Georgia in late fall and winter is a quiet gift to runners. The summer haze has finally broken, mornings come cool and clear, and race morning suddenly feels like something you want to get out of bed for. There are 11 upcoming half marathons in the state between November 2026 and January 2027, which means plenty of chances to pick a start line, put a date on the calendar, and give yourself something to train toward. Whether this is your first 13.1 or one of many, here are four races worth a serious look — and yes, you'll want to register soon, because these dates are closer than they feel.
Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon — Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Atlanta)
There's a particular kind of satisfaction in earning your Thanksgiving dinner before most people have started the coffee. The Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon in Atlanta lands on race morning with a quality score of 92 out of 100 — a Runner Favorite — and it's the kind of race that turns a holiday into a running story. If you're chasing a fall goal or just want a reason to be up early on a Thursday, this one is the headliner of the season.
Early Bird Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon — Saturday, November 21, 2026 (Kennesaw)
A few days before the big holiday, Kennesaw hosts the Early Bird Turkey Trot, and the name tells you most of what you need to know: show up, get moving, feel good about it. With a quality score of 67 out of 100 — a Solid Pick — it's a welcoming option if you want a lower-key race morning, and the multiple distances mean you can bring along friends or family who aren't quite ready for the half. Sometimes the best race is the one that gets everyone to the start line together.
Tryptophan Half/10K/5K — Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Cumming)
If Atlanta feels like a lot on a holiday morning, Cumming offers a quieter alternative on the same Thursday. The Tryptophan Half/10K/5K scores 74 out of 100 — a Standout — and the name is a knowing nod to what comes after the finish line. It's a good pick for runners who want a holiday race without the big-city bustle, and the shorter distances make it an easy one to share with someone who's half-curious about this whole running thing.
Museum of Aviation Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K and Hand Cycle Race — Saturday, January 30, 2027 (Warner Robins)
January races have a certain grit to them, and this one in Warner Robins is worth circling. The Museum of Aviation Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K and Hand Cycle Race scores 76 out of 100 — a Standout — and gives you a real winter goal to train through the holidays for. There's something motivating about having a race on the calendar when the rest of the world is hibernating. If you've been thinking about a first half or a comeback race, this is a good one to build toward.
Pick your start line
Four races, two months, and a whole lot of Georgia between them. The holiday races come up fast, so if Thanksgiving morning in Atlanta or Cumming sounds like your kind of thing, don't sit on it. And if January in Warner Robins is more your pace, you've got a training block ahead of you — start now and it'll feel doable by the time race day arrives.
To see every upcoming half marathon in the state, browse the full half marathons in Georgia directory. Find the race that fits your season, your schedule, and your sense of adventure — then go get that start line.