The Atlanta Track Club has announced its acquisition of the Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon from Life Time, ‘The Healthy Way of Life Company’. Ownership of the event transitioned to Atlanta Track Club in a deal that was finalized in early December ahead of the event’s 10th anniversary, scheduled for Sunday 20 March 2016.
Included in the deal, Life Time’s Athlinks, billed as ‘the world’s largest database connecting athletes and events’, will stay on as a sponsor of the event for the next five years.
“The Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon has become a tradition for runners and walkers in the Southeast, and we are proud to continue that tradition as we celebrate its 10th year,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club’s Executive Director.
“We will work with Publix to build on the event’s strong heritage and continue the world-class experience participants have come to expect from Atlanta Track Club.”
Kimo Seymour, Senior Vice President of Life Time Events, was noted to be pleased to transition the marathon to such an esteemed organization. He said “We’re excited for the continued growth and success of the Publix Georgia Marathon and look forward to supporting the race through our Athlinks portfolio of services, including registration, timing and results hosting.”
While the marathon and half marathon distances will take place as planned, Atlanta Track Club has cancelled the Luckie 5K. All registrants of the 2016 Luckie 5K will be offered a full refund or an alternative race registration.
Atlanta Track Club is currently evaluating the marathon and half marathon courses, and will announce any changes in the coming weeks.
The Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon began in 2007 with more than 17,000 registered participants, making it one of the largest inaugural marathon combo races in history. The event has since become a ‘True Southern Tradition’, appealing to beginner, committed and local elite runners alike.
Atlanta Track Club is a non-profit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the local community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
With more than 24,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest running organization in the United States. In addition to the AJC Peachtree Road Race (peachtreeroadrace.org) ‘the largest 10K running event in the world’, the Atlanta 10 Miler and Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year.
Through the support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta youth, honouring high school cross country and track and field athletes through Atlanta Track Club’s All-Metro Banquets and supporting the Grady Bicycle EMT program.
www.atlantatrackclub.org
www.georgiamarathon.com
