ING Georgia Marathon - RunMarathon

Started off the race lined up behind the 5:30 pace group. Wasn't able to get in the training I wanted and set this as my original goal. After the start 5:30 pace group stated to walk about 5 minutes in so I ran ahead and started following the 5:00 pace group. Kept a good pace for the first few mile then at the first water stop I lost the pace group as they all stopped for water and I continued on due to large amount of people at first water stop. Kept a good pace and came upon the second water station but opted not to get a drink due to the large crowd. Once the Half marathon and full marathon split the course thined out a bit more and I figured I would get water at the next stop. Next stop came at mile 8 so I got a drink and had to make a pit stop which took about 10 minutes but I felt a lot better after that. Continued along taking in the routes scenary and enjoying the run. Water stops became more frequent after mile 10 so I was able to get some good hidration in. Coming up on mile 18 I felt good and kept a steady pace so far. Between mile 18 and 19 I hit a small wall and had to walk a bit up a hill prior to mile 19 marker knowing that a downhill was coming. Hit mile 19 and wanted to run to the timing mat at 20. Once I got to the mat at 20 I felt good knowing that I only had a 10 k to go. At the Mile 21 and 22 marker I walked for about a minute and started running again. I ran through the park and wanted to continue to run to Peachtree Street knowing that was the home stretch. I wasn't expecting Mile 23 to take the toll it took on me fromt the hill. Once I hit Peachtree street and saw the water station decided to walk, was happy that it was Mile 24 too. Walked most of Mile 24. Once I got to Mile 25 marker I started to run once agian. The 1 mile left marker was a good pick me up and I started to push it. Once the finish line was in sight I started to push it and leave nothing on the course. Finished 1 hour faster then original goal and was very happy.

Get in some longer training runs prior to the event.

Got my medal and found my family and checked my finish time via runner tracking via cell phone. Walked to a first aid station to get some Vasaline for chafing under my arms. Walked to Marta.


Not getting in enough Long training runs, but overall I feel I did great on this race and set a new PR for Marathon by 3 minutes.


For an innagural event, I think this was very good. Few minor problems that I believe they will work out in the future. Great race and loved the course.