Brasstown Bald Buster
About the race
The One and Only Brasstown Bald Buster: Georgia's Highest 5K! With only one hill on the entire course, we might even call this one flat and fast.
Proudly hosted by Project 42 Running, the 2027 Brasstown Bald Buster takes you up Georgia's highest peak on a scenic 5K road course. Speed demons and leisurely strollers alike are invited to take on the challenge.
Shirts and medals
Everyone gets a medal and a T-shirt. To guarantee your shirt, register by April 10, 2027.
You can still register after that date, but shirts are ordered in advance, so a shirt cannot be promised.
Awards
Awards for the top 3 men and women overall in both the 5K and the ruck.
Race day details
- Date: Saturday, April 24, 2027
- Location: Brasstown Bald Visitor Center & Recreation Area, 2941 Highway 180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30546
- Last shuttle leaves the top at 7:20 AM
- Mandatory pre-race briefing at 7:30 AM at the bottom
- Race starts at 7:45 AM
Parking and shuttle
No parking at the bottom or along any roads.
Runners and ruckers park at the top, then walk down or take the shuttle to the start. The last shuttle leaves at 7:20 AM. Miss it and you're walking, so give yourself plenty of time.
Make a day of it
Stick around and explore the North Georgia mountains, even if you're not running or rucking. Brasstown Bald has a paved path under a mile long with mind-blowing views.
Miles of trails surround the area in Union, Towns, Rabun and White Counties, and the town of Helen and Vogel State Park are local favorites.
What your entry includes
Cancellation policy
No race-day registration. No transfers, refunds or deferrals. Rain, shine or snow, the race happens.
The course
Brasstown Bald Buster 5K
Brasstown Bald Ruck
The race climbs Georgia's highest peak on a scenic road course. Runners and ruckers face 1,700 feet of climbing over 3.1 miles. Participants may run or ruck the course.
Course challenge and record
1,700 feet of climbing in 3.1 miles. It's not just a run. It's a scenic, challenging, classic adventure.
Run it or ruck it for fun. Feeling gutsy? Adam Pinkston's course record of 24:40 has stood for over 30 years.
Ruck division
- Men carry 25 lbs.
- Women carry 15 lbs.
Choose "Brasstown Bald Ruck" when you register. You'll have 2.5 hours to reach the top. That sounds generous, but hauling weight up 1,700 feet in 3 miles will show you what you're made of.
Race weekend schedule
Location
City insight: Hiawassee
Hiawassee is the county seat of Towns County in north Georgia, with 981 residents at the 2020 census. Its name comes from a Cherokee word that means meadow. The humid subtropical climate gives hot, muggy summers and mild winters, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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