It’s no surprise Atlanta is known as Running City, USA. One of the best perks of living in and visiting Atlanta are the many opportunities to enjoy the many trails and neighborhoods throughout the city. From a variety of beautiful community parks to hundreds of races that take place all over the metro area each year, there’s plenty to experience in Atlanta if you’re a fan of running. Looking for suggestions for the best races in Atlanta? Here are a few of our favorites.

2019 PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K 

October 20, 2019

The PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K is one of the most popular running and walking events in the city, with a unique race distance and themed cheer zones. Take a scenic walk or run from Atlantic Station through the charming Buckhead neighborhoods and celebrate with family and friends at the finish line located near some of Atlanta’s best restaurants. Event swag includes a backpack, luggage tag, and medal.

Race Options:

• 10 Miler
• 5K

2019 Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon & 5K

October 31, 2019

Don your best costume and join the fun at the Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon & 5K. Costumes are not mandatory, but they are certainly encouraged, and the event is also open to children and teens as well as adults.

Race Options:

• Half Marathon
• 5K

2019 Mustache Half Marathon Atlanta

November 16, 2019

The annual Mustache Half Marathon raises funds for Movember, an organization dedicated to funding testicular and prostate cancer research and spreading awareness of the importance of annual checkups for men. The event is proudly unsponsored, unsanctioned, and “unshaved.” Don your best beard or mustache and head out to the Mustache Half Marathon to support a good cause.

Race Options:

• Half Marathon

2019 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K

November 28, 2019

The 38th annual Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and 5K is another of the city’s most popular marathon events. Participants have the opportunity to explore Midtown and downtown Atlanta along with historic sites such as: 

• The Margaret Mitchell House & Museum 
• Gold Dome State Capitol
• Georgia State Stadium (Formerly Turner Field)

Race Options:

• Half Marathon
• 5K
• Mile
• Dash

publix Atlanta Marathon, half marathon & 5k

March 1, 2020

In 2020, Atlanta’s marathon weekend is America’s marathon weekend. Held the day after the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K will let you see the legends, then be the legacy. Held for the second year on a new course that takes you past some of Atlanta’s most important monuments, stadiums and neighborhoods, the Publix Atlanta Marathon will show participants from near and far why Atlanta is Running City USA. 

Race Options:

• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• 5K

BONUS: 2019 Barney’s Run for Warriors

November 16, 2019

If you’re willing to make the trek to Albany, and If the idea of running for a cause sounds good to you, don’t miss out on the chance to support veterans by running the 2019 Barney’s Run for Warriors. Proceeds from the race directly support the purchase of a service dog for a local veteran living with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). 

Racers will enjoy a paved, well-market, flat running/walking surface. Barney’s Run for Warriors is an event the whole family can enjoy, with concessions, a kids craft, table, and a free pre-event yoga class. Participants 21 years of age and older who participate in the marathon or half marathon are also able to enjoy a free beer courtesy of Pretoria Fields Brewery.

Race Options:

• 10K
• 5K
• 1 Mile

BONUS: 2019 Ugly Christmas Sweater Virtual Marathon

December 19, 2019

Don’t miss the chance to break out your ugly Christmas sweater for the 2019 Ugly Christmas Sweater Virtual Marathon in honor of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Proceeds benefit a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food for children living in poverty. 

Virtual marathons can take place in your neighborhood park, on the treadmill, or anywhere you desire. Join thousands of others to support a great cause while having a chance to share your favorite tacky Christmas sweater with the world. Register soon to receive a commemorative t-shirt and hoodie prior to the race date.

Race Options:

• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• 10K
• 5K
• 1 Mile