The ING Georgia Marathon is a true showcase of historic Atlanta, beautiful Decatur and all of the neighborhoods in between. 

The staging area for the start & finish is in the heart of downtown Atlanta in Centennial Olympic Park.  You will start in downtown Atlanta at Phillips Arena and run through the Sweet Auburn district, which houses the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Martin Luther King Center. You will also run by the house where Dr. King was born and then on through historical Inman Park with its magnificent restored homes.  The course continues through the eclectic Little 5 Points area, neighboring Candler Park, down Ponce de Leon, past Agnes Scott College, on to the quaint downtown square of Decatur, by the Emory University campus, the Lullwater area which features the house from Driving Miss Daisy, then onto Freedom Parkway and around The Carter Center for one of the best views of the city, continuing into the Virginia Highlands neighborhood with spectators cheering participants on as they head into Piedmont Park and finally back downtown to the finish line where the party begins at Centennial Olympic Park!

The ING Georgia Marathon is a  Boston Marathon Qualifier.  USATF Certified Course (#GA08005WC) and Half Marathon (#GA08006WC).  

Marathon Elevation Chart

7 Hour Time Limit
Both the ING Georgia Marathon and the Half Marathon races sart at 7:00 am..  All participants must be able to finish the ING Georgia Marathon within seven hours.  In order to do so, runners in the marathon will need to maintain a minimum average pace of 16 minutes per mile.  All participants must be able to finish the ING Georgia Marathon within the time limit in order to be recorded as an official finisher (with time and place).  Anyone slower than this pace must go on the sidewalk as streets are re-opened to traffic and follow all traffic rules.  Shuttles will be available to take participants back to the finish area, if necessary.

ING Cheering Zones
Runners, invite your family and friends to cheer you on from the two designated ING Cheering Zones along the route, located in Decatur Square and Piedmont Park. Spectators, be sure to “Orange Up!” and cheer your friends and loved ones. ING Cheering Zones will supply plenty of inflatable noisemakers and “Go Runners!” signs.  All you do is provide the enthusiasm and noise!

Seeded Runners
Male runners and female runners wishing to be considered seeded runners in the ING Georgia Marathon must register and submit proof (copy of race results certificate or finisher's postcard) of having completed a marathon since 1/1/04 in a time faster than Men 3:10:00 / Female 3:45:00.  Entry must be postmarked by 2/24/08.  Elite runners (2:35 marathon time or better), please contact Ron Wayne for more information.

  Wheelchair Division

UPS and Emory Rehabilitation Medicine Services joins the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon in hosting a fully intergrated wheelchair division in the half marathon distance.  This will be established as the premier wheeler half marathon in the United States.  Any inquiries regarding the wheelchair half-marathon race should be directed to Scott Hollonbeck.

Race Packet Pick-Up
All participants of the ING Georgia Marathon must pick up their Mizuno technical shirt and race packet at the ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center, March 28 & 29.  While at the Expo, see the latest in health and fitness trends and enjoy the speaker's clinics, featuring an inspiring Dick Beardsley.  Participants must show valid Photo ID in order to pick up race packet.  There will be no race day packet pick up and no race day registration.  Click here to go directly to the Health & Fitness Expo page for more information on Expo hours and directions.

Computer Chip Timing
The ING Georgia Marathon uses the computerized ChampionChip timing system.  Chip timing allows each runner's time to start when he or she reaches the starting line.  The participant's finish time is calculated precisely upon crossing the finish line.  Runners are provided with a chip in their race packet and must return it at the finish line.  In case of withdrawal or cancellation, a $35.00 replacement fee will be assessed if the chip is not returned within 15 days after the race.  Runners who already own a chip may use it by filling the chip number on the entry form or by registering the chip at the Expo.  A commemorative chip is available which may be purchased upon registering for the race or purchasing at the Expo.

 Race Day Transportation

For ease, MARTA, Atlanta's rapid transit system, is the preferred method of transportation to the starting line area.  The closest MARTA Station is Five Points Station.  MARTA Breeze One-Way Fare Cards can be purchased at the ING Georgia Health & Fitness Expo.  New registrants can pre-purchase upon registering for either race.  For more information on MARTA, visit www.itsmarta.com.

