The Last Annual Heart of the South Road Race

The Last Annual Heart of the South Road Race returns to Bryant in Georgia on June 11th through June 21st, offering an epic adventure for runners willing to test their limits over a grueling ten-day journey across some of North America's most remote terrain. This event is not just another road race; it’s a pilgrimage into solitude and perseverance where each mile walked under the vast Georgia sky becomes part of your personal narrative. Participants will assemble at Castle Rock Ranch, parking in a cornfield atop Sand Mountain on June 10th before boarding tour buses bound for an undisclosed location between 300 to 350 miles away. The landscape here is rugged and unforgiving, with the sun beating down over rolling hills and dense forests that challenge even the most seasoned endurance athletes.
As dawn breaks on race day, runners will face a course cut through the heart of Georgia’s wilderness, where every step feels like an act of defiance against nature itself. The air carries the scent of pine needles and wildflowers as you traverse paths lined with towering pines and whispering grasses underfoot. Night falls quickly in these parts, casting long shadows across the trail ahead, leaving only starlight to guide your way back home over ten days. This is a race that demands respect for both its beauty and unpredictability; it’s about pushing past what you think are your limits and discovering new depths of human resilience.
The Heart of the South Road Race has been an enduring tradition in Bryant since its inception, drawing competitors from all walks of life who share a common drive to explore their own boundaries. Over the years, this event has grown into more than just another race; it’s become a rite of passage for ultra-runners seeking something profound and transformative. With over 100 participants annually, each finisher is celebrated as an ambassador of courage and determination. The route itself is laden with historical significance, passing through regions rich in Southern lore and natural wonder, making every mile more meaningful than the last.

In preparation for this monumental challenge, registration opens early to ensure a spot among the daring few who dare to embark on such a journey. To secure your place in what promises to be an unforgettable adventure, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=128876 and pay the entry fee of $650. Early bird discounts are available until December 24th with refunds scaling back as the race date approaches: up to 90% before January; then reducing to 80%, 70%, and finally 50%. Once registered, participants must pick up their bibs at Castle Rock Ranch on June 10th from noon onwards. Be sure to bring photo ID and confirmation of payment.
On the day of departure, all entrants are required to report by phone twice daily—once at 7:30 AM and again at 7:00 PM—to maintain tracking throughout their journey across Georgia’s open roads and trails. Dropping out is an option should conditions or personal circumstances become too challenging; simply call in your request for transport back to Castle Rock Ranch, where vehicles are safely stored. For first-timers planning a visit from afar, lodging near the start point will be arranged upon arrival at Castle Rock Ranch.
As the last light fades on June 21st and runners finally reach their destination, this year’s Heart of the South Road Race concludes its final chapter in Bryant, Georgia. This race is more than just miles covered; it's an exploration of self-discovery under the vast open skies of rural America. If you're ready to step into a story that only unfolds once every decade, mark your calendars for June 10th through June 21st and join us in Bryant for what could be one of life’s most profound experiences on foot.