Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon

Registration is open to all runners and uses tiered pricing that starts March 31 and increases through November. There is a combined cap across the marathon and half marathon set by the National Park Service, so registering early secures both your spot and the best price. No race-day registration is available.

Yes, the course is USATF certified and qualifies for Boston. The course is rolling rather than fast, so a BQ requires a solid effort, but the conditions in November generally support a good race.

The course runs multiple loops through Chickamauga National Military Park on paved roads. It is consistently rolling with around 880 feet of total gain, no significant net downhill, and modest but repeated climbs throughout. Patience in the early loops pays off late.

The time limit is 6.5 hours.

Race day in mid-November usually brings a start temperature in the low 40s and a high around 50. It is one of the better weather windows for marathon racing in the Southeast. Plan for cool, potentially breezy conditions and bring a throwaway layer for the start.

The National Park Service limits total combined participation across the marathon and half marathon to 1,500 runners. It is an intimate race by road marathon standards, which keeps the course quiet and uncrowded.

Chattanooga is about 20 minutes away and has the most hotel options, so book accommodations early. The race starts at the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe; parking is available there as well as at St. Gerard Catholic Church and nearby businesses. Arriving early is recommended.