General Information
We are excited about this event being taken over my local area new Race Directors, Mayde Carter and Jennifer Johnson!! These 2 are great local athletes who have a heart for keeping these great events in our area and continuing to see people enjoy these specialty events in our area! The tradition continues, thanks to these great folks! Come out and experience the Southern Discomfort in 2024!
"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
Kahlil Gibran
We look forward to seeing everyone for the 7th Southern Discomfort 3, 6, 12, 24- and 30-hour race. As of now, we look for race conditions as usual, but will adjust to match social distancing guidelines if conditions warrant. If conditions allow, we will have our traditional awesome aid station.
The race begins at 7:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The course is a 1.1-mile paved loop around the center of Chehaw Park, Albany, GA. Participants and family/friends have ample room to find a shady spot and set up a tent/canopy along the course. There is plenty of room and you can drive a vehicle along the perimeter to drop off supplies and pick them up when finished.
The following start time options are available:
30 hour: 7:00 AM Saturday, June 1st.
24 hour: 7:00 AM Saturday, June 1st.
12 hour: 7:00 AM or 7:00 PM Saturday, June 1st.
6 hour: 7:00 AM or 7:00 PM Saturday, June 1st.
3 hour: 7:00 AM, Saturday, June 1st.
Restrooms are located adjacent to the course, there are 2 porta potties on the course: one on each side of the loop. A shower is located in the campground adjacent to the course. There is a modest elevation change (about 20 feet gain per loop) and the course is partially shaded.
Participants will receive finisher awards for their individual events for completing at least 50K in 6 hours, 50 miles in 12 hours, and 100K in 24 hours. Buckles will be awarded for those completing 100 miles. All participants that register by May 10th will be guaranteed to receive a custom t-shirt and hat.
Chehaw Park is an enclosed (fenced) multi-use park located in Albany, GA. Within the park is a plethora of wildlife and a fully operational zoo. For families/non-runners, there are plenty of activities. Within Chehaw, there is a zoo, BMX park, dirt remote-controlled car track, frisbee-golf, picnic tables and bathrooms. Kayak rentals are also available.
It can get warm during the daylight hours, generally about 75 degrees for the high and about 55 degrees for the low. Make sure you train and acclimate prior to the event, drink plenty, and pace yourself!
Course Certification
The course has been officially measured as 1.7822 km for each loop (1.1074 miles). Certification number GA17033WC.
Start Times
The start time for the 2023 race will be 7:00 AM, Saturday, June 1st.
For the 6 hour runners, you have the option to start at 7:00 AM or 7:00 PM Saturday, June 1st.
The 12 hour runners have the option of starting at 7:00 AM or 7:00 PM Saturday.
Results will be discreet for each time slot.
Covid update
As we get closer to the event, we will update any COVID guidelines for runner safety.
Banana lap
For those looking to maximize distance to the bitter end, we will be using a banana lap for our 6, 12, 24, or 30 hour runners. This only applies if you are a runner that heads out for a last lap but likely will not make it back to the starting line by the end of your time (for example, a 6 hour runner heads out for a last lap at 5 hours and 58 minutes into the race). We will have bananas (or flags) available and it will be up to you to mark your name and bib number on one (sharpies also available at aid table) - simply carry the banana with you on the last lap and drop it where you are when you hear the siren sound. We will mark the distance to the banana and adjust your final distance accordingly.
Parking
There is ample parking available for the event. Tell the front-gate attendant that you are here for the race and the usual $3 parking fee will be waived. Simply follow the road in, make the first right and we will be located there. You are free to drive to any location along the course to drop off/set up a canopy tent for the race.
Chehaw Park
For more information on Chehaw Park, visit their webpage: http://chehaw.org/
Event's current local time: 6:56 AM ET
