Marathons in Atlanta, GA: Your Complete Guide to Races, Routes, and Training in the City

Searching for “Marathon Atlanta GA” usually means one of three things:
you want to run a marathon in Atlanta, you’re looking for local race options, or you’re trying to understand how marathon training works in this city’s hills, heat, and traffic.

This guide walks you through the major Atlanta marathons and long-distance events, what makes running here unique, where to train, and how to plan if you live in or are visiting Atlanta, Georgia.

Major Marathon & Distance Events in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta doesn’t have dozens of full marathons each year, but it does have signature long-distance events and an extremely active running community. Many runners here build up with half marathons, 10Ks, and relays.

1. Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon

One of the most recognizable marathon events connected to Atlanta is the Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon, typically held in late winter.

What to know:

• Location: Central Atlanta (routes often include areas like Downtown, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods)
• Distances: Full marathon, half marathon, and shorter options depending on the year’s format
• Terrain: Hilly, with rolling climbs and descents through city neighborhoods
• Vibe: Large, city-focused event with a mix of local runners and visitors

This race highlights Atlanta’s urban character: tree-lined streets, historic areas, big-city views, and plenty of hills. It’s a popular choice for residents who want a “home city marathon” and for visitors who want a destination race in Georgia’s capital.

2. Atlanta Half Marathons & Other Big Races

If your search for “Marathon Atlanta GA” includes long-distance runs short of 26.2 miles, Atlanta offers multiple high-profile events:

• Atlanta Half Marathons (various) – Including seasonal halves often tied to major racing weekends
• AJC Peachtree Road Race (10K) – Not a marathon, but one of the most famous Atlanta races and a milestone for many runners building toward longer distances
• Thanksgiving and holiday races – Popular as training benchmarks for marathon plans

Many Atlanta runners use these races as stepping stones: 10Ks and half marathons fit naturally into marathon training cycles and give you a feel for Atlanta race conditions (humidity, hills, pacing in crowds).

The Atlanta Running Environment: What Makes It Unique

Running a marathon in Atlanta, GA is different from flatter or cooler cities. When planning your race or training block here, be aware of:

Hills, Hills, and More Hills

Atlanta is known for its rolling terrain. Expect:

• Long, gradual climbs through neighborhoods
• Shorter, steeper hills in certain areas
• Little truly flat running, especially near Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Buckhead

For marathon training, that means:

• Incorporating hill repeats
• Doing tempo runs on rolling routes, not just flat paths
• Practicing downhill running technique to protect your knees and quads

Heat and Humidity

Even outside of summer, Atlanta can feel warm and humid compared with many other marathon cities.

Key implications:

• Early morning runs are often safer and more comfortable
• Hydration and electrolyte planning matter, especially for long runs
• Many local runners shift harder workouts to cooler months and adjust pace expectations in the heat

Traffic and Urban Layout

Atlanta is car-heavy and spread out, so:

• Not every street is ideal for running
• Sidewalks can be inconsistent outside core neighborhoods
• You may rely on parks, greenways, and designated paths for safer long runs

Because of that, most marathon runners in Atlanta build their training around a few go-to running locations.

Best Places to Train for a Marathon in Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, GA and training for 26.2, these are some of the most practical spots for your long runs and workouts.

1. Atlanta BeltLine Eastside & Westside Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine has several paved, multi-use trails that are extremely popular with runners.

Highlights:

• Eastside Trail: Connects areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, and Midtown
• Westside Trail: Runs through West End and surrounding neighborhoods
• Paved, relatively well-lit in many sections
• Easy access to water fountains, restrooms (in some parks and businesses), and public transit in nearby areas

The BeltLine won’t give you a 20-mile route without some creative looping, but it’s excellent for medium-long runs, tempo efforts, and recovery runs.

2. Piedmont Park

Location: Near Midtown Atlanta, main access around 10th Street NE & Charles Allen Drive NE.

Why marathoners use it:

• Multiple paved and gravel loops with varied terrain
• Rolling hills that mirror Atlanta race conditions
• Good for shorter loops you can repeat to reach longer distances
• Access to restrooms, water, and open areas for stretching or drills

Piedmont Park is especially helpful for early morning or after-work runs if you live or stay near Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Old Fourth Ward.

3. Chastain Park

Location: North Buckhead/Sandy Springs area, around W Wieuca Rd NW & Powers Ferry Rd NW.

Features:

• A popular approximately 3-mile loop around the park
• Moderately hilly terrain
• Sidewalks and park paths good for laps and hillier long runs

Chastain is a favorite for runners in north Atlanta who want a convenient loop for regular training miles.

