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Marathon Details - Soldier Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > GA > Columbus > Soldier Marathon

Soldier Marathon

Soldier Marathon & Half Marathon, Relay Marathon, 5K Run

Columbus, GA USA

November 16, 2019

http://www.soldiermarathon.com

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2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

The Soldier Full and Half Marathon course starts and finishes at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia. 7 miles of the course are on Ft. Benning.

Contact Information

Name:	Cecil Cheves, Race Director
Address:	Soldier Marathon 6867 Mountainbrook Drive Suite 107 Columbus, GA 31904
Phone Number:	(706) 243-8133
Fax Number:	706-243-8134
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Running event supporting our military (1/20/19)

Cecil Cheves

Full marathon, Half Marathon and 5k races supporting our men and women in military starts and finishes at the beautiful National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia The course runs 7 miles through Ft. Benning then continues on the Riverwalk.

Runner Reviews (55)

Course 4.8

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 55 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

J. S. from Albany, GA (10/31/2019) "Weather altered course" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was really looking forward to this marathon as I am an Army veteran and this race was close to home. Initial impression was a good one as parking, bib handout and post-race were all well organized. Because of heavy rain during the week before the course was 7 miles through Ft Benning and 3 loops around a golf course....seems those in charge made the best of a bad situation. Look forward to going back and running the normal course down the river walk as it is really a beautiful area.
David Trammel from Smyrna, TN (5/22/2018) "Outstanding Event in and Outstanding Setting" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run the marathon six times and the half twice. This is a great event. Both the 26.2 and 13.1 will continue in 2018 which is great news. The start and finish of the events are on the Avenue of Flags by the National Infantry Museum. The first seven miles of both distances are on post at Fort Benning and go past the jump towers used for airborne training. The marathon continues on the beautiful Chattahoochee River Walk to Columbus and back. The course is flat enough to allow for a PR shot. Anyone who goes to the race should take time to go though the museum. It really is a must see. The race also encourages runners to wear a second bid with the name of a fallen soldier. See the race website for info on this part of the event.
G. H. from Alabama (11/19/2017) "Great race" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I thoroughly enjoyed running this race. The cannon start was unexpected. The course starts on the military base so you see many soldiers and families out. Drill sergeants on the course yelling at you was pretty fun. The course then heads out on a paved trail along a river. Very scenic, shady, and flat. You do and out and back so it was nice that most of it was in the shade because it got pretty warm. The volunteers were fantastic. Post race was good. My only complaint, which is petty, is that my race shirt was too big and I couldn't wait around for someone to exchange it for me. Other than that, it was a great experience. I think this is the last year of the full marathon, which is unfortunate because this truly was a great race. I would highly recommend this for anyone and would do it again.
A. F. from Georgia (11/16/2016) "Love this race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I just ran this race for the second time (2014, 2016) and enjoyed everything about it. The race organization is excellent, the water station volunteers and course volunteers are energetic and encouraging. The course is mostly flat and scenic along the river. And it is an opportunity to shake the hands of some that are serving in our armed forces and thank them. Then, for a cool down walk, the Infantry Museum is a place you can spend the afternoon relaxing and walking through the history of our military and past engagements.
J. S. from Maryland (11/15/2016) "Great running atmosphere" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the Soldier Marathon to add Georgia to my list, but I found it more meaningful than a simple checkoff. We were given the opportunity to run for a fallen hero, and I ran for a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan. He inspired me to leg it out through a warm race, and I hope I did him proud. The course is fairly flat and runs by the Chattahoochee River, which borders Alabama. After the half-marathon split off, there was more running room, and we could take in the scenery. There were good, supportive crowds in downtown Columbus at the north end of the course. The organization was great (which you'd expect from the Army) and the post-race food was just what I needed. I highly recommend doing this race.
