There are lots of reasons to fall in love with Georgia: extraordinary nature, climate, history, and old American South spirit. But there’s another reason why many runners adore this state so much − the wide variety of running events. Georgia has many activities for runners of all skill levels. Here you can run ordinary 5k races or marathons, after which you will qualify for the country’s biggest marathon − the Boston Marathon.
The thematic and charity races in Georgia deserve special attention − we will touch on the most popular and original of them.
We will detail the best running events in the Empire State of the South so you can choose what suits you and your running experience.
Thematic Races
Let’s start with thematic runs. Georgia has many of them: from those dedicated to major national holidays to ordinary fun races, where you can test your running potential while having a great time with family or friends.
1. DC Super Hero Run
We’ll start with one of the most popular family races in the Peach State. It is part of a series of races that takes place in several states throughout the year − the DC Super Hero Run. In Georgia, the event takes place in Atlanta. About 5 thousand runners participate in this 5k event each year.
As you might have guessed, this race is dedicated to the DC Comic superheroes. After the run, there is a competition for the best costume.
The participation fee is $54. Choose your costume (for example, Wonder Woman, Superman, or Batman) and continue the registration process.
In general, if you live in Georgia, love to run, and like the DC superheroes, you should pay attention to this event.
2. We ♥️ Teachers 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk
This is another cool running event in Atlanta. It is held on the eve of the start of the new school year. The purpose of this race is to raise funds to support various schools. Half of the money you pay goes to the needs of your chosen school.
Here you can run or walk a 5k or one mile. Participation costs from $30 to $40, depending on the type of race.
3. Miles to Margarita
This is one of the most popular Savannah GA races, perfect for runners of all skill levels. The distinguishing characteristic of this race is that you get a Margarita at the end. Not bad, right?
This park run takes place in Savannah, but you can also run it in Atlanta on another day. The race is a part of 4 races. You may create one big award by completing all four.
The participation fee is $35. You also need to buy a subscription to all attractions but at a big discount. Most of the proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Organization Lackey’s Lucky Ones.
Run the 5k or 8k and enjoy your cool Margarita!
4. Five Star Turkey Trot
How about some good fun before one of America’s favorite holidays? Then take part in the turkey trot in Atlanta!
This run takes place two weeks before Thanksgiving. Run a half marathon, 5k, 10k, or 15k, and get into the holiday spirit.
Since the event takes place in North Georgia, the track is flat with a 5k loop. The participation fee is $25.
5. 10K Tour ATL
How about running a 10k in Georgia? This running event was created by runners for runners.
It is part of a series of races in many cities and a real race party for the fans of this activity, literally. There will be a party before and after the race where you will find music, yoga, specials, treats, and even a little therapy.
Organize in advance with the support group so that you don’t get lost after the finish − there will be plenty of people at the party!
5K Races in Georgia
6. MUSTARD SEED
The Mustard Seed 5k is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the weekend with your family and friends. They will have fun while you run. It’s a great morning with music and food and a 5k run.
The event’s purpose is to support the Saint Brigid Mustard Seed Ministry, dedicated to supporting the work of Mustard Seed Communities in Nicaragua. It serves abandoned children with disabilities and uplifts marginalized communities.
Participation costs $30, but if you don’t want to get a T-shirt, then the price is $25.
7. RUN FOR HOPE
Another 5k in Georgia is held by the Dream Center, and all proceeds go to people in need.
You can walk or run. Take your friends or family with you. Get involved, develop your running skills and do your part to support others.
The cost of both variants is $30. There is also a Kiddie Dash which costs $10 to enter. You run through the areas of South Augusta supported by this charity.
8. HOPE RUNS FOR RECOVERY
This running event is dedicated to fighting mental health issues. Go outside, talk to people and, of course, take part in a charity run. The proceeds go to the needs of the Herren project, Emerald School of Excellence (this is the first rehabilitation school in North Carolina).
The entry fee for the 5k run is $30 plus a $2.74 registration fee.
9. ROUGH RIDER MEMORIAL
Run or walk this Georgia 5k and join the Georgia Army National Guard. The run is held in memory of the 14 heroes who died during the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Here you get a fast and flat track that runs through the park. All funds raised go to the needs of the Rough Rider Association, which creates activities for the well-being and recreation of soldiers and their families.
The cost of participation is from $27 to $35. Subject to late registration is $40.
10. LABOR DAY 5K/10K/15K
Let’s pay attention to northwest Georgia running. At this patriotic event in Kennesaw, you can run a 5k, 10k, or 15k.
Participation is free for first responders (police, ambulance, firefighters). For everyone else, the cost starts at $30 and ends at $55, depending on the time you pass registration.
This event, like the previous ones, is part of a series. In this case, there are 3 of them: Super Mom Series, Boston Bound Series, Blast&Dash Series. You can collect one big medal by taking part in all three of them.
Come to the events with the whole family or take your friends – the race is great!
Not Only Running
11. CAL TRI ATLANTA
This is a comprehensive sporting event at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville. It is not only for racers but also for triathletes.
Here you can run a distance of 5 km. And if you enjoy swimming and cycling, combine all three disciplines and do the triathlon. The bottom line is that you have to know that your professional sports training can withstand such loads.
Participation in the 5k race costs $40. If you want to add more sports, it’s between $40 and $120.
12. Rugged Maniac Atlanta
One of the toughest obstacle races takes place in August in Atlanta. There are over 25 obstacles in this 5k event, including mud, giant inflatables, fire jumps, zip lines, and even a waterslide.
Besides, participants will enjoy a whole day party, cold beer, pie-eating contests, rock music on stage, DJ parties, lots of delicious food, and interactive games.
Remember that this is a team race, so gather the required number of people and try this original sports competition.
Georgia Half Marathons and Marathons
How about running marathons and half marathons in Georgia? There is a wide variety of them, and here are three of the biggest.
13. Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K & Hand Cycle Race
This annual event takes place in January and is a favorite of professional runners wanting to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The marathon and half marathon are certified by USA Track and Field.
It is a great experience to go for a run on a brisk winter morning. Since the race takes place on Robins Air Force Base, all runners are required to show a valid ID when picking up race packets.
The cost of participation in the race is from $35 to $110. Also, like many other running events, there is an opportunity to run online.
14. Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon
The Publix Atlanta Marathon is an Abbott World Marathon Major Wanda Age Group World Rankings Qualifying race. It is a cool event for the whole family.
Like most cross country races in Georgia, it takes place in Atlanta. Atlanta is basically Running City USA, no doubt about this.
Unlike most races, children can run here too. They can choose between 5k, 3k, 100m, and 50m. Children aged 14 and over are allowed to run the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon.
The cost of participation in the marathon is from $75 to $155, the half marathon from $55 to $135, and the 5k from $30 to $50. The marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
15. Snickers Marathon & Half Marathon
This race in Albany, GA, is one of the best marathon qualifiers for the Boston Marathon. About 20% of runners pass the qualification every year. A distinguishing feature is that disabled people are encouraged to take part − there is also a marathon and a half marathon for them.
The prize fund of the race is $12,000.
Each participant receives a ticket to the music festival, where there will be a lot of rock and roll, fun for kids, and delicious food. It is an excellent chance to have fun with your family.
Wrap Up
Whether you’re a beginner or an elite runner, you’ll find a racing event in Georgia. Do you like racing with obstacles? No problem! Want a fun, themed run with parties? George has those too!
As you have already understood, Atlanta can rightly be called the racing capital of the United States since there are so many racing events, including Atlanta races with great entertainment. But there are many options throughout the Peach state.
Choose something from our list and pass registration!
