Join us for an incredible course that has become a favorite in the Southeast! It's a tough but beautiful course on the trails in and near Sweetwater Creek State Park
Blue Ridge Magazine rated the race in the top 10 toughest in the country. Now that you've been warned, proceed with caution! Train hard! 9 time finisher Rob Apple says "SweetH20 has it all, "it has an out West feel with a little bit of everything, from hills to water crossings to the technical stuff to very runnable sections". Come and enjoy a challenge at beautiful Sweetwater Creek State Park.
The park located in Lithia Springs, Georgia and offers winding, moderately difficult trails with creek crossings in and around the park, following the rapids of Sweetwater Creek, and venturing past Civil War-era textile mill ruins. The Start/Finish will be at the group shelter. The course will be open for 10 hours, with all aid stations closing at 5:00 p.m so RESPECT THE DISTANCE and most importantly THIS COURSE, and did I say it already; train hard!?! Intermediate cutoffs include- Runners who arrive at the creek crossing after 1:00 p.m. will be asked to return to the start/finish area. Runners arriving at the School Spur for the second time after 4:00 p.m. will be asked to drop and can be transported back to the start/finish area. The 10-hour time limit, 10 hours is plenty of time so please train accordingly as this race is NOT a hike. Train hard!
This race is limited to 150 runners. Technical t-shirts guaranteed to pre-registered entrants only, limited sizes and number available to late entries.
AWARDS/AGE GROUPS
Awards will go to Women/Men: 1st overall, 1st Master (40+). No duplication of awards.
AID STATIONS
Aid stations will be located every 3-6 miles throughout the course. Stations will offer typical ultra aid station food including: water, sports drink, sandwiches, candy, cookies, chips, first aid items and support. Course monitors will also record race numbers at aid stations, so please ensure that your race number is visible.
WATER BOTTLES
All participants should carry their own means of hydration based on their personal preference, such as a handheld water bottle, waist pack or backpack device.
DROP BAGS
Runners may leave drop bags at the Race Pavilion in the area provided on race morning. Drop bags will be brought to the river crossing. They will be returned to the Race Pavilion after all runners have passed through.
A portion of proceeds benefit Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park
50K - $85
32K - $75
** No refunds. No transfers. No deferrals. No exceptions. **
100% Non-Profit Race. A portion of our proceeds will go towards support of Sweetwater State Park
There is a $5 entry fee to the park, unless you have a State Parks Pass.
Directions I-20 west from Atlanta, exit #44 at Thornton Road, turn left and go 1/4 mile. Turn right on Blairs Bridge Road, go 2 miles and turn left on Mount Vernon Road. You will pass several park parking lots, but the main entrance to the park is after just over a mile, on the left side of the road. Look for brown State Park signs after you exit I-20.
Course is on winding, moderately difficult trails with creek crossings in and around the park, following the lovely rapids of Sweetwater Creek, and venturing past Civil War-era textile mill ruins.
The race course will be open for 10 hours, with all aid stations closing at 4:15 p.m. Intermediate cut offs include: Any runners who arrive at the creek crossing after 12:30 p.m. will be asked to return to the start/finish area. Any runners arriving at the School Spur for the second time after 3:30 p.m. will be brought back to the start/finish area. The 10 hour time limit and cut offs will be enforced, so please train accordingly as this race is not meant to be a hike.
Probably humid. Daily high temperatures from 61°F to 69°F, rarely falling below 48°F or exceeding 80°F. Daily low temperatures from 41°F to 48°F, rarely falling below 30°F or exceeding 60°F.
Race Day packet pick-up will be from 6:30am until 15 minutes prior to the start of the race, also at the Race Pavilion.
There is a $5 State Park parking fee. This fee is NOT included in your entry. Fee will be collected upon your arrival into the park, so please have $5 or your annual park pass handy. Georgia Annual State Park passes are a great way to support our parks, and may be purchased at the park headquarters or online.
50K
Heather May (2009) - 5:10:49
Jeremy Ramsey (2009) - 4:20:02
February 10 Update - 2023 SweetH2O is Canceled
We appreciate your interest in the SweetH2O 50k on April 1st. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we unfortunately have to cancel this year's race. Entrants will receive a refund and discount to another GUTS event of their choice.
We're aware that many of you have begun training and would still like to run a race. We suggest joining us on Saturday, April 22, 2023 for the Helenback race series or other GUTS races.
And although we won't be hosting SweetH2O 50k this year, we look forward to having the race again in 2024 and hope you can join us then!
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Yurts and camping
Hampton Inn - 999 Bob Arnold Blvd., Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta West/Lithia Springs, 110 Interstate West Parkway, Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122
