This is my second year running the Hotlanta and let me tell you it definitely lives up to the name. I had not forgotten how hot it was getting up all those hills, I am just a glutton for punishment.

The Hotlanta Half is a small-scale local race and this year was only the 5th year for the event. In the two years that I have ran it seems to have grown some.

There was no expo just a packet pickup at one of 5 rotating Big Peach locations. This is to be expected with a smaller race. As a matter of fact, the atmosphere of the race is fits to a T one of the Big Peach mantras “Heat, Hills, & Humidity”. There is also the option of race day pick up, for a small fee.

What I love about this race is that the route takes you by most the major Atlanta landmarks such as the Stat Capitol, Georgia State Stadium (Formerly Turner Field), Mercedes Benz Stadium, CNN Center, Piedmont Park and the Beltline with the start and finish between Centennial Park and Pemberton Place.

My only complaint I have is that even though there were plenty of water stations, one every mile, there were no aid stations. I didn’t even notice this last year and probably wouldn’t have this year if not for a runner friend who was in dire need from about mile 8 on. Luckily, they made it and got treatment at the finish line.