Beyond the Peachtree: Five Georgia Races Worth Running
As Atlanta laces up for the Peachtree Road Race on July 4 – with its 60,000 runners, 150,000 spectators and billing as the world’s largest 10K – it’s also worth looking around Georgia at other races gaining ground. Each has its own personality and brings attention, fun and a positive economic impact to its community.
Rabun Ramble. Photo credit: Charlie Pledger
The 19th annual Rabun Ramble, an out-and-back 5k/10k race, along the perimeter of Lake Rabun, is on Saturday, July 5 in Lakemont. The race, which attracted more than 900 runners last year, features a DJ and runners in patriotic attire. It also serves an important purpose as a fundraiser for Lake Rabun Foundation, which provides college scholarship assistance to Rabun County students.
“The first year we were told we would maybe only have 100 runners, but we had over double that and ran out of water,” says race founder Sandy Strong. “Needless to say, the race took off and has been a hit ever since. My goal was to bring friends and families together on the Fourth of July weekend in a healthy way. And hey, it’s 10 degrees cooler here in Lakemont than on Peachtree Road!”
AthHalf: Photo credit: AthHalf
In Athens, the AthHalf and the Athfest Educates 5k are held in October. The courses take runners through downtown Athens and past UGA’s Sanford Stadium. Local bands play every few miles. Both races have a huge cheering section with an epic finish line of live music and a jumbotron. According to race officials, some 3,000 runners participate annually, traveling from as far as California. More than $100,000 was raised in 2024 for arts education for K-12 students in Athens-Clarke County.
“It is one of my favorite events of the year,” says Runner Ryan Swingle. “I love how the identities and labels that often divide people all disappear and we are just a big, sweaty group of people trying to get to the finish line.”
Macon Music Half Marathon: Photo credit: Don Kester
The third annual Macon Music Half Marathon will take place in November. This course features Macon’s Grand Opera House, The Big House Museum and Capricorn Studios, highlighting Macon’s culture, musical heritage and historical sites and attracting people from near and far (13 states in 2023). The race ends at Luther Williams Field, one of the oldest minor league baseball fields in the country. It boosts tourism and encourages people to visit Macon again, says Don McMahan, a board member of the Macon Tracks Running Club and one of the race organizers. Last year’s winner, Matt Triick, describes it as “one of the best courses I have ever run, the perfect combination of hills and scenery, taking you through the historic sections of Macon.”
Savannah Bridge Run. Photo credit: Savannah Bridge Run
More than 5,000 runners are expected to participate in the 34th annual Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run in December. The combination of a challenging course and beautiful scenery makes this race unique. Talmadge Memorial Bridge has a slight incline, providing runners an extensive view of downtown. Runners can choose to do a 5K, 10K, 15K or a kid’s fun run. Race organizers say it is known for its festive vibes with a costume contest, post-race party, loud cheering sections and live music. This race boosts tourism and supports Savannah’s small downtown businesses during holiday season.
