Run the Classic City.
The Fourth Annual Classic City Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay
Saturday, March 20, 2027 | 7:30 a.m.
Start and Finish in Downtown Athens
Improved Course for 2027
Packet pick-up in person Friday, March 19, or Saturday, March 20
And introducing the outdoor Classic City Marathon Festival on Hancock Avenue, Friday afternoon/evening and all day Saturday!
Thank you again to all our 2026 sponsors, including these major partners and many others
With distances from the marathon (26.2 miles) to the half marathon (13.1 miles) to approximately 6 miles (one leg of a four-person marathon relay), we have options for everyone! Read more about our three races and then plan to Run the Classic City with us in 2027!
Why choose the Classic City?
Why choose the Classic City?
Because we are the Athens Road Runners and the Classic City Marathon Association. We are local runners and experienced race professionals, and we are committed to the work and the joy of creating the best possible race weekend for our runners, our spectators, and our community.
Because we are more than a marathon! The Classic City Marathon Festival is a free, public celebration in downtown Athens, Friday afternoon/evening and all day Saturday.
Because we work with local schools, students, artists, and musicians to create our medals, posters, and race-day entertainment! We are excited to showcase the Athens creative community.
Because we value sustainability for our races, for our communities, and for our planet. Our races are Zero Waste events!
The weather! As a mid-March race in the southern United States, we should have absolutely perfect running temperatures.
Why choose the Classic City?
Why choose the Classic City?
Because we offer real, handmade, compostable greenery “laurel” wreaths to every individual full-marathon finisher — and because a PR gong is available to everyone who ran their first, fastest, or farthest, in any race! (You know you want to.)
Because everything you need is within an easy walk of our partner hotels in downtown Athens! Packet pick-up, the Marathon Festival, the Starting Line, and the Finish Line are all within a few blocks.
Still not sure? Maybe our runners can convince you!
“I have 74 marathons, a member of the 7 continents club… well over 100 half marathons. THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!”
“Great medal, good post race food, well organized.”
“I loved all the volunteers! They were extremely helpful and encouraging.”
“Group runs and routes during the training!”
“I have ran a lot of half-marathons, and this was the best one by far. This event was very organized, had a variety of running scenery, and was just overall excellent.”
“I just love the community! The whole day was so enjoyable and memorable. I can't wait for next year!”
2025 Race Photos by Emily Cameron, Mark Babcock, Jessica Gratigny, and Mase Pearson
Are you looking for something else?
Use the navigation options at the top of the page to find many more details about our races.
Try our detailed Participant Guide, Relay Guide, and Spectator Guide. Read our long-form narrative description of the courses.
Try our Instagram account or our Facebook page.
Or email us!