Either way you'll be participating in one of America's greatest sporting events. As a result, skaters cover the 86 miles in a wide range of finishing times from 4 to 10 hours. Normal driving time between Athens and Atlanta's Piedmont Park in 90 minutes. Participants share the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and automobiles. Skaters get water, fruit, energy bars and encouragement from dedicated volunteers at any of the eight checkpoints along the way.
All checkpoints have restrooms.
The lead men and women enjoy police escorts for the critical last 40 miles. Arrive Friday afternoon and depart Sunday night or arrive Saturday and leave Monday. Either way, save some time for exploring Athens, a great college town famous for its music, and Atlanta, the Olympic City. After checking into your Athens hotel you will have time for a night of music in the town which spawned The B-52's, R.E.M., and Wide Spread Panic. All participants enjoy free food and a sponsor expo in Piedmont Park.