Runners’ results go uncertified after Publix Atlanta Marathon course revealed to be too short

Editor’s note: The video above is from previous coverage.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Thousands of runners who attended the 2025 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend will not have their results certified after officials learned the marathon course was too short.

Athletes completed several races during the two-day event on March 1 and 2, ranging from 5Ks to full and half marathons. But the marathon was short of the required 26.2 miles by 554 feet, according to Atlanta Track Club, the race’s organizing group.

Now, runners won’t be able to add the results to their official record, which is used to qualify for other races.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: More than 11,000 runners attend 2025 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend

In a statement, CEO Rich Kenah said the error was due to sudden road construction on the week of the race, which led to misplaced turnaround cones in Grant Park around the 20-mile mark.

Final finish times have been impacted by 26 to 87 seconds, depending on the runner’s pace.

“While official results will remain unchanged, we know how much training, time and heart go into running a marathon, and we deeply regret this mistake,” Kenah said in a statement. “The running community trusts Atlanta Track Club to deliver safe, accurate races. As related to the marathon this year, we failed to deliver on this trust.”

2025 marked the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend’s 19th running.

Known as “Running City USA,” Atlanta has emerged as a mainstay in the running world. It’s also home to the AJC Peachtree Road Race, the world’s largest 10K race.