Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon

Lace up your shoes for a run through history at the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon on November 14, 2026, in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. This highly regarded event, celebrating a 45-year tradition organized by the Chattanooga Track Club, was voted the "Best Marathon in Georgia" by RaceRaves for 2025 and recognized by Runner's World as one of the "most scenic" and "most family-friendly" marathons. Offering full marathon (26.2M), half marathon (13.1M), and 5K distances, the race provides a unique blend of competitive running and reflective homage within the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

The course, beginning with a signature cannon start near the 6th Cavalry Museum, winds through the hallowed, 9,000-acre grounds of one of the Civil War's most significant battlefields. Runners will traverse mostly paved roads, with some minor rough patches and a brief trail section, through scenic, tree-lined paths adorned with numerous historical markers, monuments, and cannons. While featuring rolling hills with an elevation gain of around 882-892 feet, the course is known for being challenging yet not overly difficult, and has a strong reputation as a Boston Qualifier. Typical race day conditions in mid-November offer ideal running weather, with average highs around 63°F and lows around 40°F, and only a 15% chance of precipitation.

Runners can expect a well-supported experience, with six aid stations positioned approximately every two miles on the marathon and half marathon courses, providing water, Powerade, fruit, and basic first aid. While a smaller, more intimate race with fewer spectators than large city marathons, the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon is celebrated for its organized logistics, ample parking, and a peaceful atmosphere that allows for a deep connection to history. Finishers receive a unique medal honoring a different monument each year, and first-time marathoners are awarded a framed certificate for their accomplishment.