“Exercise is an important part of overall health, and running can be a great way to stay fit. Relative to other sports that require special equipment, running is pretty inexpensive and easy to do, only requiring an investment of time and a good pair of sneakers,” said Atrium Health Navicent President Delvecchio Finley. “Congratulations to Macon-Bibb on being designated a Runner Friendly Community, and thanks for your support of community health!” 

“This is what Team Macon-Bibb looks like…working for years to improve our roads and increase our trails to encourage a healthier lifestyle, then putting on a major race,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “That’s why they’re more than deserving of this national recognition…because they are doing things together to improve the entire community.” 

The Macon-Bibb community earned this designation after the Macon Tracks Running Club applied highlighting many features benefitting walkers, runners, and cyclists. It included bike lanes around Downtown and neighborhoods, expansion of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trails, trails at Amerson River Park and Carolyn Crayton Park, a 12-mile run course with parking and gathering areas, the trails in the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and more. It also pointed out that many of the trails currently being developed or expanded will connect in the next few years to create a trail of 12-15 miles, allowing there to be a half marathon that never crosses a road. 

According to the RCCA, “The goal is for applicants to prove that their community works together to meet some or all of the criteria to provide for a safe running community.” 

The application pointed out the groups – both public and private – that have come together to host the Macon Music Half Marathon, the first race of its size here in 20 years. The groups currently working together to plan the Macon Music Half Marathon include the Macon Tracks, Macon-Bibb County, Visit Macon (our Convention & Visitors Bureau), Presenting Sponsor Atrium Health Navicent, Mercer University, Fall Line Brewing Company, First Choice Primary Care, Simplenexus, and James Bates Brannan Groover. 

The Macon Music Half Marathon will start and end in Carolyn Crayton Park (formerly Central City Park). The course will take runners by many of the locations linked to the community’s musical heritage, including the Big House, the Grand Opera House, Capricorn Studios, Mercer’s McDuffie Center for Strings, Vineville Academy, and more. Click here to follow the Facebook page for updates. 

The Macon Tracks submitted the application with the support of several organizations with letters of support, including Macon-Bibb County, Atrium Health Navicent, Visit Macon, Navicent Health Foundation, Bike Walk Macon, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia.