Nothing “halfway” about it.

Finishing a half marathon is no joke! We know what it takes to aim for speed, and we know what it’s like to slog one aching foot in front of the other for 13.1 long miles. We are here to support everyone who wants to try.

Course Information

Downtown Athens, historic neighborhoods, vibrant communities, university campuses, stunning riverside greenways, and, yes, the hills of our beloved North-Georgia Piedmont region. Our USATF certified half marathon course (#GA23072WC) allows you to enjoy everything Athens has to offer. 

See our Course Information page or read our long-form narrative description!

Six Hours on the Course, Seven Hours at the Finish Line

The lululemon Classic City Half Marathon is ideally suited to those of us who run patiently, run-walk, or are committed walkers. Because the half marathon course overlaps with the later miles of the full marathon course, the time limit for the half is the same as the time limit for the full, giving slower half marathon participants 6 whole hours of support – and plenty of company!

The Home-Stretch Mile

Be ready to finish strong — along Strong Street! The final mile of your half marathon, from 12.1 through the Finish Line, is your Home-Stretch Mile. Watch for signs and banners at 12.1, then finish your half marathon up Hancock Avenue, to Strong Street, and around the corner to the Finish Line. Special Home-Stretch Half Marathoner Awards will be presented to the male half marathoner and female half marathoner who cover the Home-Stretch Mile in the fastest time.

Water and Nutrition on the Course 

We suggest that you carry plenty of whatever fuel has worked for you in your training. Don’t surprise your stomach in the middle of a half marathon!

We will also offer plenty of water and nutrition along the course.

Water and Powerade will be provided every 2-3 miles throughout the half marathon course.

GU energy gels and real bananas will also be provided on the course! We are excited to offer four flavors of GU: salted caramel (with caffeine), vanilla (with caffeine), raspberry lemonade (no caffeine), and strawberry banana (no caffeine).

Look for more details about the exact placement of water stops and nutrition stops in our Participant Guide, to be circulated by January 1.

Bike Escorts, Port-a-Potties, Aid Stations, Medical Support

Yes! Bike escorts will accompany you along the greenways. Port-a-potties are at many places along the course, and you will find multiple aid stations for petroleum jelly and other needs. Expert medical assistance is available to all runners, sponsored by Piedmont Healthcare and provided by our dedicated and experienced medical director, Dr. Joe Colasurdo, and his entire team.

Training

Working toward a half marathon is hard! See our separate Training webpage for information and support, including free organized long runs every Saturday in Athens. No matter where you are, you can share your efforts with our Ambassadors on Instagram or our FaceBook page, or connect with your local running groups or running stores for their group runs (in Athens, try the Athens Road Runners, the Athens Running Company, and Fleet Feet Athens).