Yes. A full marathon in Athens.
The lululemon Classic City Marathon is crafted by a range of runners, for a range of runners. We know what it takes to race a faster marathon, and we know what it’s like to wonder if you can finish 26.2 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 marathon course (#GA23071WC) keeps marathoners busy experiencing everything Athens has to offer.
Need more details about the course? See our Course Information page or read our long-form narrative description!
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 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 marathon course.
GU energy gels will be provided at approximately Miles 8, 13, and 22 of the marathon course. We are excited to offer four flavors: salted caramel (with caffeine), vanilla (with caffeine), raspberry lemonade (no caffeine), and strawberry banana (no caffeine).
And real bananas will be provided at approximately Mile 20!
Look for more details about the exact placement of water stops and nutrition stops in our Participant Guide, to be circulated by January 1.
The Home-Stretch Mile
Be ready to finish strong — along Strong Street! The final mile of your marathon, from 25.2 through the Finish Line, is your Home-Stretch Mile. Watch for signs and banners at 25.2, then finish your marathon up Hancock Avenue, to Strong Street, and around the corner to the Finish Line. Special Home-Stretch Marathoner Awards will be presented to the male marathoner and female marathoner who cover the Home-Stretch Mile in the fastest time.
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.
Six Hours on the Course, Seven Hours at the Finish Line
Finishing a marathon takes time! We love our faster racers, and we are also committed to keeping the marathon course fully supported until 1:30 p.m. (about a 13:40/mile pace). The Finish Line Celebrations Area will be fully supported even later (until 2:30 p.m.).
Wild Rumpus and Guinness World Record Options
Is running yet another marathon starting to feel stale? Grab some inspiration from the Wild Rumpus, an Athens Halloween tradition. Inspired by their unique version of creativity, community, and self-expression, we encourage marathoners to run in costume, while juggling cat toys, or even while trying (seriously!) to beat a Guinness World Record. See our Wild Rumpus webpage for more details.
Training
Working toward a marathon is hard! See our 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).
