Yes. A full marathon.

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? Read our long-form narrative description!

Water and Nutrition on the Course 

Water stops will be every 2-3 miles, and GU energy gels will be provided at approximately Mile 8 and Mile 20 of the marathon (strawberry-banana, tri-berry, and salted caramel). We also suggest that you carry plenty of whatever fuel has worked for you in your training. Look for more details about the exact placement of water 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 at many places along the course, and multiple aid stations for petroleum jelly and other needs. Expert medical assistance 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 separate Wild Rumpus webpage for more details.

Training

Working toward a full marathon is hard! Share your efforts with our Ambassadors on Instagram, on our FaceBook page, or at free Saturday morning long runs in Athens. See our separate Training webpage for more details.