Hills, hills, hills. There aren't many flat sections along the Atlanta Marathon course. The constant rolling hills can make PRs and BQs a challenge on this course that takes you past some of Atlanta's most important monuments, stadiums and neighborhoods
The Atlanta Marathon was the 55th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 63rd largest in 2022.
This year 5.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 4.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Atlanta Marathon the 362nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 267th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 96.84 ranks it as the 383rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 12th 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 Atlanta Marathon a PR Score of 96.84. This PR Score ranks it as the 343rd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 10th fastest in Georgia.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Atlanta Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1070 feet (326m) Min Elevation: 880 feet (268m)
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.
Race Tips
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.
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.
Race Tips
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.
Anonymous's review of 2011 Atlanta Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
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.
Race Tips
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.
4.5 Stars from 4 Reviews
