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Combos Marathon

Albany, GA
Saturday, March 6, 2027


  4.3 Stars from 16 Reviews

Course Description

The Combos Marathon (formerly known as the Snickers Marathon) in Albany, Georgia, is a Boston-qualifying road race designed with fast time in mind. Its an exceptionally flat and fast course, it is consistently ranked as one of the top course in the United States for achieving a Boston Marathon qualifying time or a Personal Record (PR) due to its minimal elevation change and lack of sharp turns.

Course Layout and Terrain

The race is a single-loop that begins and ends in downtown Albany near the Flint River. The terrain is entirely paved road, utilizing wide city streets and residential boulevards. The course is designed with long, straight stretches and very few sharp turns, allowing runners to maintain a consistent cadence without the disruption of frequent braking or changes in direction. The route traverses historic residential neighborhoods, the campus of Albany State University, and the scenic Riverfront Park area.

Elevation and Notable Sections

The elevation profile is flat, with very little vertical gain across the full 26.2 miles. There are no significant climbs, bridges, or steep descents to navigate.

  • Residential Streets: A large portion of the race winds through shaded residential areas, which can provide some protection from the sun in the middle miles.
  • Albany State University: The course travels through the university campus, offering one of the more populated sections of the route.
  • Riverfront Park: The start and finish lines are located at Riverfront Park, providing flat, wide-open pavement for the beginning and end of the race.
  • Exposure: While residential areas offer some canopy, parts of the course—particularly near the university and the final miles downtown—are exposed to sun and wind.

The Combos Marathon is an ideal course for runners seeking a PR or BQ. Because it is one of the flattest marathons in the country, it best suits who want to lock into an even pace and hold it for the duration. The primary challenge is often the potential for South Georgia humidity rather than the topography. For those targeting a Boston Marathon qualifying time, this course offers few barriers to that goal.


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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, March 6, 2027
2026: Saturday, March 7, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 55°F (12°C)
Average High: 67°F (19°C)
Average Low: 43° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.89
Course Score: 98.89

Race Size

2026: 253 Finishers
2025: 239 Finishers
2024: 256 Finishers
2023: 289 Finishers
2022: 420 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 11.5%
2025: 15.9%
2024: 24.4%
2023: 12.5%
2022: 23.1%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 69°F  (21°C)
Low: 45°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

48°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 84%

Clear
N 4 mph

PR Score

97.72

Course Score

99.11






Combos Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Combos Marathon was the 236th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 213th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 11.5% of Combos Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 15.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Combos Marathon ranked 61st among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 88th so far in 2026. In Georgia, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 4th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Combos Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Combos Marathon has a Course Score of 98.89, ranking it as the 236th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Georgia.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Combos Marathon a PR Score of 98.89. The PR Score ranks the Combos Marathon as the 176th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Georgia.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Combos Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Georgia for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Combos Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed236th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Georgia
Top 51% Nationally#4 of 11 in Georgia
PR Potential176th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Georgia
Top 38% Nationally#4 of 11 in Georgia
Boston Qualifier Rate61st highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Georgia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 13% Nationally#1 of 11 in Georgia
Race Size236th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 6th largest marathon in Georgia
Based on 2025 results
Top 40% Nationally#6 of 11 in Georgia

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 249 feet (75m)
Min Elevation: 173 feet (52m)

Elevation Gain: 555 feet (169m)
Elevation Loss: 564 feet (171m)


Combos

Course updated 02/13/2023




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Race Reviews


4.3
Based on 16 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Overall Really Enjoyable Experience

Full Review:

Only ran the half marathon so I didn't see the entire marathon course. The expo left something to be desired but was overall fine. The start/finish was very well organized and run. The course is really flat and mostly runs through quiet residential neighborhoods. For a smaller city and race the crowd support was actually a 10/10. Huge shout-out to the people of Albany for coming out and supporting this event. Aid stations were well run and overall great. Finishers area with food and drink was excellent. 10/10. I would highly recommend this race.
Reviewed by Aaron B. About 2026

It's an ok marathon

Full Review:

PROS:
It's relatively flat. Some rolling hills throughout. Just like 10-20 feet at a time.
If weather is good then it's really good, overcast 45-50 degrees is perfect Some folks across the city turn out to cheer you on which is nice It's a pretty course

