Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Reviews

  A well Organized fun marathon!

By Craig about 2024

Review

This was a well-run small marathon with an excellent scenic and historic course (not the fastest course, but an honest/ challenging one). Overall, it was a fun and pleasant experience. I have recommended this marathon to all running buddies. The organizers did a great job.

I now understand why many runners from Atlanta and the rest of Georgia told me to run this marathon or Savannah. Overall, it was a great value with the hotels and restaurant's being fairly priced.

Race Tips

You start with the half marathoners so the first mile is crowded. The race profile says there were 882 feet of climbing (my Garmin measured 892) however, there was only one small hill that broke my stride. This did not feel like a hilly marathon. I was surprised at the end that it had 882'. Miles 4 to 8 and miles 16 to 20 had the most elevation gain. I would save something. There are several out and back sections so be prepared for that if you do not like those sections.

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

There are many reasonably priced hotels in the area. I stayed about 15 minutes away and chose to donate $5 and park at the catholic church one block away. The church had flush toilets inside with minimal wait.

  Great event

By ESA about 2024

Review

I've been preparing for a couple of marathons next year but I wanted a test run to address any issues. This race was 15 minutes away so I signed up last minute.

The National Battlefield Park is an ideal setting. I'll probably use it for long runs in the future.

The race is well organized and while you're never isolated it's rarely crowded. Water stations every two miles. Bring your own nutrition as the offerings aren't sufficient to rely on.

It has hills but no bad hills. I don't think I'd have difficulty running a BQ there next year.

Post-race offerings are rather sparse.

I recommend it for the convenience, low price, and nice course. It's a very good small marathon.

Race Tips

Bring your own gels.

  Beautiful rolling course + small race charm

By Matt about 2018

Review

High 20s wind chill and temps in the 30s throughout made for a gorgeous day for a two loop run around a fantastically fair course.

Didn't see any of the advertised marathon pacers but field was small enough to get into a groove and cruise. Well supported course. Most of the loop is alongside the half participants, but there are a few sections where marathoners diverge from the pack.

It sounded like a train may have delayed a few marathoners, which was bad luck. There's a small portion of the course that run over and back some tracks.

Race Tips

335 finishers in 2018 that saw a very chilly Remarkably flat / gently rolling course to be so close to the mountains. The uphills and downhills were enough to work the different muscles but not super challenging as I train on the hills of metro Atlanta. The double loop means you know what awaits in the final miles. The scenery is spectacular and it’s easy to run tangents with little course traffic along a two lane road. Nice shuttle for spectators, great volunteers at aid stations, incredible small town race vibe but it’s a really well produced event.

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

Downtown Chattanooga hotels are only 15 minutes away. I left the hotel at 5:55 am and was parked 100 yards from the start by 6:15 or so.

  

By Anonymous about 2018

Review

The course is beautiful and peaceful. It's good if you like small marathons and don't mind minimal fan support. The hills were manageable but definitely felt harder on the second loop. I don't think it's a PR course, but it was a cool experience.

Race Tips

I stayed in nearby Chattanooga and got to the race early (6:15am) so that I could park at the start/finish area, so I could stay warm before and after the race in my car. This worked out well.

  Best Marathon Yet!

By JLM about 2017

Review

If you like smallish marathons (300 or so runners) in a beautiful surroundings, this is a great choice. It is not flat, but the gently rolling topography is very manageable. The double-loop course helps you know what to expect in the later half of the race, but the scenery is so lovely you won't mind seeing it twice. Add outstanding volunteers, great course support, and a spectator shuttle to help your family cheer you on throughout the race, and you have one spectacular experience. Early to mid-November in north GA also gives you a fighting chance at great marathon weather, as we had this year. This was my fifth marathon and by far the most enjoyable overall.

Race Tips

As I mentioned the course is a double loop. The only hill of any significance is toward the back end of the loop, so once you have topped that, the most you'll have is some incline here and there.

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

Get to the start area early; parking fills up quickly. Also, Fort Oglethorpe is a small town, so plan ahead if you need hotel accommodations.

  

By tk about 2015

  

By TK about 2015

Review

Great, well organized race! The weather is always cold and the course is scenic. Rolling hills, but nothing too big if you are trained for them.

  

By EMR about 2013

Review

Very pretty two loop course thru the Chickamauga Battlefield. Small to mid-size (400 in full; 800 in half) race that is well organized. Only real complaint is traffic getting into the race. I was almost 90 minutes early and still spent 25 minutes going the final 4 blocks.

Plenty of water stops, all w/ sports drink. I didn't see any gel but I did see some fruit and candy. The course is well marked and there's virtually no traffic.
Very few fans but the race does shuttle folks out to spots on the course so you get a few nice pockets of cheering. First timers get a framed certificate acknowledging their accomplishment. Nice touch!!

Race Tips

As a two loop course you know what to expect when fatigue sets in. There are many rollers but I feel they are of the type that help you since you use different muscles not the steep kind that kick your butt. I ran my fastest race in years so I think its a fast course.

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

I stayed in Chattanooga TN which is only about 15 minutes away. As I said get there early. Parking is close to start line so you can relax and stay warm in your car. There was a pasta dinner @ the church where the expo was held but I didn't eat there.