Celebrating the 20th Running of Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend
Event Update: All distances are now sold out, including the 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Marathon events.
Make history by participating in the 20th Running of the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K in 2026. Both the half and full takes runners and walkers through some of the city's most historical landmarks and scenic areas, showing off its tree lined streets and authentic southern charm. Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend has something for the entire family and will show participants near and far why Atlanta is Running City USA. The 5K and youth events take place on Saturday, while the full and half marathon is held on Sunday.
Publix Atlanta Marathon is an Abbott World Marathon Major Wanda Age Group World Rankings Qualifying race.
The youth portion of Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend will show kids 14 and under what it means to be part of a big city marathon, offering a 5K, 3K and 50M Dash. Children can run multiple distances and try out the Track & Field Zone.
Sunday's Publix Atlanta Half Marathon also serves as the 2026 USATF Half Marathon Championships for the second-consecutive year. The top three men and women will automatically qualify for a spot on Team USA at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships later this year in Copenhagen. Watch the race live on Atlanta Track Club's YouTube channel starting at 7:00 a.m. EST, and read the full race preview here. You can also catch it streaming live on 11Alive+ and 11Alive.com.
DATE & TIME
- Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 5K
- Sunday, March 1, 2026 - Marathon & Half Marathon
LOCATION
- The Home Depot Backyard
1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313
DISTANCE
- Marathon (ages 18 & older)
- Half Marathon (ages 14 & older)
- 5K (ages 8 & older)
EVENT SWAG
- Marathon:
- Long-sleeve adidas shirt
- Medal - Half Marathon:
- Long-sleeve adidas shirt
- Medal - 5K:
- Short-sleeve adidas shirt
- Medal
SATURDAY EVENT SCHEDULE
6:30 a.m.
5K Will Call opens
7:45 a.m.
5K start
8:00 a.m.
Youth Festival Area opens, incl. Youth Number Pickup, Track & Field Zone, and Activities open
9:00 a.m.
Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Expo Opens
8:40 a.m.
5K Awards Ceremony
9:15 a.m.
5K course closes
9:30 a.m.
3K start (ages 7 to 14)
10:15 a.m.
Dash start (ages 3 & under)
10:30 a.m.
Dash start (ages 4 - 6)
6:00 p.m.
Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Expo Closes
SUNDAY EVENT SCHEDULE
6:00 a.m.
Will Call Number Pickup Opens
7:15 a.m.
Marathon / Half Marathon Start
7:45 a.m.
Will Call Number Pickup Closes
11:10 a.m.
Marathon Split Cut Off Time
11:25 a.m.
Half Marathon Course Closes
2:25 p.m.
Marathon Course Closes
Course Details
Aid Stations
Aid Stations are available at:
Miles 2.2, 4, 6.2, 8.1, 9.7, 11.5, 12.8, 14.4, 16.3, 18.2, 20, 22.1, 24
All stations will include Water, PowerAde, and portable toilets
Fuel
- Honey Stinger Energy Gels - Mile 6, 9.7, 14.4, 18.3, 20
Bananas - Mile 6 & 14
*Courses subject to change
Road Closures & Turn by Turn - Half & Full Marathon
Road Closures & Turn by Turn - 5K & 3K
Half Marathon Course Certification
COURSE TIME LIMIT
- Marathon: 6 hours and 30 minutes (15 minute per mile)
Marathoners must reach the split at 12.5 miles by 11:10 a.m. to continue on the Marathon course - Half Marathons: 3 hours and 30 minutes (16 minute per mile)
- 5K: 1 hour and 15 minutes (25 minute per mile)
- Mile: 25 minutes
All course closure times are based off the start line closure time of 7:55 a.m. for both days.
For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, no pets, or wheeled conveyances of any kind, including baby joggers/strollers, roller/inline skates, and bicycles, are permitted on the course. Headphones are strongly discouraged.
Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon Course
Publix Atlanta Marathon Expo
Race numbers for the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathons and 5K must be picked up at the Publix Atlanta Marathon Expo prior to your event day, unless Will Call is purchased.
Location: Georgia World Congress Center Hall C4 - 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Friday, February 27 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
For those who are unable to make it to the Expo, a third party may pick up your race number. In order for the third party to pick up your race number, they must bring a copy of your Check-In Pass which is sent to all registered participants prior to number pickup.
