I can’t say enough good things about the races that Atlanta Track Club puts on. Every single one I’ve ever done has been a great experience! After my first Peachtree Road Race in 2017 I was just blown away by the organization and professionalism with which they operate and I ended up joining as an ATC member even though I live in the Nashville area.
I still participate and support my local running community, but there’s just something extra special about Atlanta that draws me in to their running culture and I run with them every chance I get! (I’m on their Masters Track & Field team too but that’s another story!)
This weekend was my first time attending the Publix Atlanta Marathon weekend and I had originally wanted to sign up for the half marathon, but decided I wasn’t quite ready to take on that kind of training again just yet – especially right before track season starts. So I signed up for the 5k and I also ended up getting hired to photograph the half and full marathon (I’m a professional sports photographer) on Sunday!
It was an exhausting weekend, but I loved it and now I’m convinced that I want to run the half or the full next year. This particular half marathon is becoming one of the best in the nation, drawing a stacked elite field and larger record of attendance year after year.
First of all, the race expo was in the Georgia Aquarium Ocean’s Ballroom and it was so unique and fun. There was a family of beluga whales soaking up all the attention on one side of the room, while on the other side there was a live taping of Ali on the Run Show. I stayed for a little bit sipping my beer samples and listening to Ali interview one of the elite runners because I love her podcast! She was also part of the marathon broadcast Sunday morning.
I didn’t get the best photos on this trip, I apologize. But I still felt the experience deserved a proper recap because I could not recommend this race weekend more! The race village is in the middle of Olympic Centennial Park in downtown Atlanta and the 5k is a quick little out and back loop, the first part felt more downhill so the second half was a little more tough with the hills. Overall a nice course though and thanks to the perfectly chilly morning I ran around a 9:37/mi pace which was good for where I was at with my fitness and training at the time.
The half and full marathon started and finished in the same area the following morning, but the course snaked through some of the most iconic areas of Atlanta like Piedmont Park and Little Five Points. There are some views of the skyline on that course that are just breathtaking! Much like Peachtree, but still it’s own thing.
So if you’re looking to plan a great runcation next year and you’ve never been to Atlanta or you just can’t wait to go back – I highly recommend the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend in February 2024! The city has SO much to offer and can be a great solo trip, couples trip, or family trip.
You can register here! (not a sponsored link, just sharing one of my favorite races)
Leave a Comment