If you live in Atlanta and have always wanted to participate in a marathon or want to watch one unfold before your eyes, you’re in luck. There are many marathons held in Atlanta each year: from the annual Atlanta Marathon to half-marathons and other similar races. The following will highlight information on these not-to-be-missed races and tell you how you can get involved to participate in or watch an upcoming Atlanta marathon.
The 2020 Publix Atlanta Marathon
Plans are already in motion for the 2020 Publix Atlanta Marathon set to unfold on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 7 a.m. Participants train for months, if not longer, to compete in the prestigious Atlanta Marathon. This year’s marathon will start at Centennial Olympic Park and take place throughout Atlanta as participants run past some of Atlanta’s most well-known landmarks and monuments. If you are eager to sign up, registration is now open for those who wish to show off their running expertise at the upcoming Atlanta Marathon.
The starting line is at Centennial Olympic Park and the 26.2-mile course will go past the following neighborhoods/landmarks:
- Georgia State University
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Edgewood Avenue
- Inman Park
- Little Five Points
- Virginia Highlands
- Piedmont Park
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Morris Brown College
- Morehouse College
- Clark Atlanta University
- Spelman College
- 1996 Olympic Rings
- Georgia State Stadium
- Grant Park/Zoo Atlanta
- Cheney Stadium
- Georgia State Capitol
- Oakland Cemetery
The schedule has already been released and you can review the day’s events so you know exactly where you have to be and when on the big day. Here’s the set schedule for the Atlanta Marathon on March 1:
- 5:30 a.m. – Will-call opens for number pick-up (only if purchased)
- 6:40 a.m. – Wheelchair start
- 7 a.m. – Marathon start
- 7:20 a.m. – Marathon start line closes
- 1:55 p.m. – Marathon course closes
The cost to register depends on when you complete registration. There is no day-of race registration and the deadline is February 26, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. — so you’ll want to register well in advance of the event. The following is the registration fee and deadline for each price going forward:
- $100 through 11/11/19
- $105 through 12/10/19
- $110 through 1/9/20
- $120 through 2/13/20
- $130 through 2/25/20
- $140 at race number pickup
Registration can be done online and all registrants will receive access to the race, a long-sleeve Mizuno shirt, and a medal. Awards will be presented to marathon winners in a variety of categories. Spectators will be able to view the marathon at any of the race points listed above where they can root on their loved ones and the group of marathon runners as a whole.
Running in a marathon is an exciting adventure to embark upon and Atlanta is an excellent spot to do so.
Half Marathons 2019/2020
If a half marathon is more your speed, rest assured that you’ll find them throughout Atlanta, too. The 2020 Publix Atlanta Marathon will have both a half marathon and 5K for those who would rather run this length of race. The information for these races is as follows:
Atlanta Marathon Half Marathon
The Atlanta Half Marathon will take place at the same time and place as the Publix Atlanta Marathon with the following schedule:
- 7 a.m. – Half Marathon starts
- 7:20 a.m. – Half Marathon start line closes
- 10:50 a.m. – Half Marathon course closes
Atlanta Half Marathon participants must be 14 years of age or older and the participation fees are as follows:
- $80 through 11/11/19
- $85 through 12/10/19
- $90 through 1/9/20
- $100 through 2/13/20
- $110 through 2/25/20
- $120 at race number pickup
All participants will receive a short-sleeve Mizuno shirt and a medal, and winners in select categories will receive awards. Registration is now open online.
Atlanta Marathon 5K
In order to start out slowly with your future marathon running, why not try the Atlanta Marathon 5K as your initial race? This 3.1-mile race will take place on the same day as the Atlanta Marathon and provides a great way to see what races of this type are like or simply be a race that you feel comfortable taking part in. It’s also a great starting point for kids ages 8 and older, if your child is interested in running and eager to experience an organized race.
Schedule details for the 5K are as follows:
- 7:35 a.m. – 5K start
- 7:45 a.m. – 5K start line closes
- 9 a.m. – 5K course closes
The 5K will begin at Centennial Olympic Park and proceed on main routes such as Piedmont Avenue, Courtland Street, and Marietta Street, finishing at the Park.
The cost to participate in the 5K is:
- $25 through 11/11/19
- $30 through 1/9/20
- $35 through 2/25/20
- $45 at race number pickup
All participants will enjoy a short-sleeve Mizuno shirt and medal for taking part in the 5K. Awards will be handed out to the top-finishers. Register here to take part in the 2020 Atlanta Marathon 5K.
Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon and 5K
For ghoulishly healthy fun, register for the Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon on Sunday, October 27, at 8 a.m. The fun will unfold at Piedmont Park and consist of the Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon in addition to a 5K (begins at 8:15 a.m.). Individuals 13 years of age and older can take part in the half marathon, so it’s a great training option for kids who are avid runners. Plus, awards will be handed out to the top finishers in different categories.
The cost to participate is $90 for the half marathon and $40 for the 5K. There is a $5 discount per individual if you participate in teams of four or more. Online registration is now open.
And since it’s a festive run, you should pick out your best costume to wear during the event. It’s not mandatory, but costumes are encouraged for this Halloween-themed event.
Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon
The 2019 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash event will unfold in Atlanta on November 28, 2019, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Kick off your Thanksgiving morning the right way with an invigorating run through Atlanta. The event begins at Georgia State Stadium and winds through the city with different routes for each race.
The Atlanta Thanksgiving Half Marathon is for individuals 14 years of age and older and the cost ranges from $85-$95, depending on when you register. The 5K involves participants ages 8 and older and the price is $40-$50 to register. For those who take part in the Mile & Dash event, the cost to register is free for those who are 14 and under and $10 for kids 15 and older. The 50m dash is free for all.
Registration is now open and the earlier you register, the more money you save.
Marathons in Surrounding Areas
Although Atlanta has its fair share of marathons, half marathons, and 5Ks, there are also plenty of other Georgia towns that host these health and wellness events. Here’s a list of some other races throughout the state to keep on your running radar:
- Under the Oaks Run Half Marathon: October 12, 2019
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon: November 2-3, 2019
- Rome Half Marathon: December 14, 2019
- Critz Tybee Run: January 31-February 1, 2020
Atlanta Marathons Draw in Participants and Spectators From Near and Far
Atlanta is famous for its extensive array of running events, including marathons, half marathons, and 5K races. If you are hoping to run in a marathon but have yet to decide on a city where you should participate, Atlanta is a great choice. These well-organized race events allow you to improve your running skills while also seeing the city.
When you’re done running a marathon, check out the great pizza and breweries Atlanta has to offer. If you’re going to make Atlanta your permanent home, move with Move Matcher.
