One of the most popular ways that Atlantans experience the Atlanta Beltline is through running and walking. Our fitness programs are designed to encourage physical activity and support residents and visitors in pursuing healthier, more active lifestyles.
One way we celebrate that is through our three-event race series, in partnership with the Atlanta Track Club: the Atlanta Beltline Race Series.
For the second time in the Atlanta Beltline Race Series’ history, runners, walkers and strollers (and dogs, too!) who “race the loop” by completing all three races in 2025 will earn something special: a coveted series medal that celebrates their journey across Atlanta’s transformative trail. As hundreds of participants have already conquered the Westside and Northside courses, the final opportunity to claim this honor comes November 8th on the Eastside Trail.
Through our series, people experience three sections of the completed trail, make new friends and discover communities along the way.
A Year-Long Journey
This successful race series – originally launched in 2011 as the Atlanta Beltline Running Series – exemplifies the power of partnership. Since 2022, the collaboration between two dedicated non-profits, the Atlanta Beltline Partnership and Atlanta Track Club, has enhanced these unique footraces for Atlanta’s running and walking community. The Race Series includes three races of different lengths along different portions of the Beltline.
On August 2nd, hundreds of runners, walkers and strollers laced up their shoes for the second in our series on the Westside trail. With the Westside and Northside races now complete, the final race of the year will take place on the Eastside Trail on Nov. 8 . People who are interested can still register here.
Building a Running Community
Running is a popular pastime in metro Atlanta (home to runners like Gwen Torrance, who won five Olympic medals, and Jim Galloway, the marathoner known for winning the first Peachtree Road Race in 1970).
The Atlanta Beltline and Atlanta Track Club host weekly run clubs to keep people in shape and create a community of runners who enjoy the Beltline. The run club meets on Thursdays, for 2- or 4-mile fun runs or walks, with locations across the Beltline. People stay afterwards to socialize or enjoy post-run refreshments while supporting local businesses near the Atlanta Beltline, fostering connections and encouraging healthy lifestyles along the trail. Find out where the run club meets each week here.
“Atlanta has long had a thriving running community, and the Beltline is a great place to experience our city, one mile at a time. Our partnership with the Beltline serves our entire community, whether someone is training for their first 5K or their next marathon,” said Eric Heintz, Chief Operating Officer of Atlanta Track Club, when describing the impact of the Beltline and the Race Series on the community.
As more sections of the Beltline trail reach completion, we’re seeing dramatically increased usage from runners, walkers and cyclists. From 2019 to 2024, visits across the full main trail corridor increased by 32%, with a 10% jump from 2023 to 2024 alone. This growing activity demonstrates how the Beltline serves as more than transportation infrastructure; it’s a catalyst for community wellness and connection.
Powered by Partnership
The success of the Race Series depends on the generous support of our sponsors who believe in the power of community wellness. We’re grateful to our key partners:
- Resurgens Orthopedics
- Delta Air Lines
- Norfolk Southern
- Kroger
These partnerships enable us to create high-quality events that bring Atlanta together while showcasing the transformative impact of the Beltline.
As we prepare for the final race of the 2025 series, we’re already planning for an even bigger and better 2026 Race Series.
The enthusiasm we see at each race, from seasoned marathoners to families with young children, reflects the Beltline’s role as a space where all Atlantans can come together. Whether people are training for a first 5K or a fiftieth, the Beltline Race Series offers a welcoming community and a beautiful course that showcases our unique Atlanta trail.
For more information about the Race Series and other Beltline fitness programs, visit https://beltline.org/things-to-do/fitness/. To learn about corporate sponsorship opportunities, visit https://beltline.org/support/corporate/. For additional information, email development@atlblp.org or call 404-446-4404.
Follow us on social media at @atlantabeltline for updates and behind-the-scenes content from our events.
