by Larry EderAs one of the finest running clubs in North America, the Atlanta Track Club, under the guidance of Rich Kenah, has been improving both the quality and the number of events that they sponsor and manage in the metro Atlanta area. The acquisition of the the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon provide events for the ATC members in a period of the year where the calendar suggested a need.
RunBlogRun reached out to Executive Director Rich Kenah, asking him why the Atlanta Track Club choose to acquire the events. Mr. Kenah noted:
“When the opportunity arose, we jumped at the chance to own the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon. This will be the 10th annual and as past participation levels indicate, the Atlanta running community wants a spring marathon and half marathon. As a local organization, we are best positioned to help it grow in a way that respects its history and the people it impacts. When we suspended our fall marathon a few years back, we made a commitment to our members and the community to bring a marathon back onto our schedule. This allows us to keep that promise at a time of year that a marathon and half marathon combination make sense.
As we look to act on Atlanta Track Club’s mission of impacting health and wellness in Atlanta, we are excited to partner with such a strong brand in Publix, which shares are values.”
Atlanta Track Club Acquires Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
The Club is proud to continue the event’s tradition in its 10th year
ATLANTA – December 15, 2015 – Atlanta Track Club today announced its acquisition of the Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon from Life TimeSM, 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, March 20, 2016. Included in the deal, Life Time’s Athlinks, 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, is pleased to transition the marathon to such an esteemed organization. He says, “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 soon.
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.
Online registration and more information for the Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon is available now at atlantatrackclub.org or georgiamarathon.com.
About Atlanta Track Club
Atlanta Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the 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, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes through Atlanta Track Club’s All-Metro Banquets and supporting the Grady Bicycle EMT program. For more information on Atlanta Track Club, visit atlantatrackclub.org.
