Race location and parking: The Georgia International Horse Park is located at 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013. The race will start and finish at the Steeplechase In-field area of the horse park, which is located directly across the street from the Hawthorne Suites Hotel (1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013). While we do not have an agreement with Hawthorne Suites for a block of rooms, their normal rates are fairly reasonable for those of you traveling some distance.

 

Race Packet Pick-Up: Race Packets will be available for pick-up on race day from 7:00AM until 7:50AM at the Steeplechase In-field of the GIHP.

 

Aid Stations: Runners will be supported by 1 aid station at the start of each loop. The aid station will be manned, and will provide water, gels and an assortment of foods and snacks.

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Drop Bags: Runners may bring a drop bag to be kept in the designated drop bag area at the Steeplechase In-field area. This area will have volunteer staff available to assist with locating items. Please make sure your drop bag is marked with your name to help facilitate locating your items.

 

Restrooms: The Steeplechase In-field area has a public restroom facility that will be open and functioning on race day. Additionally, a porta-potty will be located on the course near Aid Station 2, so the furthest you will travel without an aid station or restroom is 3.8 miles for the duration of the course.

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Start, Finish, and Cutoff: The race will begin at 8:00 AM, and all runners must finish by 5:00 PM to receive a finishers medal. Runners must begin the final 3.8 mile loop (Red Trail) by 4:00 PM to meet the only cutoff time for the run. We are implementing this cutoff time to ensure a safe running environment, and help runners clear the course before dark. (Sunset is 5:28 PM that day).

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Finish line family fun: Our volunteer staff will be livening up the In-field with a bonfire (if it’s cool), and some good food to welcome you at the end of the run. If you have crew or friends that want to cheer you on, they are welcome to set-up in the In-field location which will have plenty of room for tents, chairs, and tailgating type fun.

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From all of us at The Austin Taylor Challenge, we thank you for being a part of our event, and for helping to pay tribute to Austin and his warrior spirit.

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Race Rules:

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• Safety

  • Emergencies 

    • If you get lost or injured, stay on the trail and wait. Inform another runner that you are injured and ask that they notify race officials at the next aid station.    

  • Weather

    • The race will continue in the event of rain, wind, sleet, or snow.  We do, however, under extreme conditions, reserve the right to cancel the event should we deem it dangerous for runners, spectators, or race volunteers.  The race may or may not be rescheduled in the event of a cancellation.

    • Lightning –  If the event of a lightning storm prior to the beginning of the race, we reserve the right to delay the start of the race, and / or cancel the race.  Once the race has begun, should inclement weather begin, runner are urged to use their best judgment, and find shelter until storms pass and running may be resumed safely.

  • Wildlife on the race course – please respect the wildlife as this is there home. Wildlife life you may encounter are snakes, raccoons, possums, spiders, deer or any other animal you may find in the woods – be aware and alert. 

  • Littering

    • One of the best things about the ultra community is our dedication to our trails – please leave the trails cleaner than you found them, pick-up any litter you may see, and notify race volunteers should you see something that needs our attention.

  • No dogs/pets will be allowed on the course

• Race Route – Follow the course of the race.  

  • Navigation is the responsibility of each runner.  

  • The course will be marked, but it can be easy to get lost if you do not follow the course markings.  

  • We will make every effort to mark the course in regular intervals.

• Cut-off times - Cut-off times will be strictly enforced.  

  • No runner will be permitted to start another loop after 3:15

  • Partial loops will not count

  • Sweeps will be taking down the course behind the last official runner.

  • Anyone refusing to vacate the course will be disqualified!

• Dropping Down and Dropping Out of the race –

  • Notify a race volunteer that you intend to stop your race.  

  • The race volunteer will mark your tag.

  • PLEASE do not leave the race area/course without notifying the race director or a race volunteer.  We will assume that you are injured and will deploy a search team.

• First Aid -  

  • There will be a first aid station located at the main tent area with EMTs.  

  • Please notify a race volunteer if you are in need of first aid, or if there is a runner on the course that needs medical attention.

• Drop Bags

  • There will be a designated area located in the main tent area where drop bags can be left.  

  • Please make sure that the bags are well marked with your name and race number.

• Checking in / Checking out

  • It is the runner’s responsibility to properly check-in and check-out at the main aid station at the completion of each 10.5 mile loop.

  • Race numbers must be clearly visible.

• Crew

  • Please make sure that your crew members understand race rules and guidelines

  • If your crews do not follow the race rules or if they interfere with other runners – you can be disqualified.  

• Parking

  • There will be a designated area for parking –

  • This will be the only area allowed for parking.  

  • This is for the safety of the runners, spectators and the many children that will be in the area.

• Driving speeds

  • There will be tons of kids – so please be aware and drive slowly, especially in the main parking area. Also, the Georgia International Horse Park is a park managed by the city of Conyers, please obey all posted speed limit signs.

• As always, in the ultra and trail running community, please be considerate of your fellow runners and the course volunteers.  

• Have a great time – YOU are supporting a great cause – CURE Childhood Cancer!!