Atlanta Hooch Half-Marathon @ Cochran Shoals - For Runners And Fast Walkers

A nice training hike for anyone who has signed up for April's "2 Slow for Boston" Marathon....

<<< 3.3 x 4 = 13.2 miles >>>

Numerous studies show jogging is one of the most efficient ways to increase our fitness and endurance level. So let’s go jogging in this beautiful park.

Because we promise to meet, our events will help us making and keeping our commitments, hence much more likely reaching our goals.

Come join our trail run @ Cochran Shoals. We are going to go (4) rounds = 13.2 miles (Half-Marathon)

And an in town D5 compelted in three and a half hours!!!!

<<< Itinerary >>>

This is a go at your own pace event. We'll run along the beautiful Chattahoochee River. You are welcome to join us, or go at a faster or slower pace that you are most comfortable.

The distance is 21K+ (13.2 miles).

We meet at Interstate North parking lot of the Cochran Shoals CRNRA. 

<<< Our Goal >>>

We aim to avoid injury, stay healthy, and have fun and longevity for our run.

Why pay expensive registration fee to run a Marathon or Half-Marathon. We’re born to run. Our own events are fun, motivational, and very enjoyable. They are also free!

We have

1. Great hobby, healthy exercise, and the sense of achievement.
2. Group-run events with lots of fun and motivation to follow through.
3. Beautiful Hooch River views with friendly soft and wide open trails.
4. Fresh and clean air.
5. Many other runners and walkers to be our company along our course.
6. Aid stations with all the supplies we need right inside our own cars.
7. Total flexibility to schedule our event to catch nice weather. This can make a whole world of difference to have the most enjoyable experience!
8. Gained more experiences and confidence before signing up many other paid running events, if and whenever we feel like doing that.

We don’t have

1. To pay expensive registration fee.
2. One more souvenir T-shirt of no use.
3. To spend travel time and expenses for out of town running events.
4. The pounding on the hard concrete and asphalt surfaces from typical road running events.
5. The traffic to dodge and car exhaust pollution from typical road running events.

<<< The Course >>>

The course starts and ends at the Interstate North parking lot. It is a lollipop and we’ll go along the stick first, then the counter-clockwise direction around the loop, and then back to the stick to complete one round.

1. Follow the Chattahoochee River going north to a fork: 1.5 miles.
2. Turn slight left towards Columns Drive parking lot: 0.1 mile.
3. Turn left and loop around to take the inland trail going south: 0.7 miles.
4. Turn left right before a bridge to go back to the main trail: 0.18 miles.
5. Turn right to cross a bridge and get back to the starting point.

One round is 3.3 miles (5K+), 2 rounds 6.6 (10K+), 3 rounds 9.9 (15K+). Go 4 rounds 13.2 miles, and 8 rounds 26.4 miles.

Aid stations with water, snack, nutrition, and first-aid packs in a typical running event are set up often to be 2 to 3 miles apart. So our cars in the parking lot are perfect to be our own aid stations.

<<< Guidelines >>>

1. We synchronize and verify our watches before we start.
2. Go at your own comfortable pace, and follow the event course.
3. Power walk, slow jog, run, or any combinations.
4. Finish within the alloted time of 3.5 hours.

<<< Logistics >>>

Daily Parking fee is $5.00 cash, or display your annual pass.

Restrooms are available at both parking lots of Interstate North and Columns Drive.

If you need to purchase a day parking pass, you can do so at the parking lot.

Annual pass is a great way to motivate oneself to keep coming back and enjoy all of the National Recreation Area parks and national parks throughout the USA. It is more convenient and very cost effective.

(Credit and 'Thank you' to Bill Wey for providing event posting copy and event itinerary)

Address: 1956 Eugene Gunby Rd, Marietta, GA 30067

Use google map by its address.

From I-285 W, take exit 22 for New Northside Dr toward Northside Dr/Powers Ferry Rd. Turn right onto New Northside Dr. Continue onto Interstate N Pkwy for about 0.8 mile and the parking entry is on the right.

From I-285 E, take exit 22 for New Northside Dr toward Northside Dr/Powers Ferry Rd. Turn left onto New Northside Dr. Continue onto Interstate N Pkwy for about 0.8 mile and the parking entry is on the right.