It’s time to start training for our second Macon Music Half Marathon being held on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Mayor Lester Miller, Macon Tracks, Atrium Health Navicent, and the Macon Bacon made the announcement during a press conference Wednesday. 

“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. We’re expecting more this year!” 

“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.” 

 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 5K in the region. 

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

Registration for the race is now open and if you register before May 31, the cost is $70. You can learn more by visiting MaconMusicHalfMarathon.com. 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 A to Z 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.” 

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.