The Bryre-Baby Dragon returns to Blairsville, Georgia on August 15th, offering a grueling challenge for endurance runners looking to test their limits against the rugged Duncan Ridge trails. The event comprises three races: the Bad Dragon 100K and two iterations of the Bryre Dragon 100-mile race, along with a shorter Coosa Challenge option. This year's race sees start times adjusted to maximize daylight hours on challenging terrain.
On race morning in Blairsville, runners will face firm yet slightly soft trail conditions under the Georgia sun, which can be expected given the typical August weather. The UV index is high at 7, so participants should prepare for warm temperatures and strong sunlight as they navigate through Vogel State Park's diverse landscape of hills and bryre'z.
New in 2026 but still retaining its signature gnarly course, Bryre-Baby Dragon has become a cornerstone event for the H9-HAE community. With no real changes this year beyond shifting start times to better accommodate daylight hours, runners can expect the same rigorous challenge as previous years. The event supports local trail clubs and offers credit towards future race entries for volunteers.
The Bryre Dragon 100-mile route begins at Vogel State Park on Friday morning with a staggered schedule that allows participants up to two full days of racing before reaching their hard cutoff time. Runners will traverse the Duncan Ridge four times, facing significant elevation changes and challenging terrain throughout. The Bad Dragon 40K race takes place Saturday morning near the lake area pavilion at Vogel State Park, offering a taste of the longer courses in just over half the distance.
Trail conditions on the day of Bryre-Baby Dragon are firm yet slightly soft, making each step count as runners tackle steep ascents and descents along Duncan Ridge. The UV index reaches 7 during August days in Blairsville, meaning heat will be an added challenge to navigate alongside tough terrain features such as bryre'z.
The race offers a range of distances from the challenging Bad Dragon 100K for those seeking a taste of ultra-distance racing at $199.00 per entry, down to the more approachable Coosa Challenge H9 Trail Club option costing just $70.00 and providing runners with an out-and-back course through Mulky Gap.
40 Miler H9 Trail Club
64.4K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $125.00
40 Miler H9 Trail Club
64.4K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $149.00
Bad Dragon 100K H9 Trail Club
100K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $179.00
Bad Dragon 100K H9 Trail Club
100K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $199.00
Bryre Dragon 100M H9 Trail Club
Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $260.00
Bryre Dragon 100M H9 Trail Club
Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $285.00
Coosa Challenge H9 Trail Club
Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $70.00
Coosa Challenge H9 Trail Club
Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $90.00
Happy Dragon 40k H9 Trail Club
40K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $99.00
Happy Dragon 40k H9 Trail Club
40K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $125.00
Registration can be completed online via https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=136458, where a variety of fees are listed for each distance based on the specific race chosen. Bib pickup is available at Vogel State Park starting two days before the event and continues until 7 AM on the day itself for those arriving last minute. Participants must bring photo ID to claim their bibs.
Participants should meet at Vogel State Park's main entrance in Blairsville, Georgia. Age requirements vary by race; runners under eighteen require parental consent forms signed prior to registration or pickup days. It is crucial that first-timers arrive early and prepared with appropriate gear for the trail conditions described above.
The Bryre-Baby Dragon event in Blairsville, Georgia on August 15th provides an unparalleled challenge for serious endurance athletes looking to test their limits against some of Georgia’s toughest terrain. Whether it's the Bad Dragon 40K or the full Bryre Dragon 100-mile course, this race is a must-attend for anyone seeking a true trail running adventure.
