Atlanta Marathon Guide: How the Big Race Works in Atlanta, GA

The phrase “Atlanta Marathon” can refer to a few things: the city’s flagship marathon event, marathon-distance races held around metro Atlanta, and the broader marathon-running scene in the city. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning to run a 26.2-mile race here, this guide explains how it all works locally.

The Atlanta Marathon in a Nutshell

When people say “Atlanta Marathon,” they are usually talking about:

• A full 26.2-mile road race held on streets in and around the city
• A major organized event with road closures, water stations, and thousands of runners and spectators
• A race run by local organizations, especially the Atlanta Track Club, which is headquartered here

While exact dates, course routes, and branding can change over the years, Atlanta typically hosts:

• A marathon or marathon-distance event in or near downtown or Midtown
• Companion races like a half marathon, 5K, or relay
• A race expo and/or packet pickup in a central Atlanta location

Because race organizations sometimes update names and formats, it’s helpful to think in terms of where, when, and how these marathons work in Atlanta rather than focusing only on one fixed event name.

Who Puts on Major Marathons in Atlanta?

Atlanta Track Club

The central player in Atlanta’s distance-running scene is Atlanta Track Club:

• Location (office):
  Atlanta Track Club
  201 Armour Drive NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Phone: (404) 231-9064

The organization is known for:

• Managing many of the city’s largest road races
• Overseeing training programs for marathon and half marathon runners
• Coordinating course logistics with the City of Atlanta, GDOT, and local law enforcement

If you’re looking for official, up-to-date information on full or half marathons in Atlanta, Atlanta Track Club is usually the best first point of reference.

City and County Involvement

Marathons in Atlanta require coordination with:

• City of Atlanta (permits, road closures, public safety)
• Atlanta Police Department (traffic control and safety)
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) when highways or major state routes are involved

For residents and visitors, this means marathon routes are carefully planned but can change year to year, depending on construction, city events, and safety needs.

Typical Marathon Experience in Atlanta

While each year’s event details can differ, the core experience of an Atlanta marathon tends to have similar features.

Common Course Characteristics

Atlanta is hilly, and marathon courses here usually reflect that. You can expect:

• Rolling hills through Midtown, Downtown, and nearby neighborhoods
• Potential segments near landmarks like:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia State Capitol
  • Grant Park
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Piedmont Park
• Mixture of urban streets and scenic neighborhoods

Courses are USATF-measured for accuracy when they are promoted as official marathon events, meaning the distance is confirmed to be 26.2 miles.

Start and Finish Areas

Marathons in Atlanta frequently use high-capacity central locations, such as:

• Downtown Atlanta near major hotels and MARTA stations
• Areas close to Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center
• Midtown corridors with easy access to Peachtree Street, MARTA, and parking decks

Start/finish locations are selected to balance:

• Access to public transit (MARTA rail and bus)
• Large spaces for corrals, medical tents, and finish chutes
• Nearby parking garages and rideshare drop-off zones

Weather and Timing: What to Expect for an Atlanta Marathon

Time of Year

Full marathons in Atlanta are usually scheduled for cooler months when running 26.2 miles is more comfortable:

• Late fall
• Winter
• Early spring

This avoids the peak summer heat and humidity that Atlanta is known for, but conditions can still vary.

Typical Weather Factors

Marathon weather in Atlanta can include:

• Cool morning temperatures, often ideal for long-distance racing
• Chance of rain or light wind, especially in late fall or winter
• Occasionally warmer-than-expected days, so hydration planning still matters

Runners planning to travel for a marathon in Atlanta often arrive at least a day or two earlier to adjust to local weather and pick up race packets.

Registration, Costs, and Logistics

How Registration Usually Works

Most Atlanta marathons use online registration with:

• Tiered pricing (early, regular, late)
• Capacity limits to manage course congestion
• Options to switch from full to half (up to a certain date)

A typical registration process for an Atlanta marathon includes:

1. Selecting your race distance (full, half, 5K, etc.)
2. Providing emergency contact and basic health information
3. Choosing a predicted finish time for corral placement
4. Agreeing to waivers and event rules

Packet Pickup and Expo

Larger marathon events in Atlanta usually require in-person packet pickup, often at:

• A central Atlanta hotel
• A convention space near downtown or Midtown
• Occasionally at Atlanta Track Club locations or partner venues

You typically receive:

• Bib number with timing chip
• Safety pins
• Race instructions and course map
• Event shirt (if included)

Same-day pickup may or may not be offered, so confirming this in advance is important.

