2014 was the inaugural year for the Jeff Galloway 13.1 in Atlanta. Jeff Galloway is widely known throughout the running world and has one of the top marathon training programs out there. Having worked with runDisney for years, Jeff Galloway finally had his own race weekend.

I have been training with the Orlando Galloway program since 2012, so when I heard Jeff had his own race, I was excited to check it out. Atlanta is drivable from Orlando, so some of my fellow training program runner friends and I decided to make a weekend of it.

When we arrived at the expo, I was impressed with how big the space was. There wasn't a huge amount of vendors, but considering it was the inaugural year, it was a good showing. The fact that the event was smaller than a lot of other races, it became easy to navigate the expo floor and chat with all the guests and everyone. Jeff was easily accessible throughout both expo days, as well as were the other running guests (Bart Yasso, Chris Callahan and Bill Rodgers). Packet pickup was quick and smoothly easy. You got your bib number off a board and then told the volunteers who handed you a nice green JG 13.1 bag which had your bib and race shirt inside. The shirt was nice and the bag a nice perk as well. The expo vendors will definitely grow as this race does in the coming years. And, there were some set times that you could hear the guests speak.

The 13.1 race was on Sunday morning. Not being familiar with Atlanta, my friends and I learned that despite driving in for the race, we had to take the MARTA to and from the race start/finish. It's an easy transportation system to use, but does require a bit of planning for at least race morning if you aren't staying at a hotel near the starting area.

It was very cold for this Florida girl that morning, and layers were my best friend as we waited for the race to begin. Temperature was about 32 degrees at the start. If you are used to those sort of temps, it wouldn't bother you if that remains a standard race day weather forecast.

Jeff Galloway himself set off three groups of corrals at the starting line. I was in the second group which began about 2-3 minutes after the first headed out. This helped space people a bit better throughout the course. It was definitely nice to have Jeff send you out for your 13.1 journey!

The course is entertaining and was never boring. It's also pretty darn hilly. It's sort of an up and down sort of experience. Making it a fun time and running with friends really makes it enjoyable. The route Jeff and his team created is probably one of my favorites now (well, less for those hills anyway), and I really did enjoy the scenery and fun things along the way. It was also a perk to have some themed water stops such as the 26.2 with DONNA mile which was dedicated to the race which takes place in February in Jacksonville, FL.

The end of the race takes you through Piedmont Park right to the finish line. Piedmont Park is quite beautiful, and I liked running through it. Crossing the finish line, your name was called out which is always an awesome thing to hear. I was able to high-five Chris Callahan as I hit that finishing mat. He made me smile along with hearing my name.

Once you were finished, you were given your medal (which is really nice) water, a Mylar blanket, and a snack box similar to ones given out at Disney races. There were also a few options for some freebies from companies and to buy any other snacks/food.

Lastly, something that makes this race the most awesome. Mr. Jeff Galloway took photos with EACH AND EVERY RUNNER who wanted to wait in line. Yes, that means he stood there for hours for every runner who wanted a photo with him after receiving their medal. Talk about a class act! I don't know of any other race director/guest at a race who does that.

I recommend this race to anyone looking for a great race in Atlanta. Definitely run this one if you are a Galloway training program runner, you'll love it.