Atlanta Half Marathon Guide: Races, Routes, and What to Expect in the City

Running a half marathon in Atlanta means hills, city energy, and a strong local running community. Whether you’re eyeing the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving, looking for other 13.1-mile options, or visiting and want to train on local routes, this guide walks you through how half marathons work in Atlanta and how to make the most of them.

The Atlanta Half Marathon at a Glance

When people say “Atlanta Half Marathon,” they most often mean the Thanksgiving Day half marathon organized by Atlanta Track Club. It’s one of the city’s signature races and draws runners from across the metro area and beyond.

While specific details can change year to year, here’s what this race is typically like:

• Distance: 13.1 miles
• Timing: Morning of Thanksgiving Day
• Location: Central Atlanta (course has included areas around downtown, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods)
• Organizer:Atlanta Track Club
  • Office: One Atlantic Center, 1201 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1750, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • General info: Often available via their public phone line or email listed on their official site

The Atlanta Half Marathon is known for:

• Cooler late-fall weather compared with summer races
• A festive, family-oriented atmosphere (with shorter distances and kids’ races often held the same day)
• A challenging but manageable course with Atlanta’s signature rolling hills

If you live in Atlanta, this race often becomes a yearly tradition. If you’re visiting, it can be a memorable way to experience the city’s neighborhoods on foot.

Other Popular Half Marathons in Atlanta

Atlanta hosts several 13.1-mile races throughout the year. Names and sponsors can shift, but these are common race types you’ll see on the local calendar:

1. Winter / Early-Spring Half Marathons

Often held between January and March, these races give you:

• Cooler temperatures
• A chance to build off New Year’s resolutions
• Courses that may run through Midtown, downtown, or nearby suburbs

Many local events are organized or supported by:

• Atlanta Track Club
• Local running stores and community groups

2. Spring and Fall Half Marathons

Spring and fall are ideal running seasons here:

• Milder weather than summer
• Often combined with 5K/10K events and post-race festivals
• Routes that may include Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, or intown neighborhoods

Check local event calendars, Atlanta Track Club, and major Atlanta parks’ event listings to find current half marathons each year.

What Makes Half Marathons in Atlanta Unique?

Atlanta half marathons have a few common themes:

Hills, Not Mountains—but You’ll Feel Them

Atlanta isn’t flat. Expect:

• Rolling hills rather than steep mountains
• Gradual climbs that can wear you down if you start too fast
• A mix of short, punchy uphills and long, gentle grades

Many half marathon courses in Atlanta include:

• Midtown and downtown stretches that roll gently
• Occasional bridge or underpass climbs
• Neighborhood sections with more frequent elevation changes

City Scenery and Neighborhood Flavor

Depending on the race, you might see:

• Downtown landmarks: State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park
• Midtown skyline views near Peachtree Street and 10th Street
• Historic neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and local spectators
• Parks and greenways like Piedmont Park or BeltLine segments on some events

The mix of urban views and neighborhood streets keeps things visually interesting, which many runners find helpful in a longer race.

Weather Considerations

Atlanta weather can change quickly, so race planning often takes this into account:

• November (Atlanta Half Marathon):
  • Typically cool mornings; can range from chilly to mild
  • Layering is often recommended at the start line
• Winter races:
  • Cold mornings are common, occasionally near freezing
• Spring & fall races:
  • Comfortable temps but can be humid
• Summer half marathons (less common but not unheard of):
  • Heat and humidity are major concerns
  • Races often start very early and emphasize hydration

Race organizers in Atlanta usually provide water and electrolyte stations at regular intervals and clear guidance on heat or weather adjustments.

Registration, Timing, and Logistics in Atlanta

How Registration Typically Works

For the Atlanta Half Marathon and similar local races, expect:

• Online registration with tiered pricing (earlier registration usually costs less)
• Options for:
  • Half marathon
  • Shorter distances (10K, 5K, 1-mile, kids’ fun runs)
• Deadlines often a week or more before race day, though some events may offer limited late or expo registration

You’ll typically choose:

• Estimated finish time
• Whether you want a timed bib (chip timing)
• Your shirt size or race gear option, when available

Race Packet Pickup

Most Atlanta half marathons require packet pickup before the race:

Common patterns:

• Race expo or pickup at a central location in the days before the race
• Sometimes race-morning pickup for smaller events

Your race packet usually includes:

• Bib number (with timing chip if used)
• Safety pins or bib fasteners
• Race-day information and course details
• Event shirt or other items, if offered

Larger events may hold packet pickup at:

• Downtown or Midtown event spaces
• Running stores or community facilities

Always check the event’s official race information for exact addresses and hours.

