Half Marathons in Atlanta, GA: Races, Routes, and How to Get Started

Looking for a half marathon in Atlanta, GA—or trying to figure out where to train and what to expect from racing here? Atlanta is a major running city with a busy race calendar, challenging hills, and plenty of scenic routes that show off the skyline, neighborhoods, and parks.

This guide walks through popular Atlanta half marathons, what the courses are like, how to train locally, and practical tips for race day in Atlanta.

Why Atlanta Is a Great Half Marathon City

Atlanta offers a mix that many runners like:

• Challenging hills that build strength
• Mild winters, so races run nearly year-round
• Big, well-organized events plus smaller neighborhood races
• Easy access to parks and trails for long-run training

If you live in the city or are visiting from out of town, you’ll find multiple options to run 13.1 miles—both major annual events and smaller local races.

Major Half Marathons in Atlanta, GA

Event details (dates, exact courses, pricing) change from year to year, but the races below are among the most commonly held Atlanta-area half marathons. Always check the current year’s information when planning.

Publix Atlanta Half Marathon

Location: Typically starts and finishes near Downtown/Midtown Atlanta
Organizer: Atlanta Track Club (headquartered at 201 Armour Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324; main office: (404) 231-9064)

The Publix Atlanta Half Marathon is one of the city’s flagship distance races. It’s often held around late winter and is known for:

• Rolling hills through city neighborhoods
• City-center feel, with views of the Atlanta skyline
• A course that may loop past popular areas like Midtown and Downtown

This race is a popular choice for runners who want a big event atmosphere and are comfortable with hills. It’s also commonly used as a goal race for winter training groups around the metro area.

Thanksgiving or Late-Fall Half Marathons

Atlanta often hosts late-fall half marathons that attract locals looking to close out their racing year or balance out holiday meals.

Common features of Atlanta fall half marathons:

• Cooler temperatures that many runners find comfortable
• Courses that may incorporate city streets, parks, and neighborhoods
• A mix of both competitive runners and first-timers

While specific race names and sponsors can change over time, late November and early December are active months for half marathon options in and near the city.

Neighborhood and Suburban Half Marathons

In addition to big downtown races, there are often suburban or neighborhood-based half marathons around greater Atlanta, including areas such as:

• Cobb County / Marietta
• Decatur
• Gwinnett County
• Alpharetta / North Fulton

These can be good options if you prefer:

• Smaller fields and less crowding
• Courses on greenways, park paths, or quieter streets
• Easier parking and access compared to downtown races

Because these events change more frequently, many Atlanta runners keep an eye on:

• Local running shops’ event boards
• The Atlanta Track Club’s event listings
• City and county parks and recreation calendars

What Atlanta Half Marathon Courses Are Really Like

Atlanta’s geography plays a big role in how you’ll experience 13.1 miles here.

Expect Hills—Everywhere

Compared to flatter cities, Atlanta half marathons are rarely flat. You’re likely to encounter:

• Short, steep climbs on neighborhood streets
• Long, gradual inclines that wear on your legs
• Downhills that can feel fast but demanding on your quads

Training specifically for hills is one of the best ways to prepare for a half marathon in Atlanta, GA.

Urban + Park Mix

Many Atlanta half marathons combine:

• City streets: past landmarks, businesses, historic districts
• Parks and greenways: shaded sections and multi-use trails

This mix can help break up the race mentally and physically, but you should be ready for changing surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, and occasional transitions onto wider paths.

Where to Train for a Half Marathon in Atlanta

You don’t need to leave the city to get quality half marathon training. Atlanta has many runner-friendly routes for long runs, tempo workouts, and hill sessions.

Popular Running Spots in Atlanta

Here are some of the most used areas for half marathon training:

1. Piedmont Park & Surrounding Streets

• Address (park office vicinity): 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Good for: Loops, rolling hills, bathroom and water access
• Tip: Combine the park interior paths with Midtown streets for longer mileage.

2. Atlanta BeltLine Eastside & Westside Trails

• The BeltLine runs through multiple neighborhoods including Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and the West End.
• Good for: Relatively gentle grades, steady pacing, busy but scenic paths
• Tip: Early mornings are usually less crowded and better for longer efforts.

3. Silver Comet Trail (West of Atlanta)

• Common trailhead near Atlanta: 4342 Floyd Rd SW, Mableton, GA 30126
• Good for: Long, uninterrupted miles on a paved rail-trail
• Tip: This is a favorite for longer half marathon and marathon training runs due to its length and separation from car traffic.

4. Chastain Park

• Address: 140 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
• Good for: Hilly loops, residential streets, sidewalk running
• Tip: The loop around the park area includes several useful hills for strength training.

5. Stone Mountain Park (East of Atlanta)

• Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Good for: Hilly road loop around the mountain, scenic views
• Tip: Many Atlanta runners use the main road loop around the mountain’s base for moderate to long runs with hills.

Hill Training in Atlanta

For half marathons here, hill work is essential. Simple options:

• Run repeated climbs on residential hills in Midtown, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or Grant Park areas.
• Use park loops at Piedmont Park, Chastain Park, or around Stone Mountain for rolling terrain.
• Incorporate one “hilly long run” every week or two to simulate race conditions.

