13th Annual Tear Drop Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Lace up your sneakers and get ready for the 13th Annual Tear Drop Half Marathon! If you’re looking for a fast and scenic half marathon then join us on Sunday, April 25, 2027! In 2026 we had a record crowd at over 600 participants! The 5K sold out and was close to selling out the other distances as well. Remember to sign up early and invite your running friends to join you on the Race Down the Mountain!
All distances will start on top of Fort Mountain at an elevation near 3000 feet and finish in Chatsworth, Georgia, for an over 2000-foot drop for the Half Marathon. All courses (13.1, 10K, 5K) are USAT&F certified for those participants that are looking to set a personal record or for a qualifying time at a race elsewhere. Chatsworth is 80 miles from Atlanta, 40 miles from Chattanooga and 10 miles from Dalton.
The courses are on all paved roads and features 7 miles of 5-10% grade downhill for the 13.1, 5 miles downhill for the 10K and 2 miles for the 5K (which will improve your time :40- 1:20 per mile!) and then a flat to rolling finish. Again, this year the Half Marathon will run an out and back on top of the mountain, which runners will encounter several climbs (it's not all downhill). The scenic route through the Cohutta Wilderness Area and finishes at beautiful City Park in Chatsworth welcomes racers of all abilities.
In addition to the half marathon 10K & 5K, there will be plenty of extras for the runners! Beautiful CUSTOM medals for all event finishers and every participant will receive a short sleeve t-shirt, in addition to live music, post-race hot food, cold drinks; beer for 21 and over participants! There will also be great raffle prizes for all participants!
Race Day Logistics
Start Times: Half Marathon: 7:30 am, 10K: 8:05 am, 5K: 8:15 am.
Parking: Runners park at the FINISH (City Park - 401 N. 2nd Ave Chatsworth GA 30705) and are shuttled to their specific race start location on top of Fort Mountain. Parking is available around the park and adjacent business lots.
Shuttle Bus: Buses will run from City Park to Fort Mountain starting at 6:00 am. The ride to the top is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Race Start Details: Half marathon starts at the top of Fort Mountain (near Overlook Inn, 9440 Hwy 52, Chatsworth). The 10K and 5K start at lower points on Ga Hwy 52. Personal vehicle drop-offs are not permitted for the 10K and 5K starts due to safety concerns.
Bib & T-Shirt Pick-Up/Registration: NO MORNING OF RACE REGISTRATION. Sign up online by Saturday or before it sells out. Pick-up at City Park Pavilion: Saturday, 4/24 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Race registration/sign-up, distance transfer, and bib/t-shirt pick-up will also be available on race day: Sunday, 4/25 from 6:00 am - 7:00 am for the Half and 7:00 am - 8:00 am for the 10K/5K.
Road Conditions: HWY 52 is a state highway. Runners will have access to one lane (westbound) and must stay to the right of the cones. Be aware of potential oncoming traffic and driveways. Sheriff's deputies will be present to manage traffic.
SAG Vehicle: A vehicle will follow the last runner for assistance. Runners too slow on the downhill portion of Hwy 52 (over 13:00/mile pace) may be asked to ride in the SAG vehicle. In the city of Chatsworth, runners falling off pace may be asked to move to the sidewalk but can still finish.
Water Stops & Bathrooms: Half Marathon: 4 water stations (Miles 4, 7, 10, 12) and portable toilets at each. 10K: 2 water stations (Miles 3, 5) and bathrooms at the start. 5K: 1 water station (Mile 2) and bathroom at the start. Hydration is encouraged to be carried if needed. Garbage cans are placed near water stations.
Bag/Clothing Drop: Discarded clothing can be left at the start area for each distance and will be available near the finish line.
Transfers: Distance changes can be made online until midnight on 4/25 or in person during packet pick-up. Downgrading is free; upgrading incurs the price difference. Bib numbers are non-transferable. No refunds.
Awards, Photos, Food & Charity
Awards: All finishers receive a medal. Age group awards for Half, 10K, and 5K. Overall male/female and masters male/female awards for the Half Marathon only.
Photos: On-course pictures will be available from TrueSpeed Photos.
Food and Drink: Hot dogs, veggie dogs, snacks, fruit, bottled water, and cold beer (for 21+) will be available. Live music from 9 am - 11 am.
Charity: Partnering with Murray Arts Council, who provide volunteers and benefit from donations. Over $12,000 has been raised historically for local arts and performances.
Drop-off Information: Half marathon participants can be dropped off at the start (in front of the Overlook Inn) between 6:30-7:15 am, but must leave the area immediately. No parking at the start. No personal drop-offs for 10K or 5K starts.