Publix Savannah Women's Half Marathon

More than 1,200 half marathon finishers a year make this the largest event here and one of the biggest women's road races in the Southeast. It runs on the flat street grid of the historic district in early April, before Georgia heat becomes the deciding factor.

Flat city streets through downtown Savannah, routed to take in the squares, parks and century old oak canopy rather than to be the shortest line between two points. The many turns and narrow lanes cost more time than the elevation, which is essentially nil.

Early April in Savannah usually starts in the 50s and climbs into the 70s. Humidity is the main stressor and the oak canopy provides real shade, so the open stretches feel noticeably warmer.