🏃‍♀️ Quick tip: Try including at least one dedicated hill workout per week once you have a base. This can be short hill repeats or rolling hill tempo runs.

Climate & Timing: When to Run a Half Marathon in Atlanta

Atlanta sits in the Southeast, so weather can change quickly and plays a big role in how you race.

Typical Seasonal Conditions

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler and often ideal for distance running; mornings can be cold but generally manageable with layers.
• Spring (Mar–May): Comfortable but can be humid and allergy-heavy; morning races are usually best.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid; fewer half marathons due to heat. If training then, early morning runs are common.
• Fall (Sep–Nov): Popular half marathon season; temperatures often cool down and humidity gradually drops.

For many local runners, late winter and late fall are prime times to target a half marathon in Atlanta.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Half Marathon for You

With multiple options around metro Atlanta, consider:

1. Course Difficulty

• Do you want a challenging hilly course, or something more gentle, like a trail or greenway-based race?
• Newer runners may prefer courses described as “rolling” rather than “very hilly.”

2. Race Size & Atmosphere

• Large city races: More crowd support, professional timing, and services—but busier start lines and more logistics.
• Smaller local races: Easier parking, lower-key vibe, and often more relaxed field sizes.

3. Travel & Logistics

If you live in Atlanta:

• Decide if you want to stay in-town (Downtown/Midtown) or run in a nearby suburb.
• Consider MARTA access if the race is near rail stations like Peachtree Center, Midtown, or North Avenue.

If you’re visiting Atlanta:

• Look for half marathons with host hotels near the start/finish or near MARTA stations to simplify race-morning travel.
• Plan for extra time to navigate traffic and parking if driving.

Local Running Support: Clubs, Groups, and Resources

Training with others can make preparing for an Atlanta half marathon more enjoyable.

Atlanta Track Club

• Office: 201 Armour Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Phone: (404) 231-9064

Atlanta Track Club is a central resource for:

• Organized races of various distances in the city
• Training programs for different levels, often including half marathon plans
• Volunteer opportunities and community running events

Running Stores & Community Runs

Many Atlanta-area running shops host:

• Group runs on weeknights or weekends
• Informal training groups for upcoming local races
• Shoe fittings and gait analysis for comfortable race footwear

Common areas where running shops and group runs cluster include:

• Midtown / Piedmont Park area
• Decatur
• Buckhead
• West Midtown / Upper Westside

Store-based group runs are usually free and open to a range of paces.

Sample Training Outline for an Atlanta Half Marathon

This is a general, non-medical outline for a reasonably active adult. Adjust based on your fitness level and get personalized guidance if you have health concerns.

Basic 10–12 Week Structure

1. Base Phase (Weeks 1–3)

   • 3–4 runs per week
   • Long run builds from around 4–5 miles up to 6–7 miles
   • Focus on easy, conversational pace

2. Build Phase (Weeks 4–8)

   • 4 runs per week
   • One speed or tempo session, one hill session, plus easy runs
   • Long run builds gradually toward 9–11 miles

3. Peak & Taper (Weeks 9–12)

   • Longest run of about 10–12 miles (many runners find 10–11 sufficient)
   • Reduce volume slightly in the final week or two
   • Keep one or two short, brisk workouts to stay sharp

🏅 Atlanta-specific tweak: Include consistent hills nearly every week so race day doesn’t surprise your legs.

Race-Day Tips Specific to Atlanta

Running a half marathon in Atlanta, GA comes with some predictable race-day challenges. Plan for:

1. Parking & Transit

• For downtown races, parking garages can fill quickly. Many runners:
  • Arrive at least an hour early, or
  • Use MARTA if the start/finish is near a station.
• Check the event’s recommended parking decks or lots ahead of time.

2. Start Line Conditions

• Atlanta races can start in cool temperatures, especially in winter, but warm up fast.
• Use throwaway layers or inexpensive outerwear you can remove once you’re warmed up (many races collect discarded layers for donation).

3. Hydration & Hills

• Hydration stations are usually frequent, but Atlanta’s humidity can make races feel hotter than the temperature suggests.
• Pace conservatively on the early hills; many runners benefit from holding back slightly in the first half and using downhills wisely.

4. Post-Race Logistics

• Plan where you’ll meet friends or family post-race; downtown areas can be crowded.
• If driving, note your parking deck name and level ahead of time.

Simple Comparison Snapshot: Typical Atlanta Half Marathon Options

This is a generalized picture of how Atlanta half marathons may differ:

Specific events move and evolve, but this table gives a sense of the choices around Atlanta.

How to Find Current Half Marathons in Atlanta, GA

Because race calendars change, a practical approach is:

• Check the Atlanta Track Club event calendar for major city races.
• Look at local running shops’ bulletin boards and websites.
• Search for “Atlanta half marathon [year]” and verify:
  • Start/finish location
  • Course maps and elevation
  • Registration limits and deadlines

If you’re local, talking with other runners at Piedmont Park, BeltLine group runs, or park track workouts is also a quick way to learn which Atlanta half marathons people are currently training for.

Whether you’re aiming for a first 13.1 or looking to set a new personal best, Atlanta offers varied, challenging, and rewarding half marathon options. With hill-focused training, smart race-day planning, and a course that matches your goals, running a half marathon in Atlanta, GA can be a memorable way to experience the city on foot.