In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon

In-Training powered by adidas

REGISTRATION OPENS LATE SEPTEMBER 2025

Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon celebrates its 20th running in 2026 and Atlanta Track Club is ready to help you prepare with In-Training. 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 electricity and energy 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 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend.

The 2025-26 In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon Program features:

  • A proven training plan grounded in science and experience guided by Atlanta Track Club's coaching philosophy
  • Two in-person sessions per week - one speed focused, one endurance focused - and daily workouts throughout the week driven by Final Surge
  • In-Training Certified Coaches to coach and mentor you throughout your training
  • 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
  • Course preview runs to prepare you for race day
  • Premium race day experience that includes a dedicated In-Training event space to serve as your home base on race day, exclusive In-Training gear check, pre-race fuel and hydration, and post-race celebration with your In-Training community
  • In-Training shirt (athletes have the option to have their shirt mailed at an additional cost)

Who is this training program intended for? This training program is designed for both advanced and beginner athletes. For those attempting the marathon or half marathon 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 run 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 run of 4 miles or more.

Weekly in-person sessions begin Saturday, January 3, 2026 for long runs and Wednesday, January 7, 2026 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

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

Cost

In-Training delivers top-tier coaching and support for the equivalent of just $12 a week, all in a one-time payment.

Marathon

  • $155 through November 17
  • $165 November 18 through November 24
  • $175 November 25 through December 8

Half Marathon

  • $145 through December 1
  • $155 December 2 through December 8
  • $165 December 9 through December 19


Program Schedule

Late September 2025

Registration opens

November 23

Orientation - online at 3:00 p.m.

November 24

Marathon training begins

December 8

Half Marathon training begins, Marathon registration closes

December 22

Half Marathon registration closes

January 3

Saturday in-person long run workouts begin

January 7

Wednesday in-person speed workouts begin

February 14

Course preview field trip, Home Depot Backyard

March 1

RACE DAY!

In-Training Premium Gear Package

Start your training with the latest in performance footwear and hydration technology. The In-Training powered by adidas Premium Gear Package includes a $140 gift card toward your choice of adidas performance footwear available at Atlanta Track Club, a six-pack of adidas running socks, and an adidas stainless steel water bottle at a total savings of more than $70!

How to Redeem Your Shoes:

  1. Check Your Email: Within a week of your registration, you'll receive an email from Atlanta Track Club with your unique shoe redemption code and step-by-step instructions.

  2. Shop Online: Visit our online store to select your new adidas shoes. Shoe Options: Choose from the Supernova Rise 2 Peachtree Edition or a pair of Adizero high performance running shoes. Enter your unique code at checkout to apply your $140 gift card.

  3. Choose Delivery or Pickup: If you'd like to avoid shipping costs, choose the "Pickup in Store" option at checkout, and we'll have your shoes ready at the next In-Training session.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to store@atlantatrackclub.org. We're excited to see you out on the roads with your new adidas gear!

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 14 - 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 (just inside 12th Street gate), 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 17
  • $165 November 18 through November 24
  • $175 November 25 through December 8

Half Marathon

  • $145 through December 1
  • $155 December 2 through December 8
  • $165 December 9 through December 19

    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.

BENEFITS

  • Scientifically grounded 14-week marathon training program or 12-week half marathon training program
  • Online training log that provides training plan, daily email and optional text reminders of workouts, workout sync and analysis, communication with coach
  • Weekly In-Training newsletter
  • Weekly online education sessions created and presented by industry experts on a variety of topics including apparel, foot and ankle care, footwear, recovery, running form, sports hydration and electrolytes, sports nutrition, sports psychology, strength training and more
  • In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon private Facebook group
  • Atlanta Track Club In-Training - Certified Coaches and Run Leads to guide and check your progress
  • In-Training Office Hours. In-Training Office Hours give athletes the opportunity to schedule 15-20 minute 1:1 meetings with Coach Bob to review and discuss their training.

PARTICIPANT ATHLETES

The program is open to all runners and walkers including run-walk-run athletes and beginners.

  • Level I: beginner runners and walkers 9:00-18:00 minutes per mile including run-walk-run whose primary goal is to complete the race (half marathon only)
  • Level II: intermediate runners and walkers 7:00-15:00 minutes per mile including run-walk-run currently completing 15 or fewer miles per week
  • Level III: experienced runners and walkers 7:00-15:00 minutes per mile including run-walk-run currently completing 16-30 miles per week
  • Level IV: advanced runners 5:00-10:00 minutes per mile currently completing 31 or more miles per week and at least one speed work session or tempo run per week

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.

  • Sunday, November 23, 2025, 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

Tuesday Night Education Session Topics*

  • adidas performance running shoe overview and guidance
  • Anatomy for runners
  • Foot and ankle care
  • Fueling for endurance events
  • Heart health for endurance athletes
  • In-Training workous explained
  • Mindset and self-talk
  • Nutrition and hydration
  • Prehab/rehab, injury prevention
  • Recovery
  • Running form and strength training
  • Sports hydration and electrolytes

* Partial list of past topics, subject to change.

Guests & Speakers*

* Partial list of past guests and speakers, subject to change.

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!

Join Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Technology

What is Final Surge?

Final Surge is the coaching and training platform In-Training uses to deliver workouts to athletes, communicate with athletes, and check their progress. Final Surge is available as both a web-based desktop application and mobile app.

Is there a cost associated with using Final Surge?

No. Final Surge is free for athletes.

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.

Do I have to type my workouts into Final Surge?

No, the platform will sync with your watch to allow for a seamless 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 tempo runs 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 both in-person and remote/virtual 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 in-person program features group workouts at various locations throughout the city.

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

Yes! The in-person 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 workout 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 workout 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 as 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

logo, company name

shape

Precision Performance & Physical Therapy

logo

Sponsors

Sponsors