Each year, everyone is eager to start their resolutions off strong. Runners—from beginners to seasoned veterans—are no different.
Here’s a list of 10 popular events in Atlanta that will motivate you, whether you’re taking your first steps towards fitness or continuing your running journey.
1. Atlanta Hawks Fast Break 5K
Saturday, February 4th
The Atlanta Hawks Fast Break 5K is a must for any Atlanta basketball fan. Participants will race around Philips Arena as they are cheered on by Harry the Hawk, the Atlanta Hawks Cheerleaders and the Flight Crew. Each participant receives a commemorative long-sleeve shirt and a game ticket that includes a $10 food voucher. The first 1,500 to register also receive a Hawks beanie. Register here by February 1.
- GAFollowers was a part of the 2016 Atlanta Fast Break 5K, here’s how it went!
2. Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Sunday, March 19th
The Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon is a great way to explore Atlanta on foot. Now in its 11th year, the city’s only marathon takes you on a tour of 10 neighborhoods, four college campuses and dozens of iconic landmarks. Not ready to take on a full 26.2 miles? The half marathon also features a great course that starts and finishes in Centennial Olympic Park. Register here.
3. Atlanta Women’s 5K
Saturday, March 25th
Celebrate women and fitness at an event designed just for the ladies. The Atlanta Women’s 5K takes place at Chastain Park. Participants receive a women’s-cut performance shirt as well as a flower and finisher medal at the finish line. This event is open to women and girls ages 8 and older. You can sign up here.
4. All-Comers Track & Field Meets
May 2, 9, 13, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13
The All Comers Track & Field Meets are exactly what they sound like: open to everyone. Whether you’re a former track athlete or someone who has never stepped onto a track, these events are a great way to learn about this branch of the sport and sharpen your skills. All Comers is free and open to all ages – past meets have brought in everyone from toddlers to Olympians. Each meet offers a variety of distances and events, so be sure to check the schedule at atlantatrackclub.org this spring.
5. Braves Country 5K
June 2017
If you want to get an up-close look at the Atlanta Braves’ new home, the Braves Country 5K is for you! Previously held at Turner Field, participants will now get to run inside the Atlanta Brave’s state-of-the-art SunTrust Park. Registration also includes a ticket to a Braves game. Registration is not available just yet, but will be later this year at atlantatrackclub.org.
6. AJC Peachtree Road Race
July 4th, 2017
If you want to run the world’s largest 10K, you have to plan ahead. Registration for the AJC Peachtree Road Race is done through an online lottery from March 15-22. The Peachtree has become a bucket list race, bringing people from across the country and around the world to Atlanta on Independence Day. A total of 60,000 people participate, but you have to be selected in the lottery first. Enter the lottery here beginning March 15.
7. Atlanta’s Finest 5K
Saturday, August 19th
Hills are just part of the fun when you run in Atlanta. But if you’re looking for a (mostly) flat, fast course, look no further than the Atlanta’s Finest 5K. All proceeds from the event benefit Crime Stoppers Atlanta, a program dedicated to anonymous tips that help the police department solve crimes.
Participants can also check out squad cars, police motorcycles and the Mobile Command Unit. All proceeds from the event benefit Crime Stoppers Atlanta, a program dedicated to anonymous tips that help the police department solve crimes. Along with the 5K, the event also includes a One Mile for ages 7 and up and a 50m Dash for kids 6 and under. Registration will open later this year at atlantatrackclub.org.
8. Rise Up and Run 5K/Walk Like MADD presented by Northside Hospital
September 2017
If you’re a Falcons fan you definitely can’t miss this! Cross the finish line inside the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium at the Rise Up and Run 5K/Walk Like MADD presented by Northside Hospital. All proceeds go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving Georgia. Registration opens later this year.
9. PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K
Sunday, October 22nd
The PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K has become a must-run in Atlanta and has sold out the past two years! Starting and finishing at Atlantic Station, the course sends you through the beautiful neighborhoods of West Midtown and Buckhead. About 7 miles into the 10-mile course you will take on the infamous “Cardiac Hill”, which is a stretch of Peachtree Road that rises more than 12 stories in elevation in less than a mile that earned its notoriety because of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Registration opens March 1.
Here are 10 more reasons why you should run this race!
10. Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K
Thursday, November 23rd
Earn your turkey before Thanksgiving dinner! Finish the year with a fun family affair at the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K. The event also features a one mile and 50m dash, so there is a distance for everyone in the family. The half marathon is the largest 13.1 course to take place on the holiday and draws thousands of participants each year. . Registration opens March 1.
Happy New Year! May you all reach your goals, and may you have fun doing it.
