Georgia Marathon Draws Sandy Springs Runners

Nearly 70 Sandy Springs runners are participating in the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday.

The race, which started in 2007, will draw 18,000 runners. That’s up from 15,000 in previous years. The temperature is expected to reach 80 degrees on Sunday. It will be the first balmy, rain free race since the inaugural run when the temps also hit the mid-80s.

The race begins and ends in Centennial Olympic Park at 7 a.m.

For many runners like Shawn Simpson, the race is a practice run for future endurance events.  Simpson plans to participate in the Ford Ironman Arizona later this year.

Activities over race weekend include the Publix Georgia Marathon Health and Fitness Expo from noon to 7 p.m., today and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday at the Georgia Dome. A Run Wild 5K and Kids’ Fun Run will held in Grant Park at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., on Saturday, respectively.

A May 2010 economic impact study performed by the Temple University Sport Industry Research Center determined that the 2010 Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon generated more than $7 million in economic impact to metro Atlanta. For more information on the event go to www.rungeorgiamarathon.com.