J. M. from TN (11/13/2016) "Number 1 family trip with marathon experience" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Bring your friends and family to this one. Veterans Day week, museum (architecture and top of the line construction) filled with detailed exhibits and works of art, race course includes parts of Fort Benning most civilians never see, patriotic atmosphere, and the race course includes scenic river views, a short trip into Alabama (where I saw the nearby Veterans Day parade), and a great start and finish location. The only suggestion would be to start the race earlier. Consider the earlier time more of a Soldiers experience start time. Perhaps 7am instead of 8am. The earlier time will allow any hotter weather to not be such a factor, reduce any post race traffic factors, and increase familys time at the museum. Most marathons not a great experience for the the non-runners; this one is the best for your family/spectators and the runner. Did I mention the museum was free?
R. S. from Atlanta (11/13/2016) "Excellent, but . . ." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great race. Everything you want and need from a race; however, the 8 am start is too late. Like 2015, the weather was a PR killer. If they could start at 7 am then things would be much, much better.
Georgia Runner from Georgia (11/9/2015) "Hot and humid race conditions" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great little race. Well organized as it has been in past. I like it because it doesn't give prize money and therefore the professional elites do not turn up, which means that normal people can actually win for a change. Unfortunately the organizers cant do much about the weather conditions on the day. Conditions at the start of the race were 68-70°F, 95-98% humidity and overcast. Within a few hours it had reached mid-high 70s and the humidity was still in the 90s. Great weather for spectators but a real killer for long distance running. It probably cost most people a good 10-15mins on their PR. If anyone managed a PR they must be a machine. I heard people complaining that there was not enough water to go around. In defense of the organizers my response to this is - with conditions like these how could there be enough water - it was wicked hot and humid. I doubt that people could drink enough to feel good even if they had gallons each. I will be back next year - hopefully it will be cooler.
David Trammel from Tennessee (11/8/2015) "You will love it!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run this race every year since it started. There are no negatives unless you need an event with 20K runners. They improved a great course this year by taking the route past the jump towers at Fort Benning. The first seven miles are on post. Organization, course, support, it's all there. It's a course to PR on in spite of one decent hill at mile 2. If you run plan in a couple of hours to visit in the National Infantry Museum where the race starts and finishes. I should add that there is no real expo to speak of but a local running store does have a good display of things you might need. If you want to shop drive a couple of miles and go to Ranger Joe's!
J. S. from Florida (11/18/2014) "Course faster than anticipated!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Our local training group had over a dozen runners travel to run this marathon. Several of us were seeking BQs others were just running it as a training run to honor a fallen hero. The first 10K of the course is definitely the most difficult. Once you get on the river walk section it is slightly uphill until you cross the river from AL back into Columbus, GA. The return back to Fort Benning is slightly down hill until you exit the river walk and climb back up to the finish at the Infantry Museum via the avenue of flags. The start is a bit congested but there were pace markers and plenty of pace group leaders. Plenty of food and drink at the finish. Bling included a nice tote bag along with a shirt and nice finishers medal(s) (two dog tags). Awards were larger medals. The Museum is a must see and Columbus is a neat town with a thriving downtown area with shops, whitewater rafting, and a zipline that crosses the Chattahoochee River.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]



