Half Marathon races near Dahlonega

The Get Basted Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving-season race series offering 5K, 10K, 15K, and half marathon options, including virtual versions of each distance. This is the event's second year, and it is designed so runners can select any distance from a short holiday run to a half marathon without changing events. The route details are not specified, but the race format is straightforward: in-person and virtual runners can select from the same distance options. Basic entry remains inexpensive, with race-day pricing only slightly higher. Shirts, hoodies, and finisher medals are optional purchases. A distinctive feature is the give-back program: volunteers receive five free race entries, and runners who completed one of the organizer's qualifying races during the year can claim a free 5K spot in an in-person Turkey Trot. This tradition started as a way to thank participants who had raced with the group throughout the season.

The Amicalola Falls Marathon takes runners directly into Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia, with the 729-foot waterfall serving as the race’s focal point. This December trail event offers both marathon and half marathon distances. The full marathon consists of two 13.1-mile loops. The course is primarily singletrack, with some gravel or paved sections, and the full marathon includes approximately 3,200 feet of elevation gain. The course winds through forest paths, along creeks, and past overlooks surrounding Amicalola Falls, Georgia’s tallest cascading waterfall. Each marathon loop features the 605 steps of the Appalachian Approach Trail, which full-marathon participants ascend twice near the falls. The route is marked with flags and signs, aid stations offer provisions and medical assistance, and the race has a 7-hour time limit. Participants receive a medal and athletic shirt, with special awards for top finishers in overall, masters, and age categories; no prize money is awarded.

The Helen Holiday Half Marathon, organized by Run Bum, is a holiday-themed trail race held in Helen, Georgia, offering both a half marathon and a 10K. This event is specifically a trail race, not on roads, with approximate distances. The organizers present it as a year-end running party, distinct from a formal road-race setup. The course is hilly, and participants should anticipate hiking sections. There are no mile markers or age-group awards; only the top three male and female finishers receive custom awards. Half marathon finishers are given a hat or beanie and a pint glass, along with a medal. 10K runners receive a pint glass and a hat or beanie. The race is designed to be accessible for those new to trail running or Run Bum events, and typically, over half of the participants are female.