The Jekyll Island Marathon course showcases the natural beauty of the island and take runners past historic landmarks. Runners will pass under the canopies of the majestic live oaks, past the beauty of the salt marshes, and wide open beaches. The course will also transport runners to an earlier time when they pass through the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark. This landmark is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States and attracts visitors from around the world.
The Jekyll Island Marathon is the only marathon held on any of the Georgia barrier islands.
The Jekyll Island Marathon was the 188th largest marathon in the U.S. last year.
This year 11.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 14.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Jekyll Island Marathon the 112th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 128th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.51 ranks it as the 101st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd 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 Jekyll Island Marathon a PR Score of 99.51. This PR Score ranks it as the 68th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Georgia.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Jekyll Island Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 25 feet (7m) Min Elevation: 4 feet (1m)
Likes:
- Good Weather
- Scenic Route
- Flat/Fast Course
Dislikes:
- Poor course navigation signage
- Too few timing mats out on the course
- Small race so can be lonely out on the course
- Expo is just a bib pickup with zero vendors
Race Tips
Cambered roads can be tough on the legs.
There is a section on the course where you are running on a sandy beach path.