Georgia · Blue Ridge

Cruel Jewel

Qualifier status per the 2026 lists

Founded in 2013, Cruel Jewel runs 104 miles out-and-back from Camp Morganton near Blue Ridge, Georgia into Chattahoochee National Forest — 92 miles of technical single-track trail and 12 miles of mountain road, 33,000 feet of gain through steep ridges, rocks, roots, and the Dragon's Spine. The 48-hour cutoff and a mandatory qualifier (a prior 100-miler or equivalent) cap the field near 250. It serves as both a Western States and Hardrock 100 lottery qualifier. From 13 finishers in its inaugural year, the race grew to 143 finishers in 2026.