In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon

In-Training Badge

REGISTRATION OPEN!

There's nothing quite like the marathon and half marathon. Endurance events for athletes who like to take on big challenges. Combine that with the energy and hospitality of a city like Atlanta and the result is a marathon and half marathon you don't want to miss. Whether you're stepping up to the marathon or half marathon distance for the first time, checking Atlanta off your marathon or half marathon bucket list, or taking on the four event challenge that is the Ultimate Peach Series, In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon will help you prepare for the 13.1 or 26.2 miles that are the 2025 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend.

The 2024-25 In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon Program features:

  • Training grounded in science developed by Atlanta Track Club's Performance Programming Team
  • In-Training - Certified Coaches to coach and mentor you throughout your training
  • Small group workouts throughout the city during the week and larger long workouts on Saturdays
  • Course preview runs to prepare you for race day
  • Online learning opportunities most Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. led by Atlanta's running and walking experts including veteran coaches and racers, medical professionals, and elite athletes
  • Customized training levels to meet your fitness and experience and prepare you for the 2025 Publix Atlanta Marathon or Half Marathon
  • Daily text/email reminders of workouts powered by Final Surge
  • Online platforms to build community and camaraderie
  • In-Training shirt (athletes have the option to have their shirt mailed at an additional cost)

This training program accommodates both advanced and beginner athletes. For those attempting the distance for the first time, we recommend that marathon participants have consistently been training 15 or more miles total per week and recently completed a long workout of at least 9-10 miles. We recommend that first time half marathon participants have been consistently training 10 or more miles total per week and recently completed a long workout of 4 miles or more.

Group workouts begin Saturday, January 4, 2025 for long runs and Wednesday, January 8, 2025 for speed/interval workouts.

In some cases, the program may be shortened for late registrants. Please email training@atlantatrackclub.org if you are interested in training with Atlanta Track Club but need to reduce the length of the program.

Note: This In-Training program does not include entry into the Publix Atlanta Marathon or Half Marathon.

Training Program Policies

REGISTER NOW!

Distances
  • Marathon - 26.2 miles
  • Half Marathon - 13.1 miles

Cost

Marathon

  • $155 through November 18
  • $165 November 19 through November 25
  • $175 November 26 through December 9

Half Marathon

  • $145 through December 2
  • $155 December 3 through December 9
  • $165 December 10 through December 20


Program Schedule

Late September 2024

Registration opens

November 24

Marathon orientation - online at 3:00 p.m.

November 25

Marathon training begins

December 8

Half Marathon orientation - online at 3:00 p.m.

December 9

Half Marathon training begins, Marathon registration closes

December 23

Half Marathon registration closes

January 4

Group long workouts begin

January 8

Group midweek workouts begin

February 15

Course preview field trip, Home Depot Backyard

March 2

RACE DAY!

LOCATIONS

Saturday Workout Location:

  • Atlanta Track Club, 201 Armour Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 - 7:15 a.m.
  • Home Depot Backyard, Course preview field trip, February 15 - 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday Midweek Workout Locations: Athletes select one location during registration.

EARLY MORNING

  • Azalea Park, 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell, GA 30075 - 6:15 a.m.
  • Cheney Stadium with Coach Bob, 741 Connally Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 - 6:15 a.m.

LATE AFTERNOON

  • Agnes Scott College Gellerstedt Track, South McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Peachtree Middle School Track, 4664 North Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30338 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Piedmont Park with Coach Bob, Dockside (or Active Oval), Atlanta, GA 30309 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Locations subject to change based on demand and participation.

COST

Marathon

  • $155 through November 18
  • $165 November 19 through November 25
  • $175 November 26 through December 9

Half Marathon

  • $145 through December 2
  • $155 December 3 through December 9
  • $165 December 10 through December 23

    IN-TRAINING REFUND POLICY

    In-Training registration is non-refundable unless you purchase Refundable Protection when you register for In-Training. If purchased and you're unable to start the training program for one of the covered reasons, Refundable Protection enables you to receive a 100% refund of your registration fee (minus processing fees and donations) within 10 business days of submitting a claim. Please read and learn what specific events are covered by Refundable Protection here.

    Note: Refundable Protection is only applicable if the qualifying event (illness, injury, etc.) occurs before the first day of training. If the qualifying event happens on or after the first day of training, the athlete is not eligible for a refund. The first day of training is the Training begins date under Program Schedule above; not the first in-person practice.

