THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
BY: Karon Warren
Food, friends and fireworks remain an integral part of every Fourth of July celebration, but for many Atlantans, there’s one more tradition required: the AJC Peachtree Road Race. The world’s largest, the annual 10K brings together runners, walkers and spectators to Peachtree Road starting in Buckhead and finishing at Piedmont Park. This year, 60,000 participants will take off in waves behind event sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead’s pace car, with the wheelchair start at 6:25 a.m.
Every year, the event gets bigger and bigger. “For 50 years, Atlantans, joined by runners and walkers from every state and dozens of countries, come together to share their love of health, fitness and America on July 4,” says Jay Holder, director of marketing for the Atlanta Track Club, which directs the race. “The Peachtree brings out the best in Atlanta, and it truly is an event for everyone.” Along the way, there have been many memorable moments. For example, in 1971, then governor Jimmy Carter started the race. Looking to the next 50 years, you can expect to see many more.
AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE
July 4; check schedule for rolling starts
Free for spectators
Check site for race route
atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree
