On May 28th 2022, AR Georgia put on the 3rd annual Fort Yargo 50k. Featuring two 15.6 mile laps around the Fort Yargo State Park and lake. The course is considered flat and runnable. With only 1,600 feet of gain through the entire race. That said, it’s the perfect race for your first 50k. And that’s one of the reasons we signed up. To run with and support a friend. Below is an overview of the course, aid station, and overall experience running the Fort Yargo 50k.
Fort Yargo 50k – 2022 Race Report
Location: Fort Yargo State Park, Winder Georgia
Distance: 50k
Elevation Gain: 3,500ft
Course Type: Two 15.6 mile loops.
Aid Stations: 7 (including finish line/second lap start and the aid stations you see twice on the second lap)
Race Organizer: AR Georgia
Ultra Signup Link: Click Here (will update with 2023 link once it opens)
The Course:
The Fort Yargo 50k consists of running two laps around the park. With each lap distance coming in at 15.6 miles and 1,750ft of elevation gain. Featuring a mix of rolling hills and lake views. The course itself is incredibly runnable. Being well designed and well marked, taking you on almost every trail the park offers. And while the overall 50k doesn’t feature a ton of elevation gain. There are plenty of small hills to make it a great challenge. And from my experience this would be a perfect choice for someone looking to run their first ultra marathon.
Fort Yargo 50k Course Map
Aid Stations:
The course itself featured 3 aid stations and 1 of the start/finish line which you will pass by to start your second lap. So in reality you will have 7 aid stations over the course of the 50k. And with the heat index hitting close to 85 degrees. Having these extra stops for water was a pleasant surprise. Food wise, each station had a great mix of all the running classics. Including chips, gu’s, candy, fruit, water, gatorade, soda, and more. The aid stations were so well stocked I even think I came home with more snacks than I left with. What can I say, I’m a sucker for peanut butter M&M’s.
The race directors also had a large amount of pizza waiting for runners at the finish line. This was a great little treat to have waiting for you at the end of the race.
Closing Thoughts:
Overall I had a great time running at the Fort Yargo 50k. AR Georgia (Adventure Racing Georgia) put on an absolutely great event from top to bottom. Well organized and staffed with positive volunteers, there is no question I would do this race again. And as I mentioned above, this is a great 50k for anyone looking to run their first Ultra Marathon. The course is tough enough for a challenge but features enough beautiful scenery to make the time pass quicker than you realize.
Did you run the Fort Yargo 50? Share your thoughts and comment below. We always love to hear from other runners out on the course.
