500+ runners to participate in Macon Music Half Marathon Saturday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — More than 500 runners from across more than a dozen states and Washington, D.C. will be in Macon this Saturday for the Macon Music Half Marathon.

The event, organized by the Macon Tracks Running Club, Visit Macon, Macon-Bibb County and Presenting Sponsor Atrium Health Navicent, is the first half marathon of its kind in the area in nearly 20 years, according to a Macon-Bibb County news release.

“What a great response for our first half marathon; I know people will thoroughly enjoy the tour of our musical heritage and learning about why we’re such a great community,” Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller said. “One of the things people told me they wanted in our community was more opportunities for recreation, and this race – along with the new indoor pickleball facility and sporting events – have helped put us on that path.”

The race will start at 8 a.m. at Carolyn Crayton Park, formerly known as Central City Park.

The course will guide runners through Macon-Bibb’s iconic musical landmarks, including the Big House, the Grand Opera House, Capricorn Studios, Mercer’s McDuffie Center for Strings and Vineville Academy.

Streets will reopen as the final runner crosses, with the full route set to be clear by 11:30 a.m.

Interested runners can still sign up for the race at www.macontracks.org/macon-music-half-marathon. If you’d like to contribute without running, volunteer opportunities are available. Just email volunteers@macontracks.org.

The county noted in its news release that in recognition of efforts like the Macon Music Half Marathon and years of improvements to local trails, bike lanes, and roads, Macon-Bibb County was recently named a Runner Friendly Community by the Road Runners Club of America.

For a detailed map of the full race route and additional information, visit www.macontracks.org/macon-music-half-marathon.