CONS:
Turns have been their Achilles across the years. Poorly marked and leading the wrong way. There's already a ton of turns. Simplifying it would help. Nowhere near enough support. Maybe 6-8 tables total. (They need double) Weather is unpredictable. If it's warm that day you're gonna suffer.
Fix the finish. when you're catching the half-marathoners it's difficult to get around them and maintain speed plus the lane goes down to 3 people wide and the chutes are a HARD 90 degree right turn, you can't sprint it :(

Race Tips:

I've run this 4 times and set my PR. I had folks set at 5k increments with support bottles because the tables they provide are far too few. The "hills" are throughout the whole race. The worst one is early around the golf course. There's another long slow one as you climb into Rawson Circle around mile 20ish. If you run tangents and take inside cuts you'll finish it with exactly 26.2.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Porta potties do get long lines right at start. Get there early or just go pee down by the river or in the woods. Ample parking, well organized getting in and out. Careful where you stay, Albany is a shooty city, like 20+ murders a year (google it).
Reviewed by CG About 2025

Great community race, disappointing 2023

Full Review:

I have done this race before and in general I would say it's a great, small town community event. 2023 was a significant disappointment. The hotel which I typically stay at was totally nasty to the runners, and the course went out the wrong way causing runners trying to qualify for Boston to have make a tough decision to push it on a hot day, run a slower race, or stop and save their legs. I would do this race again because the past few races were so special, but I'm sad about what happened this year.

Race Tips:

The neighborhoods are so pretty. Just settle in and enjoy the middle of the race and the supportive community.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Don't stay at the Radison Park Inn. It was truly terrible. They canceled my reservation without notifying me and I ended up four hours from home the night before a race with no place to stay.
Reviewed by BH About 2023

Great volunteer support

Full Review:

I would recommend this marathon to any runner. One small glitch to fix is about mile 6 water station. Both 1/2 Marathon and Marathon go by this station and it ran out of water and gator aid, Only this station. Other wise the best volunteer support ever and support!!!
Reviewed by Danny Cole About 2022

Great flat course

Full Review:

Pros: Run Support, Right Size number of runners, weather, pace groups, aid stations & porta johns every two mile

Cons: Volunteers ordering you behind the cones and directing traffic, after party dies out after the half finishes but the street fest is close by

Race Tips:

The last 10k seems to be the hilliest....pace on the front half.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay at Hilton Garden Inn for restrooms prior to race and location before/after; not enough bathrooms at start line.
Reviewed by Julian About 2020

Nicely Organized with Rolling Hills and Lots of Turns

Full Review:

Pros: Small race, good pace teams, plenty of water and aid stations, and friendly race supporters.

Cons: There are lots of turns, and the course measured long for every single runner I talked to. My watch said 26.47, and I cut every tangent. I saw others who posted 26.6 and higher. There were not enough porta-johns before the race. The line was insanely long, so I joined a group of runners in the woods behind the start line. The course was advertised as flat, but there were rolling hills throughout. The hills weren't unbearable, but it certainly wasn't flat.

Overall, I enjoyed the race. I would consider doing it again, but the course length is what concerns me the most. When I'm trying to qualify for Boston, I don’t have extra minutes to spare for extra mileage.

Race Tips:

- Get to the start area earlier than Norma because of limited bathrooms.
- Be prepared for rolling hills.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The location was very user-friendly for racers and spectators. The Hilton Garden Inn, the race hotel, was across the street from the start and finish.
Reviewed by CH About 2019

BEST RACE I'VE RUN

Full Review:

Pros: fantastic weather (cloudy, 60, just a bit on the humid side), spectators and aid stations were incredible - about every 2 miles and full of energy. First time I ran without a water bottle and i was fine.

I personally liked the "slopes". I come from a place with HILLS, so this was definitely flat for me. Enough variation to keep things interesting and kept me engaged.

Cons: like everyone has said, the course was about 0.25 longer than my watch. Thankfully got under 3 as I wanted, but it added a little over a minute to my time and I cut it close.

