Atlanta Marathon Reviews

  Prepare yourself for miles 18-21

By AH about 2018

Review

There is great support on this course from locals, but you NEED to train for hills if you're considering this race. Miles 18-21 go through North Druid Hills and Virginia Highlands, and the hills are nuts. It's also important not to go too fast during the first half so that you can have enough energy for the rest of the race.

Race Tips

The weather has been different for the three years that I've done this race, so make sure that you have sunscreen, salt pills, a throwaway jacket, and something to wear afterward. Also, make sure that you have your own chews/gels because they only have one station for CLIF gels that is at mile 20.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The host hotel for the marathon offers great discounts, so try to stay at that hotel. If you don't, then take Marta because parking can be pricey, and it's hard to find any free parking in Atlanta. I'd arrive an hour-45 mins early so that you don't get stuck in a huge line for gear check/porta pottys. And make sure that you put all of your gear in the plastic bag that they give you at the expo, because they won't accept any gear that isn't in that bag.

  Tough hills but great support

By TS about 2016

Review

Great tour of Atlanta.

Race Tips

Tough hills but great support in good weather.

  Hills. Hills. Hills

By GS about 2013

Review

Whew! Hills. Hills. Hills. If you like them, this course has them. They aren't really big, but there is no flat section of the course. You are always up or down.

Race Tips

Save your energy for the last part of the race. If you go out too hard, the constant hills just seem to get bigger and bigger at the end.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

We stayed right downtown close to the start/finish line at Centennial Park. Very easy to get to the start.

  Hilly and challenging

By Anonymous about 2011

Review

A very well run marathon. US Sports & Entertainment Group (13.1 group) took it over recently. There really aren't a lot of marathoners, but there are A LOT of half marathoners-10,000, i think.

Race Tips

I love this race course. It is challenging in spots because of the hills, but really showcases some of the Atlanta area. Save yourself for the second half. It is a lot harder than the first half.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Start/Finish are in Centennial Olympic Park. There is parking around the event, but if you don't know the area well, I'd recommend taking MARTA in. The past couple of years MARTA has changed their hours to accommodate the the early race start. Plenty of hotels surrounding the park as well for out-of-towners.