4. Silver Comet Trail (Just Outside the City)

Location: Trailhead commonly accessed near Mavell Road SE in Smyrna, west of central Atlanta.

Why it’s popular for marathon training:

• Long, paved rail-trail stretching well beyond metro Atlanta
• Far fewer street crossings than city streets
• Generally flatter than in-town routes
• Ideal for 20+ mile long runs without heavy traffic concerns

Many Atlanta marathoners will drive to the Silver Comet Trail on weekends for big long runs, then use in-town hills for weekday workouts.

Sample Marathon Training-Friendly Spots in Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview of where people commonly train for Atlanta marathons:

Atlanta Running Clubs and Community Resources

Being part of a running community in Atlanta makes marathon prep easier, especially for long runs and staying motivated.

Local Running Clubs and Groups

Across the Atlanta metro, you’ll find:

• Neighborhood-based run clubs meeting on weeknights
• Weekend long-run groups that rotate locations
• Social runs from local running specialty stores
• Training programs that build up to half marathons and marathons

Many Atlantans join group runs in areas like Midtown, Decatur, West Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Buckhead, especially on weekend mornings.

Where to Start Looking for Group Runs

When you’re in Atlanta, you can:

• Check local running store bulletin boards and event calendars
• Ask at in-town shops about weekly group runs
• Look for social media or community boards that list runs by neighborhood

Group training is especially useful for:

• Pacing support on long runs
• Getting familiar with new routes
• Learning how other local runners handle Atlanta’s climate and terrain

Planning Your Marathon Schedule Around Atlanta’s Seasons

If you’re choosing when to run a marathon in or from Atlanta, timing matters.

Winter and Early Spring (Popular Marathon Season)

For many Atlanta runners, late winter and early spring are prime marathon months:

• Cooler temperatures for long runs
• Lower humidity than summer
• Major local events often scheduled around this time

It’s common to see runners in December through March building up mileage on the BeltLine, Silver Comet, and local parks for big races.

Summer and Early Fall

Summers in Atlanta are:

• Hot and humid, often with high heat indices
• Challenging for long-distance race efforts
• More suited to base building, shorter races, or adjusting pace expectations

Runners who train through an Atlanta summer typically:

• Run earlier in the morning
• Choose shadier routes (parks, tree-lined neighborhoods)
• Take hydration and rest seriously on long-run days

Marathons held elsewhere in the fall may still be trained for in Atlanta; many locals simply adjust their pace and schedule to adapt to the weather.

Tips for Visiting Runners Coming to Atlanta for a Marathon

If you’re traveling to Atlanta, GA to run a marathon or long-distance race, a few local-specific adjustments can help.

1. Arrive Early if Possible

Try to get into Atlanta a day or two before your race so you can:

• Adjust to the climate and humidity
• Do a short, easy shakeout run near your hotel or in a nearby park
• Familiarize yourself with transportation, race start area, and parking or transit options

2. Respect the Hills

Even if your home city is flat, Atlanta’s hills will be part of your race:

• Include a few short hill strides or easy hill repeats in your final tune-up runs in the city
• On race day, plan to ease up on climbs and use the downhills to gently regain time
• Don’t let the early miles feel too easy—Atlanta’s late-race hills can be draining if you go out too fast

3. Hydration and Clothing Choices

Because Atlanta weather can be unpredictable:

• Prepare for anything from chilly mornings to mild, humid conditions
• Bring layers you can remove at the start if it’s cold
• Take advantage of aid stations for fluids, especially if the day is warm

Practical Next Steps if You Want to Run a Marathon in Atlanta, GA

Whether you live in the city or are planning a trip, here’s a straightforward approach:

1. Pick Your Target Race

   • Consider a Publix Atlanta Marathon weekend or another major marathon event connected to the city.
   • If you’re not ready for 26.2, start with an Atlanta half marathon or 10K.

2. Choose Your Core Training Routes

   • Use Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, Chastain Park, and neighborhood loops for weekday runs.
   • Use the Silver Comet Trail or similar longer paths for weekend long runs.

3. Join Local Runs When Possible

   • Look for neighborhood run clubs or running store group runs to make long miles easier and safer.

4. Plan Around Atlanta’s Climate

   • For a winter/early spring marathon, start structured training in the fall.
   • For a fall race elsewhere, plan carefully for summer heat and humidity during your build.

5. Test Race Conditions with Local Events

   • Use Atlanta 10Ks and half marathons as tune-up races to practice pacing, fueling, and hills.

By understanding how marathons and long-distance running work specifically in Atlanta, GA—from race options to routes, climate, and community—you can build a plan that fits the city instead of fighting it, whether you’re a resident or just in town to conquer 26.2 miles.