15 AM - Load the shuttle to head to Fay’s Blowdown.
7:45 AM - Run from Fay’s to Lost Gulch (11 miles).
10:00 to 11:00 AM - The shuttle will return runners to Cheaha.
Getting to Redbud Pavilion: The camp will take place at Redbud Pavilion in Cheaha State Park. After leaving the pay booth at the park entrance, proceed up Bunker Rd for about half a mile. At the first paved road, turn left and drive past the observation and communication towers to reach the stone pavilion on your right.
Lodging in Cheaha State Park: Accommodations include five two-bedroom chalets with one queen bed in each bedroom, eleven single-room cabins with private baths, two “glamping” sites with a total of eight tents, and two large campgrounds throughout the park.
Lodging in Oxford, Alabama: Oxford offers a variety of standard Interstate hotels and restaurants, with Candlewood Suites being the nearest option, located 16 miles from Cheaha State Park. Candlewood, which we utilized last year during the training camp, is new and in excellent condition. The drive from Cheaha State Park to Oxford takes approximately 25 minutes.