Participants and spectators staying at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center can board MARTA at the Phillips Arena/CNN Center station.  For those staying at other downtown hotels, the start & finish area is either within walking distance or a short ride on MARTA.  If interested in more information on downtown Atlanta hotels, click here.

For runners and spectators who prefer to travel by car to the start area, paid parking is available around Centennial Olympic Park and neighboring parking decks and lots throughout the downtown area.  Please visit the Race Day Transportation and Parking page for more detailed information, click here.

Race Day Bag Check
A gear check area at the start/finish will be available so that finishers can pack a change of clothes for after the race. 

Hydration & Energy Stations
Water and Electrolytes will be available at hydration stops at approximately every other mile.
 

Medical Stations

The ING Georgia Marathon is proud to partner with Emory Healthcare to provide top notch first aid care. Medical personnel will be present at the aid stations located throughout the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon courses. The central medical station will be situated near the finish line. The aid stations will be in constant communication with all the marathon support teams located throughout both the marathon and half marathon courses.
Emory Healthcare is supported by the efforts of Grady EMS.

Click to go to the Emory Healthcare website.  Visit the Emory Healthcare booth at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Expo (Booths 220/222).

Marathon Pace Teams
The ING Georgia Marathon is proud to have a unique group of enthusiastic runners leading pace groups for the following finishing times: 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 7:00.  Pace groups are designed to help participants reach the finish line while maintaining pace, staying safe and most importantly, having FUN!  For more info, click here.

Finish Line
ING Georgia Marathon finishers will cross the finish line in downtown Atlanta.  Each finisher receives a commemorative ING Georgia Marathon medal and ING Georgia Marathon Heatsheets blanket at the finish line.  Following the race, there will be live entertainment and an awards ceremony, honoring the marathons top competitors.  All participants and spectators are invited to enjoy the race after-party that will run well into the evening hours.

 Awards & Prizes

Over $30,000 will be awarded to runners of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. Delta Air Lines will provide Trips for Two to the 2008 ING Amsterdam Marathon to the Top Male/Female from Georgia in the marathon distance. Awards ceremony will be held at 10:30 am. 

  Official Race Photographer

Action Sports International (ASI) is the Official Photographer and supplier of photo-related products for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. Atlanta based ASI will be taking photographs of you all along the course, at the finish line and after you finish as you pose proudly with your medal. Keep your race number in clear view at all times so we can easily identify all your photos. Just a few days after the event, you can view and order photos online by clicking here. No other commercial photographers are sanctioned by the event.  For photo locations along the course, click here.  For tips on how to make the best of your race photo, click here.

Official Race Video Clip
Action Sports International (ASI Video) is proud to launch Quikflix, downloadable finish video videos! Own the video of you crossing the finish line at ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon!. Delivered quickly via email, Quikflix allows you to share your video finish with family and friends! Save and celebrate your finish for years to come with Quikflix! This limited time offer will be available shortly after the race by clicking here.

Family Reunion Area
Finishers of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon can reunite with friends and family at the Publix Family Pavilion.  The Publix Family Pavillion will be situated in the finish area.

RULES & REGULATIONS
All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, sorry no exceptions.  Once entry has been received, no refunds will be given.  The entry fee for the 2008 race will not transfer to the 2009 race.  All entries are confirmed by email.  Late registration will be at the ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo.  No Race Day Registration!

If you are already signed up for one race and want to switch to the other, you may do so, in person at the ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo.  A $10.00 fee will be applied, along with any applicable entry fee difference.  No refunds will be given if you change from the full marathon to the half marathon.

All ING Georgia Marathon participants must be atleast 18 years of age on race day.  Be aware of your health and physical ability before attempting to train and run the ING Georgia Marathon.

The ING Georgia Marathon is conducted under the rules of the USATF and the Road Runners Club of America.

In consideration of the safety of all participants, NO HEADPHONES, BABY JOGGERS/STROLLERS, IN-LINE SKATES, ROLLER SKATES, SKATEBOARDS, BICYCLES, COACHES OR ANIMALS will be allowed on the course.  This will be strictly enforced.