The Braves Country 5K happens in June around Truist Park just outside of Atlanta. It's a fund race with a big turnout-- you start outside the stadium, run downhill for first mile and then come up two large hills over the next two miles to finally enter the stadium and finish on the warning track in the outfield. It's a very cool finish (my 8 and 11 year olds ran it with me this year) and they loved the atmosphere of the stadium and the Braves. It's very hilly so not a PR course and must admit I loved last year's shirt but not so much this year. ATL Track Club always does race logistics well....

I went into Grandma's with big expectations for the race and for myself-- there were no disappointments. Duluth really turns out for this event and the race is well organized and super fun. I had my bib mailed to me (highly recommended) but I still went to the expo on Thursday afternoon- it wasn't that busy (no stage events that day) and there was a great shoe/gear sale happening (40% off my favorite Sauconys- score).
Race day logistics were well run- I parked at the event center in SW Duluth and buses ran efficiently to the start line- I got there with about an hour before the gun. Lots of portas and a fun vibe at the race start. Even though it's large (about 9K marathoners) it doesn't feel large. Folks are super friendly, lots of seasoned runners, course is large enough to accommodate. The start line can be chilly so bring an extra sweatshirt and you can easily drop at the start as the race collects and donates the gear.
The course is not pancake flat- slightly rolling for first 9 miles and then very flat for around 12 miles then one hill going into Duluth. It is definitely cooler along the lake (miles 5-20) than before and especially after so be aware. Turnout was amazing-- at random miles in the middle of rural WI (eg- 8 mile marker) hundreds of local folks were there screaming-- so fun.
Lots of energy at the finish- great snacks and then a larger party-- my only issue is that it's a bit of a hike (3/4-1mile) walk from finish area to the big park for the after party.

One other type-- if you see official merch you want-- don't wait. Lots of stuff sold out quickly. Highly recommend- a race worth the effort!

Atlanta Track Club knows how to put on a great race and this is the big one. Starting and finishing in Olympic Park downtown gives this a special feel. The logistics were great, lots of aid stations, descent crowd support in spots throughout the neighborhoods and fine weather (60 and a bit humid).
The key to this race is knowing there are hills and lots of them. For the half the course is rarely flat and my watch showed elevation gain of 775 ft (official site said 550). Marathon was a least double with maybe more on the 2nd half. It's constantly rolling so locking in a pace was tough. I'd say run this one if you want or challenge OR enjoy an extremely well organized race and turn your watch off and enjoy. This one will test you.
The shirt was great (technical Adidas long sleeve) and post race had great snacks as well as a good post race vibe in downtown Atlanta. Expo was small but fine- enjoyed the additional "events" on the stage including course preview and live podcasts. Medal was very big and nice-- good one for the collection.

Overall this was a well run, flat course, great smaller/mid size marathon race. It's held in early December which makes the weather a wild card. Our day ended up being 64 with 100% humidity which made this flat and fast course slower for participants but certainly bearable. There's not much to see on the course but it does run through leafy neighborhoods with shade.

Logistics are the real star of the show-- parking right next to start/finish line, well run checkin with plenty of facilities, well run aid stations, great swag (I love the half zip technical pullover), and finish on a school track with nice after race refreshments.

Overall a well run event with very nice folks. You won't get crowds or scenery so cross your fingers for good weather and this is a race for a PR attempt.

This race is a super fun morning in Atlanta with easy logistics. Start/finish is within an outdoor shopping district with tons of parking in an underground deck. The swag was great (full backpack) and as with all Atlanta Track Club races-- well managed on every level.

I really love the course in this race-- you begin as the sun rises and get to see the entire city skyline in the first mile, then you run down the heart of Atlanta and then through a couple of nice neighborhoods before running through Piedmont Park and then back to the finish. The course is hilly but fair-- not super fast but a good fitness test. The field is a nice midsize turnount with folks super happy to be there and the weather typically is just right (this year was high 40s/low 50s-- perfect). Highly recommended!