No race day registration is available.
Number Pickup is only available on event day for those who purchased Will Call. No numbers are mailed.
TIMING & RESULTS
Unofficial results available online the afternoon of the event. Results are made official approximately two weeks after the event, after all inquires have been processed.
Your timing device for this event is the MYLAPS ThinTag placed on the back of your bib. In order to receive an accurate time, please confirm your bib is...
- Clearly visible on the front of the torso
- Unaltered and unmodified (Do not fold or wrinkle)
- Pinned in all four corners
- Not covered (jackets, fuel belts, etc.)
Atlanta Track Club is a member organization of both the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) & USA Track & Field (USATF) and adheres to the guidelines and rules of competition in the events Atlanta Track Club conducts & provides."
Additional Information
EVENT ADDRESS
Home
Depot Backyard at Mercedes Benz Stadium - 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313
PUBLIX ATLANTA MARATHON WEEKEND EXPO
Location: Georgia World Congress Center Hall C4 - 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Friday, February 27 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Official Event Hotels
Signia by Hilton, 159 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Please note there are no more rooms available for discount in the ATC Room Block, please call the Signia separately.
Hyatt Place- Atlanta Centennial Park, 300 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Book online here.
The REVERB Hotel- Downtown Atlanta is a new Publix Atlanta Marathon partner Hotel, along the course and steps away from Centennial Olympic Park, book discounted rates at the REVERB Hotel here.
Participant Shirt Size Swaps
If you need a different shirt size than the one you received at the Expo, stop by the Gear Check tent after 8:00 a.m. (after you finish the race) on Sunday of race weekend to check availability. We cannot guarantee size exchanges, as supplies are limited. To qualify for a swap, please make sure the shirt is unworn and unwashed.
If you cannot exchange your shirt at the Gear Check tent, visit our office at 201 Armour Drive during business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Before you come, email questions@
WILL CALL
Must be pre-purchased for $20.00
Will Call allows you to pick up your number on race day.
To add will call to your registration edit your booking using the steps below.
- Click here to enter your booking confirmation id
- Click Manage
- Under Making Changes click Purchase or view add ons
- Add Will call to your basket and check out
Your number will not be available at Will Call on race morning unless you have purchased this option. If you do not purchase Will Call, your number will only be available at the Expo on Friday and Saturday. No numbers will be shipped.
The deadline to purchase will call is 7:00 p.m. the night before your event.
ULTIMATE PEACH
Once again in 2026, runners and walkers who are registered for the 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, 2025 PNC Atlanta 10 Miler, 2025 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and the 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon will be automatically entered into the series once they have signed up for all four races. There is not a separate registration for the Ultimate Peach Race Series.
The 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon is the fourth event of the Ultimate Peach Race Series. The Ultimate Peach medal will be awarded at the conclusion of the Publix Atlanta Marathon.
The Ultimate Peach Race Series is open to in-person participants ONLY.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
Those selecting the Virtual Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half
Marathon or 5K will be asked to complete their race between Friday, February 27 and Sunday, March 1. Results must be submitted by Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. in order to be included in results.
Virtual participants will receive a race bib, medal and
T-shirt. The last day to switch and sign up to receive your kit before race day
is Monday, February 23 at 11:59 p.m. There will be no switching to the
in-person event, or vice versa, after this date. February 23 is also the
deadline for virtual participants to switch distances within the virtual event.
Anyone who registers prior to Monday, February 23 at 11:59 p.m. will have
their kits sent prior to event day. Registration for the virtual event will close on February 23.
Switching races: Registrants may only switch from virtual to
in-person, or may switch distances within the virtual event, prior to February
24.
Please email [email protected] to begin any switches to your event.
Please note: Virtual participants are not eligible for
Streaker status or Ultimate Peach in 2026.
SWITCHING RACES
Distance Changes:
In-Person Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K switches must be requested by Friday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. Additional in person changes can be made at Number Pickup should capacity allow.
Virtual:
Virtual participants may switch to in-person, or vice-versa, through Monday, February 23 at 11:59 p.m.. This is also the deadline for virtual participants to switch distances within the virtual event.