  • This training program does not include entry into the Publix Atlanta Marathon or Publix Atlanta Half Marathon.

ORIENTATION

We will kickoff the program with a 60-minute online orientation in which Coach Bob will provide an overview of the program, explain Final Surge and its benefits, and answer your training questions.

  • Marathon orientation - Sunday, November 24, 2023, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Half marathon orientation - Sunday, December 8, 2023, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom

Zoom information is included in the WELCOME email that is sent the week before training begins.

COACHES

Bob Wells, Manager & Coach - In-Training, Atlanta Track Club
In-Training - Certified Coaches and Run Leads
Eric Heintz, Director - Performance Programming, Atlanta Track Club

Become A Member

Did you know that as a member of Atlanta Track Club you receive a discount on all events and programs including In-Training. Join today to begin receiving discounts and the many other benefits of membership!

Frequently Asked Questions

Technology

I am not technologically savvy. Will I be trained on how to use all of the digital tools in the program?

Yes! Orientation, online videos, downloadable documents, and more will take you through the process step-by-step to maximize your experience.

Customization and Coaching

What do you mean by customized or individualized coaching?

The program offers a variety of training levels based on mileage, experience, and goals. The program also provides the tools to customize your paces for easy runs and walks in addition to harder workouts such as tempos and speedwork. Participants have the ability to move training days based on their work and life schedules. While a certified coach will look after your training and keep you accountable, it is not a one-on-one coaching program with unlimited access to the coach.

Are there opportunities for interactions with coaches?

Yes! Athletes have multiple opportunities to interact with Coach Bob, In-Training - Certified Coaches, and Run Leads. Opportunities include in-person workouts on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and In-Training Office Hours provide athletes with the opportunity to schedule 15-20 minute 1:1 meetings with Coach Bob to review and discuss their training.

Will I be able to schedule weekly one-on-one calls with my coach?

Yes! In-Training Office Hours provides athletes with the opportunity to schedule 15-20 minute 1:1 meetings with Coach Bob to review and discuss their training.

Group Training

Are group interval/speedwork sessions included with this program?

Yes! The program features group workouts at various locations throughout the city.

Are supported, group long workouts sponsored by Atlanta Track Club included with this program?

Yes! The program features supported long runs and workouts.

General

Once I sign up for In-Training how long does it take before I receive my plan?

Your training plan is added to your Final Surge training calendar a few days before your first day of training. This process is initiated with a Coaching Invitation. The Coaching Invitation email is sent the week before your training begins and will come from Notifications@FinalSurge.com. Once an athlete accepts the Coaching Invitation, their training plan is added to their training calendar within 24-48 hours.

What weekly mileage and long run will I begin with at the start of the program?

To maximize your benefit from the program, it is encouraged that all participants be actively training prior to the program beginning. The first week of prescribed training will be around the following levels:

Level I: 10+ miles per week, long - 4 miles (half marathon only)
Level II: 15-22 miles per week, long - 5 miles (half marathon), 11 miles (marathon)
Level III: 30 miles per week, long - 7 miles (half marathon), 13 miles (marathon)
Level IV: 40 miles per week, long - 9 miles (half marathon), 14 miles (marathon)

How do I determine my paces for workouts, training runs or walks?

There is a two step process. First, In-Training utilizes an Indicator Run or recent race result to determine your current fitness. An Indicator Run is a race effort that acts as a starting point for the program. In-Training then uses a proprietary pace calculator to derive your training paces in order to maximize your benefits from the program.

Where should I run?

Runner and walkers have individual likes and dislikes for training locations. While Atlanta Track Club can recommend popular locations throughout the metro Atlanta area, it is important to find safe routes near your neighborhood to maintain consistent training. Shaded streets with sidewalks and few intersections are best or dedicated paths devoted to pedestrian traffic. Using tools such a RunGo, MapMyRun, and gmap-pedometer can be useful in determining good routes. We also encourage talking with Run Leads and other participants for local recommendations.

I did not reach the prescribed mileage for a day or week. Should I adjust my paces or workouts?

You do not. Most of your workouts are for a specific amount of time and the mileage is an estimate. If you are over or under by a small amount it is okay. Consistency of effort and training are more important. Some days, specifically your longer workouts, the total mileage is the priority. These are typically your Saturday workouts.

Sponsors

shape

logo, company name

logo, company name

logo

Sponsors

shape

logo