Course Records

Ladies: 12:20:03 (2019)

Gents: 10:13:33 (2022)

The Cruel Jewel 50 is a 56-mile foot race deep within the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest of the North Georgia Mountains. It consists of 50 miles of trails, 6 miles of mountain roads, and has 10 aid stations

We understand that not everyone is cut out or ready for the Cruel Jewel 100, so for these runners we are offering a 56 mile option.

56
Miles

300+
Participants

7
Countries

24
Hours

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Just the Facts

DATE
May 17, 2025

START TIME
8:00am on Saturday, May 17

LOCATION
Start: Byron Herbert Reece Heritage Farm | 8552 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512

Finish: Camp Morganton | 236 Camp Morganton Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

RACE PACKET PICKUP

  • Friday, May 16: 9:00am – 11:00am at Camp Morganton
  • Saturday, May 17: 4:30am – 5:30am at Camp Morganton (ONLY for those taking the shuttle)
  • Saturday, May 17: 6:00am – 7:30am at Start Line – Byron Herbert Reece Heritage Farm (for those driving to the start

 

Elevation

Race Reports

Course Information

We understand that not everyone is cut out or ready for the CRUEL JEWEL 100, so for these runners we are offering a 58 mile option. 

Cruel Jewel 50 is a point to point 58 mile trail race deep with in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest of the North Georgia Mountains. It consists of 50 miles of trails, 6 miles of mountain roads, and has 10 aid stations. Along your journey from Blairsville to Blue Ridge, you will experience tough, and sometimes technical, single track trails, ferns and old growth poplar trees, steep ascents and even steeper descents, an historic steel bridge spanning the Toccoa River, the Dragon’s Spine, lush green hardwood forests, rocks, roots and ridge lines … all of which will be passed before you reach your final destination. And as a bonus we have thrown in 15,000 feet of gain and 15,000 feet of loss just to keep you smiling !!

Race Rules

Any runner that violates any of the below listed regulations is subject to disqualification. Any crew that violates any of the below listed rules is subject to the disqualification of their runner.

  • No Littering !!
  • NO PACERS allowed
  • Runners must stay on marked course at all times
  • No cutting of switchbacks
  • Runners must check in at eachaid station
  • Runners may only receive aid at designated aid stations
  • Runners may not receive aid from or be paced by vehicles on road sections
  • Crews may only use crew accessible aid stations
  • Only ONE car per crew at each aid station
  • Crew will NOT park in a manner that will block traffic, trailheads or other cars
  • Crew will NOT leave car parked at aid station
  • Trekking poles are allowed
  • Runners may only be scored for awards under gender designated on government issued ID.
  • Participants that elect to not disclose their gender or choose “Other” as their gender will not be
    included in scoring for awards.
Lodging

Blue Ridge, GA is the closest town to the race start, and there are a few chain hotels there. The building we use for the finish (start/finish for 100 milers) has dormitory style rooms with bunks on either side of the common space. These are available on a first come first served basis. You should not expect the rooms to be quiet. If you choose to sleep on one of the bunks, you’ll need to bring a sleeping bag or linens and pillow. Ear plugs might be a good idea, too!

Camping

If you are taking the shuttle to the race start, the closest town for lodging is Blue Ridge, GA. Camp Morganton also has primitive campsites available. Please email us through Ultrasignup to reserve a space. There is a restroom in the group shelter.

You should not expect this space to be quiet as 100 mile runners, pacers, and crew will be coming and going throughout the night. 

Weather Notes

Weather in this region can range greatly in May. Runners should prepare for the possibility of rain and temperatures typically ranging between 50°F to 75°F.

Current Weather

Shuttle Information

There is a paid shuttle from the finish line to the start line on the morning of the race. You MUST be at the FINISH line NO LATER THAN 5:45am on the morning of the race in order to take the shuttle AND you MUST have reserved a spot!! Sign up for the shuttle when you register at UltraSignUp.com.

If you didn’t purchase a shuttle pass when you registered, no worries! You can purchase one on Ultrasignup by navigating to the Cruel Jewel 50 page from here, and clicking on the ‘Store’ link.

Volunteering and Sweeping

Please contact us for additional information on volunteering and sweeping using the form options at the top of the page.

Volunteers often help with the setup and breakdown of equipment as well as helping runners during the beginning and end of the event.

Sweepers will assist with trail marking, placing flags, and trail cleanup at the end of the event.

 

Refund Policy

Refund amounts will be processed via Venmo, PayPal or Zelle and will be for the registration amount (less processing fees charged by UltraSignUp).

The timeline for refund amounts is as follows:

  • 91 days or more: full refund
  • 61-90 days: 75% refund (Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Tuesday, February 18, 2025)
  • 31-60 days: 50% refund (Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – Wednesday, March 19, 2025)
  • 30 days or less: no refund (On or after Thursday, April 17, 2025)

Event Photos

Sponsors

Special Thanks To