Please email [email protected] to begin any switches to your event.
WEATHER POLICY
Atlanta Track Club events are held rain or shine. However, the
threat of lightning or other severe weather in the vicinity of the event may
result in a delay or cancellation. For full details on our event policies,
including weather, refunds and cancellations, click here.
MARTA
We encourage all participants to take MARTA on race morning to avoid traffic delays due to race related street closures. Rail service start times for Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend are as follows:
- Saturday, February 28 service will begin at 5:50 a.m.
- Sunday, March 1 service will be begin at 6:00 a.m.
The frequency will be as follows: both days and both lines (N/S & E/W) will be on a 20 minute headway. Trains will run every 10 minutes between Lindbergh and the Airport. Extra trains will be inserted as needed The extra trains will decrease the headways from 20 to 12 minutes (and 6 minutes between Lindbergh and Airport) during peak periods.
The Vine
City Station is directly across Northside Drive from the Home Depot
Backyard and allows for worry free travel to the event. Be sure to look for FREE
Parking at any of the 23 MARTA rail stations.
PARKING
If MARTA is not an option, there is ample parking in and around the Home Depot Backyard area. We recommend you research parking options and have backup options in mind for race day should your first choice be filled or closed.
Pre-Purchased Parking Options at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are available on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Parking website under Community Events Parking. Click here to pre-purchase.
As an additional option, convenient and affordable off-site parking is available in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app. To reserve your parking spot, visit the Home Depot Backyard SpotHero Parking Page.
GEAR CHECK
Gear check will be available on Saturday starting at 6:30 a.m. and Sunday at 6:00 a.m. If you plan to check gear, all items must fit in the clear bag provided and a bib number attached to the bag provided to you at race number pickup. Atlanta Track Club is not responsible for lost or missing bags. All checked gear must be picked up from the gear check tent by 10:00AM on Saturday and 2:45 p.m. on Sunday.
Any remaining bags will be taken to
Atlanta Track Club's office and made available for pick-up during regular
office hours beginning on Tuesday, March 3. Items from unclaimed bags will
be donated to local shelters after March 14.
What Not to Put in Your Gear Check Bag. Gear check is great for extra layers and everyday essentials, but some things just shouldn't go in the bag. Volunteers are not responsible for lost and damaged items. Do not pack:
- Valuables
— wallets, cash, credit cards, keys, jewelry, or anything you'd be upset
to lose
- Electronics
— phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, chargers, etc.
- Fragile
or breakable items
- Heavy
or bulky items that make bags hard to store or stack
- Open
food or drinks — sealed snacks and beverages are fine, but
anything that could spill or leak should stay out
- Anything
irreplaceable or sentimental
PACE TEAM
The Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon Pace Team is here to help you achieve your race pace goal. Pace Team leads will run even splits (plus or minus ~15 seconds) at the pace indicated next to the finish times below. Run-walk-run intervals will be offered for some of the pace groups.
Pace Team leads will be available for the following finish times:
| Half Marathon | Marathon | Placement in Start Wave |
| 1:30 (6:52 min/mile) |
3:00 (6:51 min/mile) | A - middle |
| 3:15 (7:26) | B - front | |
| 1:45 (8:00) | 3:30 (8:00) | C - front |
| 3:45 (8:35) |
C - back | |
| 2:00 (9:09) | 4:00 (9:09) | E -front/middle |
| 4:15 (9:43) | E - back | |
| 2:15 (10:18) | 4:30 (10:18) | G - middle |
| 4:45 (10:52) | G - back | |
| 2:30 (11:26) |
5:00 (11:27) Run-walk-run (90:30 intervals) |
H front/middle |
| 2:45 (12:35) Run-walk-run (2:1 intervals) |
5:30 (12:35)
Run-walk-run (2:1 intervals) |
J - front |
| 3:00 (13:44) Run-walk-run (30:30 intervals) |
6:00 (13:44)
Run-walk-run (1:1 intervals) |
J - front/middle |
| 3:15 (14:53) Run-walk-run (30:30 intervals) |
6:30 (14:53)
Run-walk-run (1:1 intervals and back of the pack - 30:30 intervals) |
J - middle |
| 3:30 (16:00) Run-walk-run (30:30 intervals) |
J - middle/back |
Participants can sign up to run with a pace group at the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Expo.
