by Sloppy Floyd State Park served up everything I hoped for on a first visit: a calm lake in the middle of the course, a waterfall tucked into the hills, a climb with real bite, and that short, satisfying hop onto the Pinhoti before a fast run back to the bridge. The 2025 Twisted Ankle Half started at 9:00 AM with friendly temps and clear skies—perfect for letting the legs open up without getting cooked.
Where and what: Summerville, GA at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park. Twisted Ankle features a 5K, 10-mile, and half marathon. I ran the half.
Quick Stats
Distance: Half Marathon (13.1-ish)
Location: Sloppy Floyd State Park, near Summerville, GA
Start: 9:00 AM
Surface: Mix of wide trail and singletrack with rocks and roots
Signature climbs: Marble Mine, Becky’s Bluff (steep finish)
Scenery: Lakeside trails, waterfall/mine, foothill forest
Why I Signed Up
I wanted a punchy Georgia trail race with real climbing and legit scenery. Twisted Ankle’s reputation for a stout bluff climb, a short Pinhoti segment, and friendly grassroots vibes made it an easy yes. This was my first time running at Sloppy Floyd, and it surprised me in the best way. Calm lake in the middle, forested ridges around it, and trails that switch between smooth cruising and rocky, rooty checks on your focus.
Twisted Ankle Half Marathon Race Video
How the course runs
The start kicks uphill just enough to wake you up, then drops onto a brief road section that funnels everyone toward the lakeside path. That early lake loop is smooth and quick, with views that make you forget you’re racing for a minute. It’s the easiest place to overdo it, so I kept things honest, aiming to arrive at the first climb with a little headroom.
The approach to Marble Mine is where the work begins. You can hear the waterfall before you see it, and it’s a morale boost to hit that landmark. A short, rolling descent follows. Just enough to settle the breathing before the course tilts up for real toward Becky’s Bluff.
Becky’s Bluff doesn’t waste your time. The grade stiffens as you go, and the last part nudges you into shorter, more deliberate steps. It’s the kind of climb that rewards patience; go steady and you’ll have something left for the fun part. Cresting out lands you on a small slice of the Pinhoti with that classic Georgia ridge feel. Woods, wind, and just enough exposure to remind you why these trails have a reputation.
From there, the course points down. The drop back toward the lake is quick but asks for focus: roots and rock shelves keep you honest. You cross the bridge near the start/finish, and instead of calling it a day, the half takes you back out for a spicy encore on the 5K loop. It’s a clever way to round out the mileage and gives one more pass near the mine before swinging home.
My day
We caught a break with the weather. I ran the lake section at a controlled pace and tried to stay relaxed through Marble Mine. On Becky’s Bluff I shortened the stride, kept the cadence up, and treated the top pitch as a steady grind rather than a place to surge. Hitting the ridge felt like a reward. I opened up on the descent, stayed light on the feet through the rooty bits, and kept things smooth across the bridge. The closing 5K loop demanded a reset in focus, but the legs held together, and I finished feeling strong.
Gear was simple: a pair of trail shoes with decent rock protection, a waist belt carrying two small bottles and four gels, a cap, and a light tee that I ditched halfway after it started to chafe. No poles. Nutrition was straightforward. Small sips often, a gel before each meaningful climb.
If you’re eyeing this race
This course is a great snapshot of Georgia trail running. Plenty of fast, scenic miles wrapped around one honest climb. If you keep a lid on the early pace and move efficiently on Becky’s Bluff, you’ll be rewarded with a lively descent and a satisfying finish. Footwork matters on the way down; pick clean lines and you’ll carry speed without burning matches.
The event itself has an easygoing feel backed by a tight crew. Volunteers were dialed, the park is gorgeous, and it’s an easy race to bring family or friends to cabins, campsites, and a lakeside picnic never hurt.
Verdict
Twisted Ankle is exactly the kind of half that makes you want to come back: scenic, well-run, and tough in all the right places. I’ll be lining it up again next year.
Big thanks to the race team, volunteers, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park for keeping this classic rolling. If you ran it too, I’d love to hear how your day went. Drop your experience or splits in the comments.
