Soldiers who are triathletes looking for a new challenge or are interested in participating in a triathlon for the first time should begin training now for the Mountain Madness Triathlon.

Mountain Madness will be held May 6 by Carters Lake and Fort Mountain State Park, just outside of Ellijay, Ga. and the Chattahoochee National Forest, about three hours away from Fort Benning.

Race event coordinator Bill Monahan said triathlons the size of Mountain Madness are uncommon in North Georgia and it will be a unique opportunity for triathletes to encounter mountainous terrain.

“We feel there’s need for a triathlon in this area that brings about a pure challenge,” Monahan said. “It’ll be more challenging terrain. You’re in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountians; you’re actually climbing Fort Mountain between miles 22 and 24.”

The race, which will be timed by set up events, consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.

“We wanted to bring a race with this distance to the North Georgia area,” Monahan said. “It’s an area where people ride their bikes but there’s no races like this in this region.”

Monahan said the bike leg has a 6-mile climb with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

“That’s the highlight of the race and the biggest challenge,” he said. “The run is no slouch either. This race will be a challenge to anybody, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran.”

Soldiers are welcome to bring their families for a weekend getaway during the race. Cabins near Carters Lake can be rented inexpensively, Monahan said.

Monahan said triathletes can register at zone5events.com and a military discount will be offered to all active-duty personnel if they contact Monahan at the number listed on the website. He also said there will be an individual prize for the active-duty racer who finishes with the best time.

Registrants will need to check their bikes in between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the day before the race.