Macon Music Half Marathon returns Saturday, November 16

It's time for your weeks and months of training to finally pay off as you get ready to cross the finish line of the Macon Music Half Marathon. In its second year, the race will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in Carolyn Crayton Park.

"We're excited to say this half marathon is back and better than ever," said Mayor Lester Miller. "Last year, at our first half marathon, we had hundreds of people participate in this race who came from different states to be part of this, and we're looking forward to welcoming people back to our community!"

"We have strong running community here in Macon-Bibb County and we're hoping this will bring more people to the sport and attract more people to our city," said Macon Tracks President F.M. Barron.

"Atrium Health Navicent is proud to support community health and wellness by again serving as presenting sponsor for the Macon Music Half Marathon," said Atrium Health Georgia Market President Delvecchio Finley. "Exercise is an important part of overall health, and running can be a great way to stay fit. I hope you'll join me on Nov. 16 in running past so many of the landmarks associated with Macon's rich cultural and musical heritage and crossing the finish line at historic Luther Williams Field."

The route will be similar to last year but will feature live music as you go past historic musical locations, such as the Big House Museum. This year, the finish line will be at home plate at the Historic Luther Williams Field. Runners and their friends and families will be able to enjoy more live music from the A2Z Band on the field along with food and drinks.

"We're incredibly exited to be a part of it and be a host for the race," said Macon Bacon President Brandon Raphael. "What better way to finish a race than stepping on home plate as you cross the finish line."

The Macon Music Half Marathon is being organized by the Macon Tracks, Macon-Bibb County, Visit Macon (our Convention & Visitors Bureau), and Presenting Sponsor Atrium Health Navicent.

This year's sponsors include the Macon Bacon, James Bates Brannan Groover, LLP, Northwestern Mutual, Mercer University, Global Graphics, Steel Forest, Georgia Power, Oconee State Bank, Gresco, and Apparel Authority.

The first year, 614 runners participated in the race from 13 states, one foreign country, and 52 counties in Georgia. It became the largest race longer than a 5K in the region.

"That one day alone, we saw an impact of over $125,000 in direct revenue to our community," said Visit Macon CEO/President Gary Wheat. "That's exceptional for a first-year event."

Last year, hosting the race helped Macon-Bibb County be named a Runner Friendly Community by the Road Runners Club of America for the first time ever. The race was used in addition to years of improvements to the trail system, bike lanes, and roads to make them safer for everyone to use.

That includes bike lanes around Downtown and neighborhoods, expansion of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trails, trails at Amerson River Park and Carolyn Crayton Park, a 12-mile run course with parking and gathering areas, the trails in the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and more. It also pointed out that many of the trails currently being developed or expanded will connect in the next few years to create a trail of 12-15 miles, allowing there to be a half marathon that never crosses a road.