If you’ve never taken the opportunity to visit the Peach State, this is your chance. There will be no shortage of interesting sites as it’s home to Martin Luther King Jr., the Masters Golf Tourney, and Blackbeard the infamous pirate captain. You can take all of it in while competing in one of the best half marathons in Georgia.
Chick-Fil-A Connect Half Marathon-Athens
Athens, Georgia is the home of Chick-Fil-A. As such, it hosts the Chick-Fil-A Connect Half Marathon every April. The race is USATF certified which means that you can use your race time to qualify for events like the New York Marathon or Peachtree! The registration fee for this race is $50, but keep in mind that this is a non-profit race that benefits Habitat of Humanity of Athens. Get registered today!
The Course
Turn by turn directions for the course are available on the course website. Many runners commented on the hills on this course. While training for this race, it would be in your best interest to throw some incline training into your routine. The majority of the hills on this course are small, but they will prove to be an unwanted challenge if you aren’t prepared for them.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“It’s Athens. If you haven’t run in Athens, it’s hilly. There’s no way around it. But the race crew did a great job at improving the course to lessen the severity of the hills and make them more manageable. Most of the hills were in the first 7 miles, which made it a lot better for me. But don’t go into this race expecting it to be flat, or easy, because it isn’t.”-Courtney Jackson, bibrave.com
“The course was scenic, we went through the University of Georgia’s campus and around Athens. At one point in the race they were parachuting stuffed cows off a bridge. I got one and it was my guardian cow throughout the race.”-Samatha Andrews, bibrave.com
Chickamauga Battlefield Half Marathon- Fort Oglethorpe
This November marks the 7th anniversary of the Fort Oglethorpe’s Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon. Each year, over 1,000 runners meet at one of Georgia’s most historic Civil War battlefield sites. The Battle of Chickamauga is considered the bloodiest two-day battle of the Civil War. Around 4,000 Confederate and Union soldiers lost their lives on this battlefield in September of 1863. Learn more here.
The Course
The half marathon follows an out-and-back loop which winds through the a memorial park with over 1,400 memorials and other monuments. The races starts and finishes near the 6th Cavalry Museum. The course includes a good deal of hills, and while difficult, the hills are not considered to be overly challenging. November is considered one of the rainier months in Fort Oglethorpe so don’t be surprised if Mother Nature rains on your race. The average temperature is usually between 40 and 61 degrees–in my opinion, perfect running weather.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“This is a race with spectacular setting or a race that keeps you honest. With a 700+ gain in elevation it constantly moves you up and down rolling hills. Nothing of great magnitude like Antietam battle field marathon but still lets your legs know its not flat. Well organized, great weather in 2016 and the course made for a memorable race. Nice medal and tech shirt.”-p.e., Marathonguide.com
“Loved the swag and post-race food. 1st time marathoners got a framed certificate. There were plenty of port a johns at the start and there was also a race day packet pick-up in a heated tent. A cannon was the start of the race, perfect for the battlefield. I liked the course, really pretty. Very chilly the morning of so dress in layers. The two loop course through the battlefield was not the easiest; there were hills and it was a little confusing at times but the volunteers were great at directing. It was also a little annoying that cars/horse trailers would occasionally drive through the runners. Very well organized smaller race.”– J.E., Marathonguide.com
Under the Oaks Run- Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, home of the Under the Oaks Run, is considered to be “one of the most beautiful and historic of Georgia’s ‘Golden Isles,’which played a role in the creation of the U.S. federal reserve system” (halfmarathons.net) in the 1900’s. More than half of the island is reserved and left in its natural state. On the race day, you can expect the weather to be fairly mild with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the high 70s. Learn more here!
The Course
The Under the Oaks Half Marathon is currently prepping for its 4th annual event which will take place this coming October. The race will take runners on an out-and-back loop course around Jekyll Island. The race will begin close to the center of the Island at Great Dunes Park. From there, the course takes a counterclockwise loop around the island towards Dubignon Creek, Riverview Drive, past Indian Mound Golf Club to Jekyll Island Road, finishing back at Great Dunes Park.This race is pretty darn flat and provides a great opportunity for you to get a new P.R.
Credit: HalfMarathons.net
Reviews
“This run encompasses the charm of the island as well as being for a great cause…..and it’s flat! Cool t-shirt, too. I can’t wait for Oct”– Marianne Doppel Velker, Facebook.com
“Running at this place this year is gonna be a magic moment for me , a lot of memories , tears and happiness for sure when I reach the finish line….jekill island in my mind forever…see u soon again Glynco , Brunswick and FLETC.”– Edwin Yllescas, Facebook.com
Make it by Midnight Half Marathon-Macon
The Make it by Midnight Half Marathon is a very small event. The race (including both the marathon and the half marathon) are only open to 175 people. This race is unique because there is a cutoff time for the race at 1:00 AM, but runner can choose their own starting time based on how fast or slow they believe they will run the course. Claim your spot today!
The Course
As the name implies, this race takes place at night to save runners from Georgia’s summer heat. The race follows a loop course and includes its fair share of hills. The majority of the hills appear to be very manageable but may sneak up on you if you are not prepared. Since the race happens at night, the race director suggests that runners wear reflective gear and bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Credit: HalfMarathons.net
Reviews
“This small-town race had more to offer than I would have ever expected. The course itself was a loop in a residential neighborhood with hills, hills, and then more hills. The main aid station was filled with the most incredible amount of food, snacks, drinks, and assortment of GU-like products. The best part of this race was the personality. Because of the small number of participants each runner was treated as a VIP. I finished my race before midnight and got a wonderful tiara for my effort. I’m looking forward to doing this race again.” -D.B., Marathonguide.com
“This was one of the best and most difficult marathons I’ve ever run. If you like having a personal connection with the people you’re running with, this is a great race. The entry fee is dirt cheap, and there are finisher’s medals, as well as great aid on the course. It’s a rare race where the race director will take a financial loss just to ensure that the runners have an optimal experience.”-M.J., Marathonguide.com