Want to get involved in the Athens Half Marathon?

A few days from now, you'll see people running around the central part of Athens, in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Don't panic: it's just the Athens Half Marathon, which is being held for the second time.

Runners will burst out of the starting gates on Sunday at 7 a.m. and pound the pavement for 13.1 miles. The fleetest of foot will finish in 90 minutes or less. The others will cross the line later, up until 11 a.m., when the event ends.

You may see people running through the UGA campus, or along Milledge Avenue, Oglethorpe, Sunset Drive, Boulevard, Cleveland Avenue, the Oconee Greenway, all over Cobbham and downtown.

Organizing the marathon is AthFest, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to music and arts education. Proceeds from AthFest and the Half Marathon support year-round educational efforts in local schools.

If you are driving, you should expect minor traffic delays. There will be lane restrictions on Milledge, though cars will be able to move north and south. The west end of Clayton Street will be closed. Be prepared possibly to stop for a few minutes to let runners pass.

If you're not running, or planning to wave signs and cheer on the runners you do know, the Athens GA Half Marathon could use more volunteers. Help is needed for the Saturday afternoon Expo as well as on race day. The organization is looking for people to stand on the course route, directing runners. If you live in a neighborhood on the route, you may be able to direct people close to your house.

To sign up, either visit the race website, or you can sign up directly at HandsOn Northeast Georgia. 

If you have any questions, please call Jeff Scarbrough, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 706.338.3421 or via email

For volunteer questions, please contact Sarah Ashton, Volunteer Coordinator at 706.614.2142 or via email

You may also contact the AthFest and Athens Half Marathon Director, Jared Bailey, at 706-338-9019 or via email.