THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE IS 48 AND GOING STRONG
More than 60,000 runners and around 150,000 spectators will take to Buckhead’s main artery on July 4 for the 48th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta’s largest annual event and one of the nation’s biggest 10K races. The course starts at Lenox Square shopping center and makes its way past the Cathedral of St. Philip, where the rector traditionally sprinkles holy water on runners, and up “Cardiac Hill” in front of the Shepherd Center, then onward into Midtown, where it ends at Piedmont Park. Even if you didn’t get a race number, you can join the fun on the sidelines and be entertained by live bands stationed at every mile.
Some runners and spectators choose to dress up for the race, sporting Independence Day-themed, American-flag T-shirts and other fun attire. Revelers set up impromptu bars along the route and hold up clever signs to motivate runners. The Peachtree Battle shopping center is one of the best places to view the crowds as it’s about halfway through, and there’s typically some parking available. The official post-race party takes place at Park Tavern, but bars and restaurants all over town will be celebrating. – Caroline Eubanks
AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE
July 4; race starts at 6:43 a.m.
Free to watch
Lenox Square
3393 Peachtree Road N.E.
Atlanta 30326
atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree
