Welcome to the 20th running of the Red Top Rumble! This race is a perfect gateway to Southeastern trail running with a mix of hills, runnable stretches, bridge crossings, and panoramic views of lake Allatoona. From the first runner to the last, we welcome all runners regardless of race, gender, or ability. After you finish and collect your swag, connect with your running community with coffee and donuts around the firepit!
Start Time - 8:30 AM EST – 11.5 Mile Trail Race
Where
Red Top Mountain State Park Visitor's Center, located off I-75 exit# 285, 45 minutes North of Atlanta in Cartersville, GA. Once in the park, turn left onto Park Marina Rd (before the "trading post") towards the Visitors Center/Cottages, then in approximately 0.8 miles turn right onto Lodge Rd to reach the Visitors Center.
For runner safety and so that our volunteers can get to their superbowl parties, we will be enforcing a course cutoff at Homestead Aid station (7.7 mile) - 2 hours (~15:30 per mile)
Transfer & Refund Policy
** No refunds. No transfers. No deferrals. No exceptions. **
Please note that refunds and transfers are not allowed for any GUTS events including the Red Top Rumble. Due to waiver requirements and liability issues, any person found using another runner's number will be disqualified and banned from future races.
100% Non-Profit Race. A portion of our proceeds will go towards support of Red Top Mountain State Park.
Facilities
Park bathrooms and Porta Johns available at the start/finish area.
Parking fees
Due to limited parking availability, CARPOOLING IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!! There is a $10 (this new rate in effect 1/1/26) State Park parking fee (or you can use your annual GA State Park pass). Fee will be collected after arrival into the park, so please have $10 cash, or your annual park pass. You can purchase a daily pass or annual pass ahead of time online.
Dropping out of the Race
If you feel you must drop from the race then you must let an official aid station volunteer know that you are leaving. You are responsible for your own transportation off the course.
Awards
Top 3 Male & Female; Top Non-binary, Overall M/F Master, and Overall M/F Grandmaster. No duplication of awards.
It is our mission at GUTS to help support our State Parks for future generations to enjoy! Over the years, Red Top Mountain has faced significant budget cuts. Red Top Rumble is proud to continue supporting the Friends of Red Top Mountain for their continued renovations and new programs within the park.
GUTS members get $5 discount
Red Top Mountain State Park Visitor's Center, located off I-75 exit# 285, 45 minutes North of Atlanta in Cartersville, GA.Once in the park, turn left onto Park Marina Rd (before the "trading post") towards the Visitors Center/Cottages, then in approximately 0.8 miles turn right onto Lodge Rd to reach the Visitors Center.
Parking fees
Due to limited parking availability, CARPOOLING IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!
There is a $10 (this new rate in effect 1/1/26) State Park parking fee (or you can use your annual GA State Park pass). Fee will be collected after arrival into the park, so please have $10 cash, or your annual park pass. You can purchase a daily pass or annual pass ahead of time online.
Start/Finish will be at the Visitor's Center
This course is well-known for being runnable and rewarding. Beginning behind the Visitor's Center, we'll follow rolling trails past the Supply Outpost and campgrounds to the wide, runnable Iron Hill Loop.
From Iron Hill, runners will travel back to the Homestead Loop to battle the biggest hills the park has to offer before cruising to a lakeside finish and firepit party by Vaughn Cabin.
You can preview the 2026 course or download the navigation file HERE.
Friday, TBD
Saturday, Feb 6th, at Red Top Mtn State Park Visitor's Center, TBD
Sunday, Race Morning at the Visitor's Center Start/Finish Area, starting at 7:15am
Eliza Parker (2017) - 1:20:07
Nathan Haskins (2009) - 1:07:17
Top 5 Male & Female; Overall Master and Overall Grandmaster. No duplication of awards.
Red Top Mountain State Park
*Cottages
*Campground with Tent, Trailer & RV sites
50 Lodge Rd SE
Cartersville, GA 30121
Ph: 800-573-9658
Best Western Garden Inn & Suites
5663 Hwy 20 NE
Cartersville, GA 30121
Ph: 770-386-1569
Hampton Inn
5600 Hwy 20 SE
Cartersville, GA 30120
Ph: 770-382-8999
Comfort Inn
28 SR 20 Spur, SE
Cartersville, GA 30121
Ph: 770-387-1800