Getting to the Atlanta Marathon: Transportation Tips

Using MARTA

For many runners and spectators, MARTA is the easiest way to get to a marathon start or finish in Atlanta:

• MARTA Rail stations frequently used for race access:
  • Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)
  • Five Points Station (Downtown transit hub)
  • Civic Center Station (Downtown/Midtown border)
  • Midtown Station
  • North Avenue Station

Benefits of MARTA on race day:

• Avoiding road closures and detours
• No need to find or pay for parking near the start line
• Reliable early-morning service windows for major events

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Expect road closures along and near the marathon course
• Plan to park away from the start/finish area and walk or ride MARTA in
• Use parking decks in downtown and Midtown that are not inside closure zones

Checking race-day road closure maps in advance is key, especially if you live or work near the course.

Atlanta Neighborhood Impact: What Residents Should Know

If you live along or near a marathon route in Atlanta, expect:

• Road closures and lane reductions during race hours
• No-parking zones on key streets designated for the route
• Increased foot traffic and spectators

Typical accommodations include:

• Advance notices delivered to homes and businesses near the course
• Clear signage about towing zones and timing
• Coordination with APD to allow limited cross-traffic at certain points

Residents often:

• Plan errands around the event
• Use the marathon as an opportunity to spectate and support runners
• Arrange alternate routes for commuting if the event falls on a workday

Marathon Training Resources in Atlanta

If you’re planning to run a full marathon in Atlanta, local support can make training smoother.

Atlanta Track Club Training

Atlanta Track Club frequently offers:

• Group training programs for marathon and half marathon distances
• Scheduled long runs on Atlanta streets and trails
• Coaching guidance, pace groups, and educational sessions

These programs typically meet at various locations around the city, such as:

• Piedmont Park
• Areas near the Atlanta BeltLine
• Central meeting points in Midtown and surrounding neighborhoods

Popular Training Routes in Atlanta

Many local runners preparing for a marathon use:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Between Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Midtown
• Piedmont Park loops – For hill practice and safe, car-free mileage
• Peachtree Street corridor – To mimic typical Atlanta race terrain
• Silver Comet Trail (west of the city) – For long, relatively flat runs away from traffic

Each option offers a different mix of hills, scenery, and crowding. Many marathoners combine BeltLine segments with nearby streets to build distance.

Health, Safety, and Support on Race Day

On-Course Support

Most major marathons in Atlanta provide:

• Water and sports drink stations spaced along the course
• Medical tents or roving medical staff
• Portable restrooms at the start/finish and key points along the route

Atlanta’s hilly terrain and sometimes fluctuating temperatures mean pacing and hydration are particularly important.

Safety and Road Management

Expect to see:

• Atlanta Police Department officers at intersections
• Course marshals and volunteers guiding runners and spectators
• Barriers and cones separating runners from traffic

These measures are designed to protect both participants and residents while keeping key city access points functional.

Spectating an Atlanta Marathon

Watching an Atlanta marathon can be as structured or casual as you like.

Good spectating areas often include:

• Downtown stretches where runners pass by large buildings and hotels
• Neighborhood sections like Grant Park or Old Fourth Ward, where residents set up informal cheer zones
• Areas close to MARTA stations, so supporters can move around the course more easily

Spectators should plan for:

• Walking to designated viewing spots due to road closures
• Dressing for early-morning temperatures
• Bringing signs, cowbells, or other non-amplified noisemakers if they want to cheer loudly

Key Atlanta Contacts and Locations Related to Marathon Events

Here’s a quick reference for core entities and locations involved in marathon planning and logistics in Atlanta:

These offices and organizations are not “race organizers” (except Atlanta Track Club) but they shape how the marathon works in practice for both runners and residents.

How to Decide if an Atlanta Marathon Is Right for You

If you’re considering running a marathon in Atlanta:

• Assess your comfort with hills. Atlanta’s terrain is generally more rolling than flatter marathon cities.
• Think about weather tolerance. Cooler, potentially variable conditions are standard in marathon season.
• Look for local training options. Group support can help you adapt to Atlanta-specific routes and conditions.

If you live in Atlanta and simply want to understand the impact:

• Check race-day road closure maps once the event you’re interested in announces final details.
• Use MARTA or alternate routes if your normal drive crosses the course.
• Expect a temporary but noticeable increase in activity along the route, especially early in the morning.

Understanding these patterns makes it much easier to run, watch, or navigate the Atlanta Marathon experience, whether you’re a dedicated runner or just trying to get across town on race day.