The HOTLANTA Half Marathon continues its tradition of bringing the love of running to the best of Atlanta! Experience the unique HOTLANTA Course spotlighting some of Atlanta’s most iconic locations. Conquer the hills and embrace the warmer temps of early June to earn your Finisher Medal.
The journey of Atlanta landmarks kicks off at Atlanta’s Pemberton Place – World of Coca-Cola, winding runners through the streets and onto the vista views of the city along the Beltline. Just when you think the course couldn’t get any better, you will pass through historic Piedmont Park and pay homage to the Olympians as you run by Centennial Park. Let your excitement shine right along with the sun beaming off Georgia’s gold capital building as you cruise back to the finish line at Pemberton Place.
Choose the 2 Person Half Marathon Relay and team up with your favorite running partner for a friendly team competition. Each team member will run one leg of the race. The first leg covers roughly 6.4 miles from the Start Line to the Exchange Point on Irwin Street. The second leg covers roughly 6.7 miles from the Exchange Point to the Finish Line. Each team member earns a finisher medal.
The HOTLANTA 5K is back too!
Celebrate your success at the post-race party in beautiful Pemberton Place featuring music, refreshments, vendors, and more.
LESS
Hot, Humid, and Hills
Difficulty: The name of the race holds true to the associated difficulty. If you're looking for a testing summer half marathon with heat, humidity, and hills, this is the race … MORE
Difficulty: The name of the race holds true to the associated difficulty. If you’re looking for a testing summer half marathon with heat, humidity, and hills, this is the race for you.
Scenery: Atlanta is not the most scenic city, but the course is designed well to take you by many key highlights such as Millennial Park, a couple stadiums, Georgia Tech, and a very nice paved bike/running trail.
Production: Compared to some of the larger races I have done, this is a more low key race with many high points. While there was no expo, the bib pickup process was seamless and straightforward with many opportunities leading up to the race across Atlanta. The first two mile markers (miles 2 and 4) were each off around a half a mile which had many of us questioning if we took a wrong turn. The race ended up right at 13.1, but I was not sure it would be until I hit the mile 6 marker and it finally aligned with my watch.
Swag: While the shirt is not tech and instead a tri-blend, the medal is outstanding!
Great organization - hilly and fun!
Loved the race course. Takes you through most of Atlanta’s landmarks including the stadiums, beltline and GA Tech. It was definitely hilly for a half - RunKeeper registered 870ft of … MORE
Loved the race course. Takes you through most of Atlanta’s landmarks including the stadiums, beltline and GA Tech. It was definitely hilly for a half – RunKeeper registered 870ft of gain – but you also get a good amount of downhill: two whole miles 6-8 and most of mile 12 (needed). Aid station every mile after mile 6 including two with cold towels. Great organization – recommended!
Somewhat hilly route
Have to pick up bib in advance. Mostly on asphalt roads, some potholes and metal plates. Part of race is on wide cement trail. Pacers, mile markers, plenty of water/aid … MORE
Have to pick up bib in advance. Mostly on asphalt roads, some potholes and metal plates. Part of race is on wide cement trail. Pacers, mile markers, plenty of water/aid stops some with portapots. Several cold wet cloth stations. Big medal and blended short sleeve shirt see attached. Kona ice, bananas, cookies, chips, etc after race. Results posted fast and free photos.
Nice hot & muggy race
Mile markers and plenty of water/aid stations. Mostly on asphalt roads (some potholes and other road issues). Parts of race on cement trail. Blended short sleeve shirt and nice medal. … MORE
Mile markers and plenty of water/aid stations. Mostly on asphalt roads (some potholes and other road issues). Parts of race on cement trail. Blended short sleeve shirt and nice medal. Good refreshments. Results posted fast. Free photography.
It was hot, but well put on
Plenty of water stops. Course has hills. Nice spinning medal. Good refreshments after race. Winners are based on gun time, not chip time. MORE
Plenty of water stops. Course has hills. Nice spinning medal. Good refreshments after race. Winners are based on gun time, not chip time.
Heat, Hills, and Humidity Indeed
Title might not sound like it, but I actually really liked this race. While not my ideal running conditions, you kind know what you are getting into when you run … MORE
Title might not sound like it, but I actually really liked this race. While not my ideal running conditions, you kind know what you are getting into when you run a race called the “Hotlanta Half Marathon” in Atlanta in June.
Pros:
-Water stations were well organized and frequent. They even added a couple last minute given the extra hot and humid conditions for 2016
-Course went past a lot of Atlanta landmarks though ‘scenic’ might be a stretch (typical city marathon)
-Great volunteers, great post race area
-Nice medal and shirt
Cons:
-Lack of bathrooms at start
-Roads were pretty rough in some areas, especially in the first few miles.
Bottom Line: I’d run this again if I happened to be in Atlanta that weekend. I likely would not travel specifically for it again. It is also not likely to be a PR course for most people.