Mystery Mountain Marathon

Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth, GA

 

The emblazoned autumn mountains of North Georgia greeted over 100 trail runners as they geared up to test their strength and endurance at the inaugural Mystery Mountain Marathon at Fort Mountain State Park on November 2, 2008. The event was presented by Georgia Ultrarunning & Trailrunning Society (GUTS).  Participants had their choice between a 12 mile race and a full marathon on the Gahuti and 301 trails.  Each race offered runners panoramic views of the surrounding mountains at peak fall foliage.  While it might have been nice to stop and take in the views, runners didn’t have this option due to the continual steep climbs and quad-crushing descents that totaled over 15,000 feet of elevation change.  It was enough to shake even the strongest of the field as they made their way through the stretches of technical single track, rugged mountain bike and smooth horse trails.  

Regardless of the fact that this was the first foot race of its kind at Fort Mountain State Park, the team of dedicated volunteers and GA DNR staff provided all of the runners with a safe and well organized experience.  The eight aid stations were stocked with official drink sponsor Powerade fluids, plenty of tasty Moonpies, Accelerade gels and a smorgasbord of treats, ensuring that all runners had enough fuel to finish the course.  The course markings successfully oriented the runners and kept them on the trail, a remarkable feat in and of itself.

The 12 mile race was dominated by Tim Tatarka of Acworth Georgia, and Jacquelyn King of Douglasville, who bested the field by over six minutes and almost twenty minutes respectively.  King placed third overall, beating all but the top two men.  Impressive to say the least.  The marathon was a more closely contested battle for both the men and women.  Dennis Bauer of Decatur GA was able to hold off veteran marathoner Malcolm Campbell of Atlanta with his awe inspiring downhill skills that resulted in a one minute buffer at the finish.  Bauer finished in an impressive 3:34:19. Dreama Campbell of Chattanooga TN came from behind to pull ahead of Jenna Carver of Smyrna GA in the final steps of the race, with the top four women finishing within three minutes of each other.  Truly a barn burner.  Awards were given to the top 5 Overall and 1^st Masters and Grandmasters. Top winners received gift certificates provided by Phidippides and a pack from Cambelback.

 

While basking in the perfect fall weather, runners and spectators enjoyed post-race festivities with beverages from STEAZ, energy bars from LARABAR, as well as some homemade vegetable soup and plenty of treats.

 

OVERALL MMM WINNERS

Marathon

Dennis Bauer                       3:34:19

Dreama Campbell              5:16:46

12 Mile

Tim Tatarka                          1:35:58

Jacquelyn King                    1:50:40

For FULL Results visit www.GetGuts.com

               

Special thanks to our sponsors for their support in making the event a success!