2021 Chilly Bear Chase

Chilly Bear Chase

Join us for America’s only 5K series that crosses two states! The Riverwalk Run Series hosts seasonal cross-state 5Ks several times a year.

Our course takes runners through the charming downtowns of McCaysville, Georgia and its sister city, Copperhill, Tennessee – two cities united by a state line at the heart of historic Copper Basin. Covering 3.1 miles, participants will not only cross from Georgia into Tennessee and back into Georgia, but they will also run through our iconic steel bridge, with one amazing story!

The bridge was originally built in 1921 and briefly used to cross the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge. However, after the Blue Ridge Dam completion led to the creation of man-made Lake Blue Ridge in 1930, the bridge was stored for 6 years and reassembled over the Toccoa River (aka Ocoee River in Tennessee) in 1936.

The Riverwalk Run Series was created by the McCaysville Business Association, a non-profit organization, to further the goal of fostering economic, cultural and social growth within the community. Drive up for the day or stay the weekend with family and friends in nearby Blue Ridge or lease one of the many area cabins of Copper Basin for an unforgettable getaway weekend.

Food, drinks, and music can be found before and after the race on the regions largest river deck of Riverwalk Shops, located just across the street from the starting line.

Parking is both free and plentiful by the McCaysville City Park and surrounding area side streets. See y'all soon!

Race Timeline

7 AM Race Setup
9 AM Race Start at McCaysville Information Center
10 AM Awards on Riverwalk Shops Riverdeck
11 AM Race Cutoff

Race Guidelines

• Runners requested to social distance
• Social distancing encouraged when not racing
• Runners cannot participate, if running a fever
• NO water on course, runners must bring their own
• Bottled water available at finish
• Packet pick-up available the week before race at Burra Burra on the River restaurant or race day at the McCaysville City Park
• Pets not allowed during run

Awards

• Overall male/female
• Top 2 Age Group Winners male/female ages 0-9, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
• Race Times based on “gun time” start (USATF Rule 245)

Parking - Located across from the McCaysville City Park, additional spots can also be found on city streets of both McCaysville, GA & Copperhill, TN