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.
How does the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Rank?
The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon was the 157th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 170th largest in 2022.
This year 7.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 8.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon the 235th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 196th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.99 ranks it as the 323rd 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 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon a PR Score of 97.99. This PR Score ranks it as the 266th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 6th fastest in Georgia.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 792 feet (241m) Min Elevation: 689 feet (210m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
View available accomodations around the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon in 4:43:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
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ESA's review of 2024 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
Craig's review of 2024 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
Anonymous's review of 2018 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
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.
Matt's review of 2018 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
JLM's review of 2017 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