AWARDS
Overall awards are based on gun time. Masters awards are based on net time. Overall and Masters winners are not eligible for age group awards.
Award ceremonies will take place on the Main Stage on race day for all overall winners.
Age group awards are based on net time. Age group awards for all races will be mailed to the top three finishers in each age division once results are finalized (approximately two weeks after the event):
18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80- 84, 85-89, and 90+ (excluding the overall winners)
Half Marathon awards (awarded on race day):
- Overall male, female and non-binary
Prize Money** - See Elite Information - Masters male, female
Marathon awards (awarded on race day):
- Overall male, female and non-binary
Prize Money**: 1st - $500, 2nd - $250, 3rd - $125 - Masters male, female
5K awards (awarded on race day):
- Overall male, female and non-binary
Prize Money**: 1st - $250, 2nd - $125, 3rd - $75 - Masters male, female
**Prize money is available for the Male and Female categories only
ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES
In order to serve all our athletes, Atlanta Track Club
offers opportunities for Athletes with Disabilities (AWD). If you are an AWD
and interested in participating in Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon or
5K, please email [email protected], to discuss what reasonable
accommodations can be made based on your specific needs. Atlanta Track Club
officials will provide reasonable accommodation to Athletes with Disabilities on
an individualized and event by event basis.
PET POLICY
Pets are not allowed in The Home Depot Backyard unless they are a certified service animal and identified as such.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Atlanta Track Club events! There are opportunities from the set-up and tear down of the race to the Expo. To view and register for volunteer opportunities, please CLICK HERE!
Volunteers receive:
- Commemorative adidas Jacket
- Commemorative 20th Lapel Pin
- Discounts on Atlanta Track Club Online
- An opportunity to win $100 by participating in the "Best Sign Contest" - Race Day Only
- Food & Fluids
QUESTIONS
If you have additional questions regarding the event, please
email [email protected].
MARATHONFOTO
Smile for the camera! MarathonFoto will be capturing every moment on race day! They will be at the start, along the course and at the finish line! All participants will receive ONE FREE photo after the event, with the option to purchase more.
You can prepurchase your package before the race and save up to $10
- To Purchase MarathonFoto use the following steps:
- Click here to enter your booking confirmation id or start from your confirmation email.
- Click Manage.
- Under Making Changes, click Purchase or view add ons.
- Add MarathonFoto Official Race Photos to your basket and check out.
RACE DAY TRACKING
Get ready for race day with the Atlanta Track Club Race App, available now in the App Store and Google Play! This essential tool has everything you need to stay connected for the 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend and all Atlanta Track Club events.
Download Atlanta Track Club App
Features Include:
- Live Tracking: Real-time athlete tracking lets you follow participants on the course with live splits and estimated finish times.
- Interactive Course Maps: View the course layout, split points, and locations of participants as they progress
- Live Leaderboards: Track the top runners in each category with leaderboards that update instantly.
- Event Updates and Notifications: Stay informed with event info, alerts, and push notifications.
- Social Media Integration: Share race-day moments and connect with the Running City USA community.
2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Medals
Personalized iTab Medal Engraving
You're about to earn a medal you'll remember forever - make it uniquely yours. Purchase an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finish time that slides perfectly onto the ribbon of your medal, before race day.
iTab is the simplest way to turn your race medal into a true keepsake and celebrate the journey you've worked so hard for.
Add an iTAB today and commemorate Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend your way.
Click here to enter your booking confirmation id (your confirmation id can be found at the top of your email)
Click Manage
Under Making Changes click Purchase or view add ons
Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Through the Years
2005
Victoria Seahorn, founder and first race director of the ING Georgia Marathon, proposed launching a spring marathon in Atlanta in honor of her late friend and fellow runner, Lindsey Gabe.
2007
The inaugural ING Georgia Marathon was held on March 25, 2007, starting and finishing at Centennial Olympic Park.
2008
Two weeks before the second Georgia Marathon, an EF2 struck downtown Atlanta. As a result, the course was rerouted in some areas due to damage, but was still able to take place.
