3/29/2025

Georgia Death Race

74 Mile Trail Race

Blairsville, Georgia

John Fabianich McClay

Finish Time:  18:16:14

Overall Place:  33rd Place / 155

Division Place:  3rd Place / 30

Lynett McClay

Volunteered for aid station duties.

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

I am finding it difficult to articulate my thoughts. A group of 9 individuals from Ohio, including myself, participated in the Georgia Death Race, a 74-mile run in Georgia. Congratulations to all the finishers. The event, organized by Run Bum, was well-organized, with aid stations providing ample food, hydration, and exceptional volunteer support. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my wife, Lynett McClay, for her unwavering support and outstanding crew management. Our day began at 0230, when we boarded a bus for a journey of over an hour to the starting line at Byron Herbert Heritage. The first 2 miles were on the road, followed by a transition onto the trail, marking the beginning of the challenging course. The run featured over 14,000 feet of elevation gain, numerous single-track trails, and a final ascent of 600 stairs, a run past the Amicalola Falls, and a mile-long stretch to the finish line. I successfully completed the most demanding race of my life in 18:16:13, securing 32nd place overall. A total of 319 participants registered, with 62 DNS, 102 DNF, and 155 finishers.

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

As a “Crew Mom” at the Georgia Death Race, which covers a distance of approximately 74 miles, I encountered a demanding yet enjoyable experience. My primary responsibility was to ensure John had all necessary items for his inaugural participation in this event. The day commenced with a 2:30 a.m. drop-off, followed by relentless travel to locate the subsequent aid station. The first stop was an hour away, requiring a bus ride to the mile 21 aid station, where crew members were allowed. A further bus ride was necessary to reach the mile 27 aid station, and a 45-minute drive on a rocky, dusty road enabled access to the mile 43 aid station. Following this, John was not seen again until the race concluded. The packet pickup was held at a beautiful mountain lodge, where John Mark Fabianich Mcclay was required to wear a vest containing mandatory supplies. The process of obtaining his bib number, hat, and glass was efficiently managed, with minimal lines. The mandatory meeting took place on the lodge’s balcony, offering a stunning mountain view. John Mark Fabianich Mcclay had an outstanding performance and finished strong. I will let him brag about his accomplishment