Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
The course was hilly but really nice! It takes you through a lot of historic spots and landmarks in Atlanta, goes through some beautiful parks, and the crowd support was great. The weather around this time of year can be unpredictable but typically pretty nice for a marathon.
Definitely train for the hills! If you're local to Atlanta, ATC has a training program specific to this race that lets you preview the course and prepares you specifically for the marathon or half marathon. I found that really helpful.
If you can, try to stay at the Signia right by the home depot backyard. You won't have to worry about parking or transportation because it's literally right in front of the start and finish line.
Inexcusable that the course was short. No refund offered. Only a future race. Atlanta track is embarrassing. Don't sign up for this race
The course is hilly as advertised. Organization is good, not great, but good enough that it doesn't cause problems.
But in 2025 the course was short, and that's simply unforgivable. They offered a complementary future race entry, but that's of no value to people from out of town who spent money on flights and hotels. I'd avoid this race for several years until they prove they can get the distance right.
Excellent organization from start to finish with great crowds along the circuit. As many have stated, hills are the theme here and you need to train for them - otherwise it'll bite ya. Weather was phenomenal with temps around mid 30s to start.
Try and stick with your pace marker and do not underestimate the elevation changes. Nothing like running up a hill for a good stretch and then making a turn to only find more hill!
Live in the ATL and found uber to be efficient. Arrived an hour before start time and had enough time to use restroom, check out expo, and stretch.
Great organization and weather.
You NEED to train Hills, if not this race will kill you.
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.
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.
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.
Great tour of Atlanta.
Tough hills but great support in good weather.
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.
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.
We stayed right downtown close to the start/finish line at Centennial Park. Very easy to get to the start.
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.
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.
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.