2010
Publix becomes the title sponsor, giving the race a new name: Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon
2015
In December 2015, Atlanta Track Club announced it was acquiring the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon.
2016
First year the Publix Georgia Marathon events were organized by Atlanta Track Club.
2019
Atlanta Track Club rebrands the event weekend to Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend. Along with the name change was a redrawn course to stay within Atlanta.
2020
One day before the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Atlanta Track Club held the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon and temporarily renamed the Publix Atlanta Marathon events to "America's Marathon Weekend."
2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway to adhere to social distancing and other safety measures.
2022
The race returned to Centennial Olympic Park. In the Publix Atlanta 5K, Atlanta icon Betty Lindberg set an age group world record at 98 years old.
2024
Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend relocates to the Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A second half marathon course option was offered for the first time.
2025
Atlanta Track Club hosts the USATF Half Marathon Championships as part of the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon. All races sold out days before the weekend of events began.
Streakers
In 2007, Publix Atlanta Marathon (known at the time as ING Georgia Marathon) celebrated its inaugural year. Almost 20 years later, Atlanta Track Club, which took over this event in 2016, is preparing to celebrate the 20th Running at the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K. The following individuals have run all 19 years* of this event and are aptly named "Streakers.
The Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K happily continues to celebrate those special runners who have kept their streak going throughout a new name and a new course! The 2026 benefits and fun include:
- Feature on event webpage
- "Fast Pass Lane" at Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Expo
- Friday afternoon Streaker Reception (details below) and group photos Friday and Sunday
- Unique sticker on race bib (guarantees entry Sunday's post-race Streaker tent)
- Commemorative adidas gift (given at Expo)
- "Vanity Bib" that says Streaker
- Post-race Streakers/Ultimate Peach celebration tent with food at photo ops
| Date | Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, February 27 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Panel of the Past, Expo Stage -Founder and Inaugural ING Georgia Marathon Race Director Victoria Seahorn is joined with streakers for a Q&A Panel and trip down memory lane! | Publix Atlanta Marathon Expo Stage |
| Friday, February 27 | 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Streaker Reception - Streakers plus one guest invited to a a reception with light snacks and drinks to meet and reminisce; group photo at 3:30 p.m. | Streaker/Ultimate Peach Tent, The Home Depot Backyard |
| Sunday, March 1 | 6:00 a.m. | Streaker Gear Check - skip the main gear check and head to your home base to check your gear! | Streaker/Ultimate Peach Tent, The Home Depot Backyard |
| Sunday, March 1 | Post-race | Post Race Celebration! Visit the Streaker/Ultimate Peach Tent for photo opportunities and food. If you are also an Ultimate Peach participant, your medal will be here. | Streaker/Ultimate Peach Tent, The Home Depot Backyard |
*Virtual participants from 2021 and 2022 are eligible however virtual participation is no longer accepted in 2025, you must register for the in-person event to continue your Streaker status. Streakers must have valid results in the race they registered for and finish within the course limit to be eligible the following year. If you are a streaker and do not see your name on the list, please contact results@atlantatrackclub.org.
Ultimate Peach
Ultimate Peach Qualifiers are those that have completed, in-person, the 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, the 2025 PNC Atlanta 10 Miler and the 2025 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. To receive your benefits at the 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon you must register and complete the in-person full marathon.
2026 Ultimate Peach benefits include:
- "Fast Pass Lane" at Expo: be sure to look for the Ultimate Peach Line!
- Unique bib sticker, gaining you access to the post-race celebration tent
- a special post-race celebration tent with food and Ultimate Peach photo ops
- commemorative medal; these will be in the Ultimate Peach tent!
- "Vanity Bib" that says Ultimate Peach
Click the button below to see the 2026 list of registered Ultimate Peach participants as of February 26. If you are registered for the marathon and do not see your name on the list but believe you should be, please click here.
Be a VIP on Race Day - Lace Up in adidas Shoes
Complete the Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K wearing adidas footwear and enjoy the adidas VIP Finish Line Experience! Score a special adidas item and get a chance to win one of twenty $200 gift cards to adidas.com. Wear adidas shoes and finish in style!
EVENT SPONSORS
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