Course Map
About this Race
The Publix Atlanta Marathon is one of the more challenging city races in the American South, a relentlessly rolling course through the hilly Georgia capital that climbs and dips past landmarks like the Capitol, Centennial Olympic Park, and historic neighborhoods. The constant undulation makes it far tougher than a flat record course, demanding disciplined pacing from the start. Held in late winter, it offers generally cool conditions, though the famously hilly terrain is the defining test. The crowds are warm and the route showcases the city's character. It suits strong, hill-ready runners who want an honest, scenic Southern course and accept the climbs over a fast personal best.
Course Insight
Atlanta is unmistakably hilly, a rolling March marathon whose relentless climbs make it an honest, grinding course rather than a fast one. Pace the hills by effort and bank nothing on the descents you'll repay on the next rise. Spring warmth can add to the work on exposed stretches. Come expecting constant undulation rather than a PB. Run it as a strength effort and the hills stay an ally instead of an ambush.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (465m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 465m
- Elevation loss
- 483m
- Highest point
- 328m
- Lowest point
- 269m
- Net elevation
- -18m
- Start
- The Home Depot Backyard
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:18:50 — Oleg Marusin (Russia), 2008
- Women's
- 2:41:12 — Alena Vinnitskaya (Belarus), 2008
Race History
The Atlanta Marathon was first run in 2007 as the ING Georgia Marathon, launched by the Atlanta Track Club on a relentlessly hilly course through the Georgia capital. (An informal, unrelated four-runner race in 1963 predates the club's involvement but isn't considered part of this series.) Now staged as the Publix Atlanta Marathon, it carries deep local history past the city's landmarks and has run continuously since its founding. Held in late winter, it draws a field ready for its honest, undulating terrain.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for proximity to the start/finish, Midtown for upscale central stays, and Buckhead for quieter, leafy upscale options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is downtown near Centennial Olympic Park; walk from downtown hotels or take MARTA to a central station and walk in.