Quick Race Facts

SweetH20 Race Information

river crossing during the Sweet H20 50KSweetwater Creek State Park offers winding, moderately difficult trails in and around the park, following the lovely rapids of Sweetwater Creek, and venturing past Civil War-era textile mill ruins.

This 50k crosses the Sweetwater Creek twice - you WILL get wet.

(but that's the extra fun part!)

The race will be open for 9 hours allowing for plenty of time for course completion. An intermediate cutoff of 4.5 hours at mile 17 will be enforced for runner safety.

Awards will go to Top 3 Women and Men overall, plus first place Masters winner.

::: Course Update :::

2010 SweetH20 50K course map

As you might guess, the volume of water is still well above normal flow. A couple of kayakers had to be rescued recently because of extreme conditions. With the return of rain by the end of the week, we will have to reroute the course this year. Don't worry, you'll still get all you want with the two crossings early in the race up near the steel bridge. You will cross the "creek" over to the yellow trail section for approximately 2.5 miles , then cross back again. Drop bags will be carried to this location if you have them loaded by 6:45. There will be safety volunteers at this crossing, but remember, you *must* maintain both hands on the rope at all times for safety. It will be a "go as you please" crossing, but trail etiquette as you enter the water and while on the rope is a must for safety. *No passing* will be permitted while you are in the water. All the same elements remain with "TOP of the World" (more than once, couldn't leave that out) and who knows, something new could always be added as well. Looking forward to seeing everyone April 3rd!

Post-race Goodies

As in years' past, to help runners refuel at a grueling race, we'll have plenty of food and refreshments at the finish area shelter.

Rob Apple crosses the creek at the SweetH20 50K trail race

Trail Descriptions and Elevations

SweetH20 elevation profile map

magnify Enlarge course profile

The trails of Sweetwater Creek State Park are well maintained, but vary from smooth and easy, to rugged and technical. There are four main trails in the park, Red, Blue, Yellow and White blazed trails. The SweetH20 50K utilizes all of the trails in the park, including some area outside the park nicknamed Top of the World (TOTW) and Powerlines. These areas are where runners will find some of the more challenging terrain.

This is a beautiful, very special place to run. To learn more about the elevation, terrain and wildlife of each of the park's trails, please see the detailed trail map PDF icon provided by the Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Race Registration

The race fees are an absolute bargain. We encourage athletes to come out and enjoy these trails we love so much, and to experience one of the more challenging 50K trail races in the southeast.

  • $50.00 - pre-register by March 3, 2010*
  • $60.00 - after March 3, 2010*

The race is limited to 250 runners, so register early to ensure your spot.

Race proceeds benefiting the Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park Brain Tumor Foundation in Memory of Charles Warren.

In the unlikely event the race does not sell-out, race day registration will be available but technical t-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registered runners only, with a limited number and sizes available to late entries as well.

Register for the Sweet H20 - Online registration

Register for the Sweet H20 - Download, print & mail

Mail entries and fees to:
Douglas County Rogue Runners
PO Box 1846
Douglasville, Georgia 30133

Aid Stations

Aid stations for the Sweet H20 50K trail race will be plentiful and consist of water, electrolyte replacement and the usual aid station nutrition such as potatoes 'n salt, cookies, candy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. If the weather is warm, we suggest runners carry a water bottle for hydration in between aid stations.

  • AS#1 - 2.8 miles
  • AS#2 - 6.6 miles
  • WS - water only- 8.4 miles
  • AS #3 - 9.8 miles
  • AS #4 - 13.2 miles
  • AS #5 - 15.2 miles
  • AS #6 - 21.3 miles
  • WS - water only - 24 miles
  • WS - water only - 26 miles
  • AS#7 - 27.3 miles
  • AS#8 - 29.8 miles

Getting to the Race

Sweetwater Creek State Park is easily accessible from anywhere in the southeast. Located off major interstate I-20, the race venue is only a few miles outside the city of Atlanta.

Getting to Sweetwater Creek State Park
  1. From I-20 West, take Exit #44, Thornton Road Exit
  2. Turn Left after the Exit, onto Thornton Road
  3. After 1/4 mile, turn right on Blairs Ridge Road
  4. Continue for two miles and turn left on Mount Vernon Road
  5. The main entrance to the park will be one mile, on the left

** Look for brown, State Park signs after exiting I-20

Lodging and Hotels

All lodging and hotel options below are within 10 miles of the SweetH20 race start.

  • Country Inn & Suites 888-201-1746
  • Hampton Inn 800-HAMPTON
  • Courtyard by Marriott 888-236-2427
  • Motel 6 800-4-MOTEL6
  • Springhill Suites 888-236-2427
  • Fairfield Inn 888-236-2427
  • Budget Inn (770) 941-6600

SweetH20 Race Directors

Douglas County Rogue Runners
(770) 949-8453

* As is customary in the ultra world, we cannot offer entry fee refunds.