Also, I'm a big foodie. The food and drink options were pretty poor at the end, yet I wasn't expecting much

Overall: TOTALLY recommend this race, especially to those who are right on the verge of a BQ time. While the turns did add some "distance", I was never bored or struggling because of a long section. I loved this race for sure

Race Tips:

RUN THE CORNERS. The traffic cones are exactly for that reason: traffic. It doesn't mean you have to run around the cones. Cut the corners as much as possible.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Also, I booked the hotel in advance that was right on the race start and finish. Totally recommend that too
Reviewed by Daniel About 2019

Hilly for a FL runner

Full Review:

This is not mostly flat as the descriptions say. There are a lot of rolling hills, some of which are quite large. The mile markers were way off so if you run this race, plan on a 26.5 mile course.
Reviewed by Jenn About 2019

Full Review:

I really appreciated the consistency of restrooms and drinks every 2 miles. This is so hard to find in most races - THANK YOU!! The volunteers were great all around, and actually I went home saying I fell in love with the entire community after a weekend in Albany. The only thing, and I truly mean only thing that I would consider changing is there being snickers at the finish... I was kinda hoping there would be one waiting on me once I hit mile 22. :)

Race Tips:

I would suggest to (Marathon) runners new to this run: bring extra layers to shed!! It starts off freezing, and you're mostly running in the shade, but towards the end of it you'll find yourself sweating like crazy. Buy long shirts on clearance or use old clothes you don't mind not getting back!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I used the Courtyard by Marriot, and while it was a drive to the start line - it was only 10 minutes! Of course - it's ideal to stay within walking distance of start line, so I would say book a hotel as early as you can so you don't miss out! The Hilton (start line location) fills up fast.
Reviewed by HNB About 2017

Full Review:

Course was just okay, not marked clear enough, and why was there absolutely no Snickers on the course at all...

Race Tips:

Course should have been marked better

Travel/Logistics Tips:

No hotels could be found, finally a nasty room was found at the Quality Inn
Reviewed by PB About 2017

Full Review:

I have run the full 3 times and the half twice. Course is a generally flat with enough mild ups and downs to give your legs a change of pace. Course support is the best. Plenty of well stocked aid stations with supportive volunteers. Albany puts on a top notch race. Keep up the good work.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of porta-lavs at the start and along the route. Plenty of parking.
Reviewed by MArt About 2017

Full Review:

Very nice race! Packet pick up and parking on race morning were easy and no stress. The pace groups were good. I would definitely recommend to first time marathoners!
Reviewed by MH About 2017

Full Review:

Great race and volunteers.
Reviewed by BPL About 2016

Full Review:

This was my first marathon ever. I drove up from southeast FL to run the 1/2 here in 2014. I loved this race so much I drove up this year to try the full. Excellent support. Every 2 miles there was water & Gatorade. In later miles there were bananas & sliced oranges plus hammer gels & bathrooms. Loved how the whole town seems excited about the race. There are lots of cheering faces. The race is not crowded at all. Not FL-flat, but nothing that I couldn't get done without feeling overly worked. It was an excellent race all around!

Race Tips:

Curvy course that goes through several streets in the town, then curves into a beautiful neighborhood with ample shade. Roads are well marked and people are placed strategically to direct turns. Police officers at every major crossing to stop traffic.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at the Country Inn & suites and had excellent, friendly staff, free breakfast, and they opened breakfast at 4:30am just for runners plus offered a free late check out. Heated pool & hot tub. Parking at the race site is not a problem. I arrived at about 6:45am for the 7am start and it was perfect. Not rushed and not standing around freezing too long.
Reviewed by LN About 2015

Full Review:

Great race with pace groups and a good amount of runners but not too crowded. The course is pretty flat and crowds are good. The after party is great and the town has a street party afterwards that is nice.

Race Tips:

Use the pacers and stay with them.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of hotels near by and plenty of parking close to the start line.
Reviewed by sr About 2015

Full Review:

Mostly flat course through town/residential areas. Frequent water/Gatorade/gu stops. Nice crowd support, mostly from ad hoc groups of neighbors. Excellent pace teams. Fun atmosphere. The marathon seems to be a big deal for this small city and everyone was very friendly. Given the high percentage of BQ runs this is a "runner's marathon" ... fast with very few drop outs or walkers.

Race Tips:

Near the end you run through some sort of park structure - I would check this out before the race so that you are prepared. Sidewalk near the finish chute has decorative (e.g. uneven) patches.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Easy access to the race from any hotel in town, ample parking, good amenities.
Reviewed by CMD About 2014