Facts, Answers & Questions
What is the Athens-to-Atlanta Event?

With 30 years of tradition, Athens-to-Atlanta is the oldest and most famous road skate in America. Starting in Athens, Georgia, participants skate through beautiful country roads and quiet suburbia before navigating city streets and triumphantly crossing the 87-mile finish line in Atlanta's Piedmont Park.

The course is challenging and requires experienced skating ability, courage, and stamina. Skaters who may not be ready for the whole 87 miles may opt for the 38-mile event, which also starts in Athens, or the latest 52-mile event, which starts near Dacula, GA. Both four and five wheeled skates are welcome and anyone from 8 to 80 years old may enter.

GIVE YOUR SKATING A PURPOSE
Millions of skaters across the world wheel across pavement for exercise, fun, or friendship. Few distance events exist which really push the limits and challenge the soul. Give your skating a purpose and prepare this summer for Athens-to-Atlanta where crossing the finish line can be your greatest victory.

MORE INFORMATION
An information packet detailing the Event, the course, activities, etc. will be made available to each registrant in Athens at packet pickup. E-mail us with any remaining questions at webmaster@a2a.net. Alternatively, pick up the phone and call us at (404) 806-7251.

What is it like?

A famous American tradition, Athens-to-Atlanta combines the beauty of northern Georgia, the friendliness of the in-line skating community, and the rigors of distance skating. It's more than a road skate; it's the defining outdoor skating event in America.

So whether you elect the 38, 52, or 87-mile distance and skate on four or five wheels, the Event allows you to skate for time, for the challenge of finishing, or for the friendship of spending the day with people from all over the world.

All skaters except those in the 52-mile event start in Athens, Georgia, and roll through the rural Georgia countryside through the first two checkpoints to the 38-mile station. Here the 38 mile finishers take off their skates and cheer on the rest of the field as they attempt to conquer the rest of the course to Atlanta. Free bus service takes the 38-mile finishers either back to Athens or to the 87-mile finish line in Atlanta.

The 52-mile (double marathon distance) skaters will see the 87 and 38-mile skaters start in Athens at 7:30am, then board a bus to the starting line near Dacula, GA. Start time for the 52-mile event is 10:00 a.m. The 52-mile course loops around in quiet residential neighborhoods near Dacula, and then joins the 87-mile course just after checkpoint 3.

The A2A course is highlighted by the transition from rural Georgia to quiet suburbs. The famous downhill at Silver Hill where skaters can hit speeds above 45 mph precedes checkpoint five at approximately 70 miles. Urban skating dominates the rest of the way as skaters pass through Atlanta's "Little Five Points" and "Virginia Highlands" on their way to the finish line in Piedmont Park.

87, 52, or 38 Miles: Three Options

With Athens-to-Atlanta, you have three distance options. Start in Athens and skate the 38-mile event ending up in the rural town of Dacula, Georgia, or you can choose to skate the full 87-mile route, which ends in festive Piedmont Park in Atlanta. The newest disttance event, the 52.4-mile double marathon, starts near Dacula and ends in Piedmont Park.

How long does it Take?

Most recreational skaters will average 9 to 10 mph while the elite men and women average 17-20 mph. As a result, skaters cover the 87 miles in a wide range of finishing times from 4 to 10 hours. 38-mile skaters take 2 to 5 hours to complete their event. 52-mile skaters are expected to come in around the same time as the 87-mile skaters.

FYI: Normal driving time between Athens and Atlanta's Piedmont Park is 90 minutes.

What are the weather conditions?

Clear, crisp, and cool in the morning followed by a warm sunny day.

No, but seriously folks...

Athens-to-Atlanta is a rain or shine event. While our event date is statistically around the driest time of the year in Georgia, we've had rain on event day six times in 21 years.

Please don't call us to ask if it's going to rain. We know as much as you do.

Weather Resources Sunrise/Sunset Times
On October 12, 2014 the sun will rise in Athens at 7:37 a.m.
On October 12, 2014 the sun will set in Piedmont Park at 7:09 p.m.

What prizes are available for the participants?

All entrants receive a 100% cotton Event T-shirt. All finishers receive a coffee mug emblazoned with the official logo and the distance finished. Top finishers in all age categories share product prizes worth thousands of dollars, including skates, bearings, wheels, and other goodies. Age categories: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and over 70.