The Callaway Gardens Marathon course consists of two loops. It is entirely within the resort and passes along tree-lined roads and winding bike paths. You'll go past the Butterfly Center, Discovery Center, Sibley Horticultural Center, the Chapel, Brothers Azalea Bowl and The Vegetable Garden.
There are some challenging hills on this rolling course and the course slows when it turns onto the winding bike paths - especially on the second loop.
How does the Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens Rank?
The Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens was the 381st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 386th largest in 2022.
This year 4.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens the 306th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 95th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.91 ranks it as the 326th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest course in Georgia.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens a PR Score of 97.91. This PR Score ranks it as the 268th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 6th fastest in Georgia.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 921 feet (280m) Min Elevation: 753 feet (229m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens
View available accomodations around the Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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Recent Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens Reviews
Ellen from Houston Texas 's review of 2023 Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
It was an easy and calm run. I ran the full marathon and finished really strong. The nature kept me on a steady pace. There will uphills but the amount of downhill balanced the pace. It was the most quiet and intimate race I have so far in all my 9 full marathons. No official photography though. Packet pick up was really simple — just your bib, pick your own 4 pins, cotton shirt (no bag) and that's it. However, this race was less than $100; nature was priceless! Oh and the only race so far that didn't have a banana at the finish!
paj's review of 2017 Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
One of the most beautiful courses we've seen --- winding roads and bike paths through beautiful forests alongside small lakes. It's a double-loop but is so scenic that that's not an issue. Very well organized. Small (less than 100 marathoners, but a few hundred half-marathoners) very quiet, and almost no fan support, which some may prefer. An easy 85-minute drive from Atlanta. Temperatures were very cool---perfect for running.
Race Tips
Pacers available, good post-race food, sufficient aid stations (with Cerasport, and one with pickle juice!), and porta-potties on course.
Plentiful parking adjacent to start, very inexpensive lodging in Atlanta with AirBNB, flights to Atlanta from other major airports can be inexpensive.
BP's review of 2016 Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
2016 - A very well-organized race. Apparently, Callaway Gardens handed the event over to a new management company, because I did not experience any of the problems noted by past reviewers. The water stations were well-manned and well-stocked. Post-race snacks were plentiful, with the standard fruit, cookies, and even pizza. Not many spectators because it's basically a nature run, but the ones who happened along were enthusiastic. Weather was perfect - 32 degrees at the gun, 60 by the finish. I had a great time.
Race Tips
Rolling hills. Easy to go out too fast, but you want to save energy for the incline between miles 5-8 and 18-21.
Host hotel on property was a good deal, less than a mile from the start.
Greg H's review of 2010 Flowerfest Marathon at Callaway Gardens.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
I'd call this just an average marathon. It is two loops around the Callaway Gardens resort in winter. It's a small race (~100) plus the half marathoners. Usually had to grab my own cups at the aid stations. The people didn't hand them out. I really did like that the awards are given as you finish - you don't have to wait around for everyone to be done.
Race Tips
There are some pretty short steep climbs on the course that will wear on you. Also, a good part of the race takes place on narrow bike trails. These trails are often uneven and very curvy. Take it easy the first couple of downhill miles - they are deceptively fast and you'll be cooked by the time you hit the hilly sections. Once you hit the turn around at miles ~9 and 22 (I think) it is downhill and flat to the halfway and finish.
Stayed at the lodge and is pretty nice. You can walk to the start/finish from there. It will be dark though. Plenty of parking at the start/finish at Robin Lake.
4.5 Stars from 4 Reviews
