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 marathons in Georgia.
Snickers Albany Marathon
The Snickers Albany Marathon is ranked as one of the top ten Boston Qualifiers in America. It’s one of the fastest marathons in the country and 20% of all finishers qualify for the Boston Marathon. Each participant in the marathon will receive a free ticket to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Festival. The Festival features bands, activities for the kids, and vendors until midnight. If you do well enough, you could even walk away with a couple thousand dollars. Get registered today!
The Course
The course starts at 195 feet of elevation and reaches a max elevation of 280 feet around mile 15. There are many small elevation changes along the route, but the course is relatively flat with just enough elevation change to keep the course from getting boring. This is not a large race, but the support from the community is great.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“This race was my second year running the Albany Marathon. The weather was ideal this year (compared to last year). The course is not pancake flat, but it’s definitely a fast course, with enough roll to avoid a flat fatigue. For a small town race, the community supports this event with enthusiastic aid stations. The course is easily accessed by any supporters/family someone may have. The pacer I followed for this race was fantastic, finishing within seconds (under) the pace group time. I would definitely recommend this race for someone looking for a fast time, without the glut and excess of large marathons.” – K.H., Marathonguide.com
“This was my 6th marathon and it was one of my best experiences. While the crowd support along the way was lacking (where were the people in the neighborhoods?), I can’t say enough about the volunteers. They were so enthusiastic at every stop. The group at Mile 23 was particularly great and encouraging! The course was very flat! Being from the Atlanta area, I really don’t even remember any hills! This is definitely the course to PR on. I will come back to eventually try for that! The pace team for 4:30 was right on and was fun to join. I hope this race stays around and so well organized. As someone said, the big races could learn from these race directors.” – L.W., Marathonguide.com
Soldier Marathon – Columbus
The Soldier Marathon started in 2010 and since then has donated over $110,00 to military beneficiaries and continues to support the military with the proceeds from this race. This marathon supports the House of Heroes which repairs homes of military veterans and their families free of charge. Learn more here.
The Course
The race starts and finishes at an elevation of 240 feet. The lowest point reaches 190 feet and the highest is 340 feet. The Soldier Marathon is USATF Certified course and a Boston Qualifier. The loop starts and finishes at the historic National Infantry Museum and winds through Ft. Benning’s historical monuments. From there, the course continues along the Chattahoochee River to downtown Columbus.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“I have run this race every year since it started. There are no negatives unless you need an event with 20K runners. They improved a great course this year by taking the route past the jump towers at Fort Benning. The first seven miles are on post. Organization, course, support, it’s all there. It’s a course to PR on in spite of one decent hill at mile 2. If you run plan in a couple of hours to visit in the National Infantry Museum where the race starts and finishes. I should add that there is no real expo to speak of but a local running store does have a good display of things you might need. If you want to shop drive a couple of miles and go to Ranger Joe’s!” – David Trammel, Marathonguide.com
“I loved this race. The support from the soldiers at Ft Benning and volunteers was first rate. GU, water, gatorade were available throughout the course. The first few miles on the base were hilly, but it was great having the drill instructors ‘encourage’ runners up the hills. I ran Marine Corps two weeks earlier and found this race was a much better experience (no lines or crowds!). Great atmosphere, great weather, and only a couple of hours away for me, I’ll do this race every year!” – Mike Weaver, Marathonguide.com
Skidaway Island Marathon – Savannah
The Skidaway Island Marathon is part of the Endurance Race Services which hosts races that raise money for a variety of charities (nearly 20 different types of charities). Some of these charities include The Landings Association, Skidaway Island Medical 1st Responders, Medal4mettle Savannah, and Autism Awareness to name a few. Runners are also encouraged to donate their medal to children battling cancer at Memorial University Children’s Hospital. Learn more here!
The Course
The full marathon has 9 water stations, 3 aid stations, and 3 restrooms. The course consists of two up and backs and a full loop around Skidaway Island near Savannah. The course is fairly flat and travels through upscale neighborhoods. The net gain for this race is 618 feet. The race starts and ends at 22 feet elevation and reaches a max elevation of 82 feet around mile six and hits its low of 4 feet at 10 and a half miles.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“This is one of the best inaugural events I have ever run. The course was a large loop around Skidaway Island, near Savannah, GA. Most of the run is in very upscale neighborhoods. The fan support was surprisingly good for a small, first-time race, in a residential neighborhood. A very fast, flat course. RD is very hands-on and was very helpful for me.” – M.D., Marathonguide.com
“This was an outstanding inaugural event. The RDs were very active and it showed with great organization. The course is flat and runs through some lovely upscale neighborhoods. In places the fan support was great. Savannah is lovely in early spring and well worth consideration for next year.” – M.D., Marathonguide.com
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon – Fort Oglethorpe
The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon has been on the books for the last 37 years and is one of the oldest long distance running events in the country. The race is run through the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Georgia which servers to honor one of the most important battles of the American Civil War,The Chickamauga Battle. Claim your spot today!
The Course
This race starts and finishes at the 6th Cavalry museum and features two loops in the National Park. The course is mostly paved and is a Boston Qualifier. The marathon is challenging, but very manageable. The max elevation is 843 feet while the lowest point 709 feet.
Credit: Map My Run
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
“The starting gun was actually a cannon befitting the setting. I really liked the course. It is a two loop course thru the battlefield. It is very pretty and most of the time there are no cars at all. There are many small hills but I feel they are the kind that actually help because they work different muscles not the steep long kind that kick your butt. I ran my fastest time in almost 3 years.” – Ed Robins, Marathonguide.com
Museum of Aviation Marathon – Warner Robins
The proceeds from this Marathon benefit the Museum of Aviation which happens to be one of the largest education-based aviation museums in America. This race is a Boston Qualifier and is certified. I guarantee you’ll love this race! Where else can you experience an air show while you run? Find out more on their website.
The Course
The Museum of Aviation Marathon features a double loop and is run on the Robin Air Force Base so it is not the greatest place for spectators. If you are the type of person in need of large cheering crowds, you may want to steer clear of this race. The course is mostly flat and there are usually only 200 people or so who participate in the full marathon so you can be ensured plenty of elbow room. You’ll have to forgive the poor course map. It’s all I could find!
Credit: USATF.org
Reviews
“This is one of my favorite races; it is run 90 minutes from my home and this was my 7th running of either the full or the half-marathon. This a great small mid-winter race and it gets better each year. It is two loops around the Air Force base. Not much spectator support. The l[s]at 4 miles of each loop are the best as you run through the wetlands and may see an alligator, you go by the golf course, and by the horse stables. This race is highly recommended.” – M.D., Marathonguide.com
“After having run the NYC Marathon this past November, running the stillness and beauty of this course was a welcome contrast. The course was stunning (especially the horses). The jets flying over us gave me goosebumps. The organizers and volunteers were some of the nicest folks I have ever come across at a race. The warmth of the museum before and after the race was a huge plus. Thank you ever so much for putting this race on. Everything from the shirts, to the food, to the medals was perfect. We will be back.” – D.N., Marathonguide.com