The Southside Scramble is Atlanta’s only intown trail race, hosted at Southside Park, the city’s sole trail system and one of its best-kept secrets. Runners will enjoy looping singletrack, roller coaster descents, gravel-strewn stream crossings, powerline climbs, rock hazards, marsh passings and wildlife sightings over this approximately 15K course that will leave them doubting they are inside the Perimeter. All proceeds from the race will benefit trail building and stewardship organization MTB Atlanta.

Event Beneficiary Description

MTB Atlanta is the metro Atlanta chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA), engaged in design, construction and maintenance of trails for all, including Sope Creek, Chattahoochee Bend State Park, and of course Southside Park. MTB Atlanta’s advocacy, education, and recreational opportunities, and its strategic alliances with land managers around Atlanta, help promote land access, trail preservation and new trail development for all to enjoy.

Event details and schedule

Early packet pickup, Red's Beer Garden

6-8 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Friday, Oct. 4
Red's Beer Garden
1328 Boulevard SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Race Day Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 5
7 a.m. - day-of check-in
7:45 a.m. - pre-race announcements
8 a.m. - race start
10 a.m. - awards
11:30 a.m. - finish line closes

Age Groups/Awards

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Overall male/female/non-binary
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Masters male/female
Three deep in each age pool – Men/Women 19 and under; 20-34; 35-49; 50-64; 65+

FAQs

- Are these really the only trails in Atlanta?
While plenty of short trails are located in the City of Atlanta, and systems exist around its periphery in metro counties, Southside Park hosts the City of Atlanta’s only trail system, now totaling over eight miles over three different skill loops, connectors, and bypasses.

- What’s the distance of the race? Are there multiple distances?
The race is 10 miles, utilizing everything in the park. We want to present a focused challenge and an attainable, seldom-offered race distance, so this is the only one for the time being.

- What’s the parking situation?
Southside Park has ample parking for all participants and spectators. We encourage racers to carpool or use a ride share service.

- What’s the spectator situation?
Your crew can come hoot and holler themselves hoarse, staking you out near the trails or at the finish; however, we encourage them to carpool with you rather than drive separately, in order to accommodate all runners, race staff, and other park users.

- What’s the dog situation?
Much of Southside Park’s trails are singletrack and will be packed with runners, and wildlife like deer regularly appear alongside those routes. In the interest of safety, dogs are not allowed on the race course; however, they may still carpool and spectate with your crew. Dogs should not be concerned with parking, as they should not be driving (also in the interest of safety).

- Will there be aid stations on course?
Aid will be stocked every 2-3 miles at two stations, at about miles 2.6, 4.8, 6.4, and 8.8, hosted by the wildest and most solicitous band of yahoos you’ll meet in the woods. Both stations will have water and Tailwind, and sustenance at the mile 6.4 aid.

- Do you recognize non-binary athletes?
We absolutely do. We welcome entrants to identify freely at registration and will feature a non-binary podium. Please email [email protected] if you encounter any questions concerning registering as non-binary.