Classic City Marathon
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About the race
The Classic City Marathon event in Athens offers multiple distance options that start and finish in historic downtown Athens. Packet pick-up is held in person on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20. The courses run through downtown streets, historic neighborhoods, university campuses, and community greenways, with many bands and organized Cheer Zones along the route.
- 26.2 miles marathon
- 13.1 miles half marathon
- ≈6 miles one leg of a four-person marathon relay
Both the marathon and half marathon are USATF certified (Marathon ID GA23081WC; Half-Marathon ID GA23082WC). The two courses start together, split so marathoners cover additional mileage, and rejoin so the final roughly six miles are the same for both races. The route includes sections on flat city streets and greenways but also covers rolling terrain typical of the north-Georgia Piedmont region, including uphill segments along Milledge Avenue and Five Points as runners return to downtown.
Professional chip timing is provided by Runners Fit Timing with timing mats at the start, finish, relay exchanges, and other key locations. Nutrition on course includes GU energy gels in several varieties and bananas near Mile 20 of the marathon (about Mile 6 of the half). Water and electrolyte drinks are provided every 2 to 3 miles using single-use Hiccup silicone cups that are collected and sanitized for reuse. Course support includes bicycle escorts, course monitors, signage, medical personnel from regional healthcare partners, radio communications, and coordination with local law enforcement. The event also features live bands and DJs, a Home-Stretch Mile competition for fastest final mile, and a post-race festival with drinks, snacks, vendors, and family-friendly activities, plus a post-race gathering at Creature Comforts Brewery. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
