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Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon

Chickamauga, GA
Saturday, November 14, 2026


  4.9 Stars from 9 Reviews

Course Description
The mostly paved, double loop Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon can be challenging because of the rolling hills. However, with only about 110 feet separating the high and low points of the course, most of the hills are small.

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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, November 14, 2026
2025: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 53°F (11°C)
Average High: 64°F (17°C)
Average Low: 41° F (5°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.99
Course Score: 97.99

Race Size

2025: 352 Finishers
2024: 282 Finishers
2023: 344 Finishers
2022: 270 Finishers
2021: 249 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 3.4%
2024: 7.8%
2023: 8.1%
2022: 8.9%
2021: 10.4%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 65°F  (18°C)
Low: 43°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 87%

Clear
N 4 mph

PR Score

97.81

Course Score

98.17






Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon was the 186th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 198th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 3.4% of Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 7.8% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon ranked 349th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 211th in 2024. In Georgia, it ranked 8th in 2025 and 5th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon has a Course Score of 97.99, ranking it as the 348th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th fastest marathon course in Georgia.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon a PR Score of 97.99. The PR Score ranks the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon as the 285th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in Georgia.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Georgia for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed348th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 7th fastest marathon course in Georgia
Top 75% Nationally#7 of 11 in Georgia
PR Potential285th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in Georgia
Top 62% Nationally#5 of 11 in Georgia
Boston Qualifier Rate349th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 8th highest BQ percentage in Georgia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 74% Nationally#8 of 11 in Georgia
Race Size186th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Georgia
Based on 2025 results
Top 32% Nationally#3 of 11 in Georgia

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 791 feet (241m)
Min Elevation: 681 feet (207m)

Elevation Gain: 940 feet (286m)
Elevation Loss: 940 feet (286m)


Chickamauga

Course updated 06/25/2026




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Race Reviews


4.9
Based on 9 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Chickamauga Battlefield Races: Bucket list one of a kind venue, event, and SWAG

Full Review:

Running inside the nation’s first and largest national military park is special. The full and half run together the first 12 miles then the marathon peals off for a second, slightly different loop. Well marked, certified (BQ) courses with aid stations every two miles with smiling volunteers. Fair course with gentle rollers. Mostly shaded on paved roads. Welcoming race village at the start and finish. All the elements of a much larger race with the easy access and benefits of a smaller (1500) event.

Race Tips:

Expect gentle rollers on paved roads through forests surrounded by monuments and nature (fall colors, deer and turkey). Since runners basically take over the park, expect minimal on course spectators. Be ready for the cannon blast start. Over a dozen pace groups for both the marathon and half marathon. Generous 6.5 hour cut off, even for the half marathon. Homemade finisher soups and food including vegan and my favorite cold chocolate milk (lactose free even) at the finish. Plenty to keep my family occupied at race village and bouncy houses for the kids. Even virtual tracking for them to follow me on the course so I could chill listening to the music.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Quick check in, especially on Friday afternoon Chattanooga with tons of places to stay, eat, and play is just 20 minutes away.

Arrive by 6:15am parking minutes walk to race village.

Visit the Visitors center at the park to soak in the history.
Reviewed by ML About 2025

Great event

Full 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.
Reviewed by ESA About 2024

A well Organized fun marathon!

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Craig About 2024

Full 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.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2018

Beautiful rolling course + small race charm

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Matt About 2018

Best Marathon Yet!

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by JLM About 2017

Full 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.
Reviewed by TK About 2015

Full Review:

Reviewed by tk About 2015

Full 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.

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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by EMR About 2013