A Record-Breaking Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend is Here

Atlanta's biggest running weekend is here, and the excitement is building. From February 28 to March 2, runners from across the country - and the world - will gather for Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend, featuring sold out races in every event for all ages and abilities, a bustling expo and the prestigious USATF Half Marathon Championships.

As Running USA prepares to host over 10,000 participants, here's what you should know.

The Expo: Kicking Off Race Weekend

Before lacing up for race day, runners must pick up their race numbers at the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Expo, held February 28 and March 1 at The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The expo will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, offering participants a chance to shop official adidas race merchandise, interact with vendors like Publix and SweetWater Brewing Company and attend live programming sessions throughout the day.

On both Friday and Saturday morning at 11 a.m., Atlanta Track Club's In-Training Coach Bob Wells will host a course preview session for the half and full marathon, offering final race-day tips for those looking to strategize their run.

On Friday at 12 p.m., Olympian and broadcaster Carrie Tollefson will sit down with some of the top contenders in the USATF Half Marathon Championships for an exclusive press event. Among the women's field is Weini Kelati current American record holder, as well as Olympic marathoner Dakotah Popehn (Lindwurm). The men's lineup includes Andrew Colley, Joe Klecker and Reed Fischer, three podium contenders and some of the most consistent road racers this year.

The press event will also showcase local talents, such as Emma Grace Hurley of Roswell, a Fellowship Christian School alum, and Ryann Helmers of Alpharetta, who was the Top Georgian at the 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. Cameron Bensley, a Berry College graduate from Cartersville, will also be in attendance.

Throughout the weekend, athletes representing 46 of 50 U.S. states, 12 different countries and ages ranging from one year old to 84 will compete.

Saturday: The 5K, Kids Marathon & More

The Publix Atlanta 5K kicks off at 7:45 a.m., offering runners a chance to warm up their legs before Sunday's longer distances.

In the 5K, Runner 321 athlete Caroline Field, who completed her first-ever 5K at this event in 2024, will return. Field is a 12-year-old athlete with Down syndrome who will participate with a "Runner 321" bib to promote inclusivity for athletes with disabilities. This will mark the third year in the event's history that athletes have had a chance to participate as Runner 321.

Following the 5K, the Publix Atlanta Kids Marathon takes center stage, with over a thousand young runners aged 14 and under lining up for their own race-day experience. Thanks to support from Coca-Cola UNITED, the Kids Marathon is now free for all participants, making it more accessible than ever.

"If Atlanta Track Club is going to realize its vision of Atlanta becoming one of the healthiest cities in America, it needs the next generation Atlantan to embrace running," said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club. "And if the recent participant growth in our youth programming and youth events like Publix Atlanta Kids Marathon are any indication of the city's progress, then I can say with confidence, this city's future health is sprinting in the right direction."

This year's kids' events include a 3K race, a 50-meter dash, a Track & Field Zone and interactive activities like face painting and bracelet-making. Every participant will receive a special edition adidas finisher's shirt and medal.

Meanwhile, back at The Home Depot Backyard, the Expo continues, giving last-minute arrivals a chance to pick up race numbers and shop before the big day.

Sunday: The Main Event & USATF Half Marathon Championships

Race day begins early as the USATF Half Marathon Championships lead off Sunday's events, bringing some of the fastest runners in the country to the streets of Atlanta. The men's race starts at 7:10 a.m., followed by the women at 7:13 a.m.

With more than half of the top 25 fastest U.S. half marathoners in history competing and six Team USATF spots on the line for the World Athletics Road Running Championships San Diego 25, this championship is shaping up to be the most competitive ever. Fans can catch the action live on at ajc.com/atl-marathon at 6:30 a.m.

"Atlanta's Marathon Weekend is already a highlight for Running City USA, but to bring the country's very best distance runners to be a part of it, is a continuation of Atlanta's legacy and makes it a place where the best come to compete," said Eric Heintz, Director of Performance Programming at Atlanta Track Club. "We can look back at the legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, to us hosting the Olympic Trials - Marathon in 2020, and this is a continuation of that tradition."

At the same time, thousands of runners and walkers will take on 13.1 or 26.2 miles in the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon and 2nd Half Marathon. The course, winding through Atlanta's most scenic neighborhoods and historic landmarks, brings together participants from across the country and even the world, including some with particularly special reasons to run.

More Than Just a Race

One of those runners is Wyatt Moss, an Atlanta runner most known for his recent accomplishment of running 50 marathons in 50 states in one year. His journey first started at the Publix Atlanta Marathon in 2023, so to commemorate this full-circle moment, he will push his grandmother through the Kyle Pease Foundation wheelchair division so she can experience the euphoria of a full marathon.

Meanwhile, another participant will be celebrating a milestone few runners reach: her 200th marathon, with Atlanta chosen as the special location for the achievement.

Caroline Burnet, an Atlanta native who started running in high school and used it as a stress reliever during her time studying at Georgia Tech, fell in love with the challenges a marathon brings. After completing one marathon in all 50 states in 2019, she said her next "logical goal was to go for 200." She looks forward to having her friends and family support her as she tackles this milestone in Atlanta and is especially looking forward to completing it in her own backyard.

This year's Kyle Pease Foundation team is the largest in its history, with over 240 athletes and push-assist volunteers taking part in the half marathon to promote inclusivity in the sport. The Atlanta Run Club is also making a strong showing, with more than 500 members toeing the start line across all distances.

Get Involved: Volunteer & Cheer

With thousands of athletes set to take to the streets of Atlanta, Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend needs 2,000 volunteers to help make race day a success. Opportunities remain open for course marshals, water station attendants and finish line support.

For spectators, some of the best places to cheer on the runners include Peachtree Street, Piedmont Park and the finish line at The Home Depot Backyard, where celebrations will be in full swing.

For complete details, visit Atlanta Track Club's website.