The inaugural Southern States 200 is one of only a couple of point to point 200 mile endurance runs in the entire United States. The Southern States 200 starts just outside Dalton, Georgia and runs in a southerly direction along the Pinhoti Trail, a National Recreation Trail, until it reaches the finish line at the top of Mount Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama. Over the course of the race, runners cover a total of nearly 30,000 feet of elevation gain. The course consists of a variety of single track trail, jeep roads, forest service roads and some paved roads.
This event will quickly become a classic 200 miler in the US. In fact, I would not be surprised if they will have to move to a lottery system within just a couple of years. The race organizers did an excellent job. All aid stations provided ample food and drink choices, medical staff was on hand to assist with any issues that arose. In fact, I was in need of such assistance at one point during the race and the medic did an excellent job taking care of my feet and keeping me going all the way to the finish.
This was my fifth race of 200 miles or longer and it did not disappoint in any way. I love adventure runs or journey runs and this one definitely qualifies. No multiple loops, no contrived course, just 200 miles from point A to point B along a beautiful course with both challenging as well as quite runnable sections.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about this race in the comments below the video. I hope you enjoy!
Huge Shoutout to Pete Schreiner @Schreiner Trail Photography for the amazing on course photos he took of runners all week. Some of them are featured in my video.
