From March 1-3, downtown Chattanooga buzzed with excitement as the 9th annual Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon weekend took place.
"Organized by Chattanooga Sports, a division of Chattanooga Tourism Co., in partnership with Erlanger Health Systems, and various community partners, the event was bursting with energy and packed with unforgettable moments and extraordinary achievements. It not only highlighted the spirits of the participants but also contributed a significant $1.3 million economic boost, emphasizing its role in supporting the local community," organizers said.
“While running 13.1 miles alongside a teammate, our motivational group expanded as visitors from Michigan joined our journey.
Cici, a 12-year-old girl who is on a mission to conquer marathons in all 50 states, encouraged me to cross that finish line and finish our Erlanger Chattanooga Half Marathon,” said Tim Morgan, Chattanooga Sports chief sports officer.
"This year’s marathon weekend attracted a crowd of more than 5,000, with over 2,800 participants representing 37 states and five countries. Behind the event’s success were over 200 dedicated volunteers who contributed countless hours, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees, organizers said.
The 2024 Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Weekend marked a series of historic triumphs, showcasing the exceptional talents of local athletes: 17-year-old Ian Etheridge, from Ooltewah, dominated the 5K race on Saturday in an impressive 15:41; Helen Webb, representing Chattanooga, claimed the title of the first female finisher of the half marathon with a time of 1:27:21; and Lucas Cotter, of Signal Mountain, secured the full marathon victory with a time of 2:44:31. A comprehensive list of race results can be found
here.
Other powerful moments unfolded, notably when runner Ryan Dugger completed his inaugural half marathon, a remarkable feat following the collapse of both lungs and years of medical challenges. Learn more about Ryan’s story
here. Additionally, eight disabled athletes from Addie Ray Racing crossed the finish line, experiencing the same triumphant emotions that all runners savor at the end of a race.
As part of its commitment to reinforcing Chattanooga as a hub for athletic excellence, Chattanooga Sports is set to host the 10th annual Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon on Feb. 28-March 3, 2025. For additional information and other upcoming events, visit ChattanoogaSports.com.