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J. S. from Albany, GA (10/31/2019) "Weather altered course" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was really looking forward to this marathon as I am an Army veteran and this race was close to home. Initial impression was a good one as parking, bib handout and post-race were all well organized. Because of heavy rain during the week before the course was 7 miles through Ft Benning and 3 loops around a golf course....seems those in charge made the best of a bad situation. Look forward to going back and running the normal course down the river walk as it is really a beautiful area.
David Trammel from Smyrna, TN (5/22/2018) "Outstanding Event in and Outstanding Setting" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run the marathon six times and the half twice. This is a great event. Both the 26.2 and 13.1 will continue in 2018 which is great news. The start and finish of the events are on the Avenue of Flags by the National Infantry Museum. The first seven miles of both distances are on post at Fort Benning and go past the jump towers used for airborne training. The marathon continues on the beautiful Chattahoochee River Walk to Columbus and back. The course is flat enough to allow for a PR shot. Anyone who goes to the race should take time to go though the museum. It really is a must see. The race also encourages runners to wear a second bid with the name of a fallen soldier. See the race website for info on this part of the event.
G. H. from Alabama (11/19/2017) "Great race" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I thoroughly enjoyed running this race. The cannon start was unexpected. The course starts on the military base so you see many soldiers and families out. Drill sergeants on the course yelling at you was pretty fun. The course then heads out on a paved trail along a river. Very scenic, shady, and flat. You do and out and back so it was nice that most of it was in the shade because it got pretty warm. The volunteers were fantastic. Post race was good. My only complaint, which is petty, is that my race shirt was too big and I couldn't wait around for someone to exchange it for me. Other than that, it was a great experience. I think this is the last year of the full marathon, which is unfortunate because this truly was a great race. I would highly recommend this for anyone and would do it again.
A. F. from Georgia (11/16/2016) "Love this race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I just ran this race for the second time (2014, 2016) and enjoyed everything about it. The race organization is excellent, the water station volunteers and course volunteers are energetic and encouraging. The course is mostly flat and scenic along the river. And it is an opportunity to shake the hands of some that are serving in our armed forces and thank them. Then, for a cool down walk, the Infantry Museum is a place you can spend the afternoon relaxing and walking through the history of our military and past engagements.
J. S. from Maryland (11/15/2016) "Great running atmosphere" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the Soldier Marathon to add Georgia to my list, but I found it more meaningful than a simple checkoff. We were given the opportunity to run for a fallen hero, and I ran for a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan. He inspired me to leg it out through a warm race, and I hope I did him proud. The course is fairly flat and runs by the Chattahoochee River, which borders Alabama. After the half-marathon split off, there was more running room, and we could take in the scenery. There were good, supportive crowds in downtown Columbus at the north end of the course. The organization was great (which you'd expect from the Army) and the post-race food was just what I needed. I highly recommend doing this race.
J. M. from TN (11/13/2016) "Number 1 family trip with marathon experience" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Bring your friends and family to this one. Veterans Day week, museum (architecture and top of the line construction) filled with detailed exhibits and works of art, race course includes parts of Fort Benning most civilians never see, patriotic atmosphere, and the race course includes scenic river views, a short trip into Alabama (where I saw the nearby Veterans Day parade), and a great start and finish location. The only suggestion would be to start the race earlier. Consider the earlier time more of a Soldiers experience start time. Perhaps 7am instead of 8am. The earlier time will allow any hotter weather to not be such a factor, reduce any post race traffic factors, and increase familys time at the museum. Most marathons not a great experience for the the non-runners; this one is the best for your family/spectators and the runner. Did I mention the museum was free?
R. S. from Atlanta (11/13/2016) "Excellent, but . . ." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great race. Everything you want and need from a race; however, the 8 am start is too late. Like 2015, the weather was a PR killer. If they could start at 7 am then things would be much, much better.
Georgia Runner from Georgia (11/9/2015) "Hot and humid race conditions" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great little race. Well organized as it has been in past. I like it because it doesn't give prize money and therefore the professional elites do not turn up, which means that normal people can actually win for a change. Unfortunately the organizers cant do much about the weather conditions on the day. Conditions at the start of the race were 68-70°F, 95-98% humidity and overcast. Within a few hours it had reached mid-high 70s and the humidity was still in the 90s. Great weather for spectators but a real killer for long distance running. It probably cost most people a good 10-15mins on their PR. If anyone managed a PR they must be a machine. I heard people complaining that there was not enough water to go around. In defense of the organizers my response to this is - with conditions like these how could there be enough water - it was wicked hot and humid. I doubt that people could drink enough to feel good even if they had gallons each. I will be back next year - hopefully it will be cooler.
David Trammel from Tennessee (11/8/2015) "You will love it!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Soldier Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run this race every year since it started. There are no negatives unless you need an event with 20K runners. They improved a great course this year by taking the route past the jump towers at Fort Benning. The first seven miles are on post. Organization, course, support, it's all there. It's a course to PR on in spite of one decent hill at mile 2. If you run plan in a couple of hours to visit in the National Infantry Museum where the race starts and finishes. I should add that there is no real expo to speak of but a local running store does have a good display of things you might need. If you want to shop drive a couple of miles and go to Ranger Joe's!
J. S. from Florida (11/18/2014) "Course faster than anticipated!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Soldier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Our local training group had over a dozen runners travel to run this marathon. Several of us were seeking BQs others were just running it as a training run to honor a fallen hero. The first 10K of the course is definitely the most difficult. Once you get on the river walk section it is slightly uphill until you cross the river from AL back into Columbus, GA. The return back to Fort Benning is slightly down hill until you exit the river walk and climb back up to the finish at the Infantry Museum via the avenue of flags. The start is a bit congested but there were pace markers and plenty of pace group leaders. Plenty of food and drink at the finish. Bling included a nice tote bag along with a shirt and nice finishers medal(s) (two dog tags). Awards were larger medals. The Museum is a must see and Columbus is a neat town with a thriving downtown area with shops, whitewater rafting, and a zipline that crosses the Chattahoochee River.

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Marathon Details - Soldier Marathon