Atlanta Marathon

Atlanta, United States of America 28 Feb, 2026

The Atlanta marathon presents a notably challenging course defined by frequent hills and significant elevation changes. Runners experience approximately 1,370 to 1,480 feet (417€“451 meters) of both elevation gain and loss throughout the race, with the course peaking at 1,070 feet (326 meters) and dropping to a minimum of 880 feet (268 meters). The route is widely considered hilly, demanding that participants either have strong hill training or expect to exert considerably more effort compared to flatter marathons. There are sections designated as both uphilland steepbased on grade, ensuring that few stretches are entirely flat.

The scenery highlights Atlanta’s urban landscape, as the course runs through multiple neighborhoods and well-known city areas. Major metropolitan features, occasional green spaces, and proximity to landmarks like museums and the aquarium contribute visual interest, but runners should also be aware of the less-than-perfect urban pavement in some sections. Throughout the course, small pockets of spectators cheer runners on, adding intermittent encouragement despite not being densely lined along the entire route.

Aid stations are described as well stocked, typically offering water, gels, chews, and bananas, addressing runners’ nutritional and hydration needs as they navigate the physically demanding terrain. Weather conditions are generally within an ideal temperature and humidity range for marathon performance at this time of year.

Participant reviews consistently describe the experience as rewarding but stress the importance of training for hills to avoid being overwhelmed by the course’s topography. The city environment provides logistical challenges, such as limited free parking options and the need to arrive early to manage gear check lines efficiently. The event’s scale gives it a metropolitan road race feel, with the mix of urban scenery, crowd support, and organizational features shaping a distinctly Atlanta marathon experience.

The combination of undulating terrain, city sights, and the cumulative elevation changes sets this marathon apart from flatter races, offering unique demands for pacing and endurance while showcasing the vibrant core of Atlanta.

Generic Marathon Time This represents the time you would expect to run a "generic" marathon in. This is a marathon with around 250 m (800 ft) of elevation gain and a temperature around 10°C (50°F). For best results, use our Race Predictor.

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Atlanta Marathon Time


Statistics

Elevation
Elevation Gain 409 m 1342 ft
Elevation Low 265 m 869 ft
Elevation High 323 m 1060 ft
Weather
Expected Temperature (Low) 8°C 46°F
Expected Temperature (High) 19°C 65°F
Chance of Rain 21%

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The Atlanta marathon presents a notably challenging course defined by frequent hills and significant elevation changes. Runners experience approximately 1,370 to 1,480 feet (417€“451 meters) of both elevation gain and loss throughout the race, with the course peaking at 1,070 feet (326 meters) and dropping to a minimum of 880 feet (268 meters). The route is widely considered hilly, demanding that participants either have strong hill training or expect to exert considerably more effort compared to flatter marathons. There are sections designated as both uphilland steepbased on grade, ensuring that few stretches are entirely flat.

The scenery highlights Atlanta’s urban landscape, as the course runs through multiple neighborhoods and well-known city areas. Major metropolitan features, occasional green spaces, and proximity to landmarks like museums and the aquarium contribute visual interest, but runners should also be aware of the less-than-perfect urban pavement in some sections. Throughout the course, small pockets of spectators cheer runners on, adding intermittent encouragement despite not being densely lined along the entire route.

Aid stations are described as well stocked, typically offering water, gels, chews, and bananas, addressing runners’ nutritional and hydration needs as they navigate the physically demanding terrain. Weather conditions are generally within an ideal temperature and humidity range for marathon performance at this time of year.

Participant reviews consistently describe the experience as rewarding but stress the importance of training for hills to avoid being overwhelmed by the course’s topography. The city environment provides logistical challenges, such as limited free parking options and the need to arrive early to manage gear check lines efficiently. The event’s scale gives it a metropolitan road race feel, with the mix of urban scenery, crowd support, and organizational features shaping a distinctly Atlanta marathon experience.

The combination of undulating terrain, city sights, and the cumulative elevation changes sets this marathon apart from flatter races, offering unique demands for pacing and endurance while showcasing the vibrant core of Atlanta.

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