Getting to the Start Line in Atlanta

Parking and transportation can make or break race morning. Atlanta offers several options:

MARTA (Public Transit)

For races near downtown or Midtown, MARTA is often the easiest choice:

• Major stations runners often use:
  • Peachtree Center Station (downtown)
  • Five Points Station (downtown)
  • North Avenue Station (near Midtown/downtown border)
  • Midtown Station
• MARTA Headquarters (for general info):
  • 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Customer Service (typical public line): 404-848-5000

Races often encourage public transit by:

• Providing station recommendations in pre-race emails
• Timing start times so trains align reasonably with arrivals

Driving and Parking

Race organizers typically:

• Identify official parking decks or lots
• Provide maps and entry instructions
• Warn about road closures near the course

If you drive:

• Arrive early—road closures can start well before the race
• Consider parking slightly farther from the start line and walking in to avoid traffic bottlenecks
• Carpool if possible to reduce parking stress

Course Layout and Support: What to Expect

While every race is different, Atlanta half marathons typically feature:

Marked Course and Mile Indicators

• Clearly marked mile markers or kilometer signs
• Volunteers at turns, major intersections, and key points
• Police or traffic control for road closures or lane reductions

Aid Stations

Standard support often includes:

• Water at multiple points along the route
• Electrolyte drink at select or most aid stations
• Volunteers handing out cups
• Medical staff or first-aid tents at the start, finish, and sometimes along the course

Larger events may also offer:

• Portable restrooms near the start and finish, plus occasionally on course
• SAG or sweep support for slower participants, depending on time limits

Time Limits and Cutoffs

Many Atlanta half marathons set a course time limit to accommodate road closures and city logistics.

Common patterns:

• Anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to finish 13.1 miles, though ranges vary
• Pace typically around 13–18 minutes per mile, depending on the event

If you are a walker or a slower runner, check:

• Official posted time limits
• Whether the race offers walker-friendly waves or guidance

Popular Training Spots for Half Marathons in Atlanta

Living or staying in Atlanta gives you several good training options if you’re preparing for a half marathon:

The Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside & Westside Trails)

• Long, paved, multi-use path with gentle grades
• Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, and toward Piedmont Park via connecting paths
• Great for:
  • Long runs with fewer traffic interruptions
  • Practicing pacing
  • Mixing in some hills via connecting streets and side neighborhoods

Piedmont Park

• Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Features:
  • Paved and gravel trails
  • Rolling hills and flat segments
  • Water fountains and restrooms in several areas
• Ideal for:
  • Shorter loops with varied terrain
  • Hill work combined with more relaxed stretches

Chastain Park, Grant Park, and Local Neighborhood Loops

Neighborhood parks and surrounding streets offer:

• Quiet, residential roads for early morning or evening runs
• Varied hills that mimic what you’ll see in many Atlanta races

When training on streets:

• Use sidewalks where available
• Be aware of traffic, driveways, and intersections
• Use reflective gear and lights in low visibility

Joining Local Running Groups and Programs

Atlanta has an active running community, which can make half marathon training easier and more enjoyable.

Atlanta Track Club Programs

Atlanta Track Club frequently organizes:

• Training programs targeted to specific races (including the Atlanta Half Marathon and other local events)
• Group runs from central locations in the metro area
• Coaching guidance on pacing, mileage build-up, and realistic goals

Their office is in Midtown:

• One Atlantic Center
  1201 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1750
  Atlanta, GA 30309

Running Stores and Community Groups

Many Atlanta-area running stores and clubs host:

• Weekly group runs
• Seasonal half marathon training groups
• Informal meetups at parks or BeltLine segments

These can help you:

• Learn local routes
• Get a feel for Atlanta’s hills and climate in a supportive group
• Stay motivated over several months of training

Planning Your Training Timeline in Atlanta

For a half marathon like the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving:

• Newer runners:
  • Many choose 10–14 weeks of structured training
• Intermediate/experienced runners:
  • Often 8–10 weeks of focused work on top of a base level of fitness

Key Atlanta-specific considerations:

• If your race is in late fall (Thanksgiving):
  • You’ll train through late summer and fall, so be prepared for heat and humidity early in your training
  • Longer runs might start very early to avoid midday heat
• If your race is in late winter or early spring:
  • You’ll run in cooler weather, but mornings can be chilly or damp

Common elements in half marathon training:

• 2–4 runs per week, depending on your experience
• Gradually increasing long run (often peaking around 10–12 miles)
• Easy runs, plus optional hills or tempo runs for more advanced runners
• At least one rest or very low-impact day each week

For health or medical questions related to training, it’s best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional familiar with your individual situation.

Race-Day Tips Specific to Atlanta

A few local details can make your Atlanta half marathon smoother:

1. Plan for Hills

• Keep your early miles conservative; many runners go out too fast on the downhills and pay for it later.
• Use a steady, shorter stride on climbs instead of powering up too hard.

2. Hydrate Smart in Humid Conditions

Even when it doesn’t feel extremely hot:

• Humidity can make running feel harder
• Use water stations regularly
• Many runners carry a small handheld bottle or wear a hydration belt in warmer months

3. Factor in Traffic and Road Closures

• Check race communications for which streets are closed or partially closed
• If friends or family plan to spectate, share:
  • Recommended viewing areas
  • Which cross-streets are open
  • The best MARTA stops for access

4. Allow Extra Time for MARTA and Parking

• Trains may be busier than usual on race mornings near downtown and Midtown
• Parking decks near the start can fill quickly
• Aim to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before your start time to:
  • Use restrooms
  • Drop gear, if available
  • Get into your wave or corral

Quick Reference: Key Atlanta Half Marathon Essentials

If you live in Atlanta, the half marathon scene can keep you busy almost year-round, with the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving as a major anchor event. If you’re visiting, planning around one of these races is a practical way to see the city’s streets, parks, and skyline up close while joining thousands of local runners on the road.