The Weather Channel Atlanta Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Matthew C.
Atlanta, GA

  (11-30-2009)

"Hilly but fun course. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

l d.
,

  (08-06-2009)

"Thanksgiving Day marathon = pig out all day. Enough said!

This was a good but tough race. Definitely hilly like the others have mentioned but a good challenge. I BQ'd at this race, so it's possible even though it is hilly. The race is fairly small but the organization and volunteers are excellent - especially considering it's Thanksgiving morning! Great finish under the Olympic rings from '96. I think my favorite part was the pile of ice you could sit in post-race! Felt great on the legs."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Kerry .
Atlanta, GA

  (06-18-2009)

"I'm a cycling and I run in the off-season. I've done this course twice as a marathon and twice as a half-marathon. It's probably not the best course for a beginner marathoner like me but it's close by to my house. I enjoy it every year despite my lack of preparation. I wish there was more crowd support like I hear about happening at the ING Marathon."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Hutch D.
Atlanta, GA

  (05-22-2009)

"I actually ran this race back in 1993 but Racevine doesn't provide for going that far back. Despite running it that long ago, I still keep up with it via my friends who are running it for the first time and they still feel as good about it now as I did back then.

As the first reviewer indicated, it is a tough course with basically an uphill finish in the last several miles. It also includes Atlanta's famous 'Heartbreak Hill' which is basically a relatively steep and 1/2 mile long incline with a small plateau in the middle.

The good thing about this race is that it's run on Thanksgiving day morning which means the weather is nice and cool and you can feel justified in eating as much turkey and dressing and pecan pie as you want after the race! :)

As for organization, it's a high end race and very professionally produced!

Happy Running!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 1999

John B.
Atlanta, GA

  (05-18-2009)

"This was a full marathon - you can do either. Don't rob me of my glory, Racevine! ;-)

Anyways, it was my first marathon, and it was well organized and good logistical support, although the support crowds are petty thin on Thanksgiving. 5 of the last 6 miles are uphill, which is obviously the worst part when you're already tired from running 20+ miles. My legs still hurt when I think about it.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009