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Peachtree Road Race: The Largest 10k In The World!
- Feb 25
- 5 min read
One of the most famous distance running events in the world, the Peachtree Road Race is held in Atlanta, Georgia every July. Up to 60,000 runners take on the 6.2 mile (10km) course from Buckhead to the corners of midtown, finishing in the city's Piedmont Park. It's a massive event, with an elite field and is part of a huge programme of races all organised by the Atlanta Track Club. You have to be part of this one, at least once!
The Destination
Atlanta, Georgia, with a population of just under half a million people in the city and 6 million in the wider metro area, is the 38th most populous city in the US. Situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains it's arguably one of the most popular cities in the United States due to its thriving economy, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. It's got a vast array of entertainment options, from its numerous sports teams to its art galleries and museums. The vibrant music scene offers a variety of genres from hip-hop to classical and the city has unique cuisine ranging from soul food to Southern BBQ! The city is home to several important landmarks in the United states, including Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Bank of America Plaza. Born in the Georgian state capital of Atlanta, Martin Luther King Jr. is undoubtedly the most famous person from Atlanta. This well-known civil rights activist has become a household name across the world, even today, some 60 years later.
Investment in Atlanta was kick started with the announcement that it would host the 1996 Olympic Games. The city government undertook several major construction projects to improve Atlanta's parks, sporting venues, and transportation infrastructure. The related post Games projects led to a transformation of the city in the following decade. Luckily for residents of the sprawling city, Atlanta is actually America’s most forested major city, with more than half of the urban area covered by trees. You won't have a problem finding a flight to Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports (often ranked No.1 by passenger traffic) and is the home of Delta Air Lines, who have 1000 flights a day from Atlanta alone!
Atlanta-born pharmacist John Pemberton created Coca-Cola after experimenting with a variety of different ingredients. His aim was to create a health tonic that provided a variety of health benefits to the consumer. What he did do was to create one of the world’s best-selling beverages. You can find out more by visiting The World of Coca-Cola, a museum in the city that showcases the history of The Coca-Cola Company. The 20-acre complex opened to the public on May 24, 2007.
History
The first Peachtree Road Race was held in 1970 when 110 runners ran from the old Sears building at the corner of Peachtree Street and Roswell Road to Central City Park The next year, the race increased to 198 runners and by 1975 this had risen to 1,000. In 1977 over 6,500 runners competed, overwhelming the capacity of Central City Park and as a result the following year the course changed, starting at Lenox Square and finishing at Piedmont Park, where it finishes today. By 1980, the number of participants was limited to 25,000 runners, which continued until 1990 when it increased to 40,000 and then again to 50,000 five years later. In 2011 it increased to its current capacity of 60,000. It's now an important part of the city's culture and over 150,000 watch the race in person each year as well as many more on TV nationwide. The event is held on Independence Day and this ensures plenty of patriotic costumes.
Race Organiser
It's owned and organised by the Atlanta Track Club, a member-based organization centered around running, delivering world-class events, training programs and community outreach activities to the Metro Atlanta Area. They encourage both youth and adults to start and continue running, regardless of ability or fitness level, and they provide outlets for all athletes to continue to grow and compete. They collaborate with partners to promote and extend the benefits of running and walking to the greater community. The Club hosts nearly 150,000 participants through 40+ events and programs annually.
When?
The race is held annually in July (on Independence Day).
Distances
It's 6.2 miles (10km)
Is there an Expo?
The Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo takes place over two days before the race in the Georgia World Congress Center. You pick up your race pack here and you can grab the usual merchandise and souvenirs. There are some food live sessions that are worth hanging around for.
How many runners?
It is capped at 60,000!
Course
The Peachtree Road Race starts in Buckhead, near Lenox Square and winds south down Peachtree Road, into midtown Atlanta, turning left onto 10th Street for the final kilometer before ending at 10th St. and Charles Allen Drive at Piedmont Park, 6.2 miles later. After a largely downhill first half, runners cross Peachtree Creek and tackle the gruelling 3/4 mile-long "Cardiac Hill," which culminates at Peachtree and Collier Rd. in front of Piedmont Hospital. Mile 5 has been known as the Olympic Mile, where banners and theme music entertained IOC members in the 1990 event, during Atlanta's bid for the 96 Games.
The course has regular water (500,000 cups and 120,000 gallons of water!) stations, bathrooms, and plenty of music. 3000 volunteers make sure runners are very well looked after. The race takes off in a number of waves based on runners’ previous running times. These waves start at 6:25 a.m. and end at 8:30 a.m. The best way to get to the start is on the MARTA, the local train network.
If you’re a spectator, there are plenty of places to watch runners complete the race.
Peachtree Road is packed on both sides during the race, with boundaries separating the crowds from the asphalt runway. One of the most popular places to watch the action is on the edge of 10th Street NE, where the runners take a sharp left and sprint toward the finish line at Piedmont Park. The atmosphere at the Park is superb. The 75 hectares of Piedmont Park is a central focal point of Atlanta's community and it knows how to host a party. It's home to various annual celebrations and events, including the Atlanta Pride Festival and the Atlanta Jazz Festival, as well as many others. It's all really well organised, despite the huge number of people at the finish.
What's unique?
It's the world's biggest 10k!
Do charities benefit?
Atlanta Track Club Foundation, established in May 2021, supports the mission and vision of Atlanta Track Club's commitment to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. The Foundation oversees all fundraising efforts associated with current community programs and general operations as well as seeks to create meaningful partnerships to expand community engagement. Runners and spectators alike can donate to Atlanta Track Club Foundation online. Donations go immediately to support community programs like Kilometer Kids, allowing the Club to continue working with the cross country and track and field coaches and teams at Atlanta Public Schools and to uphold their commitment to create an active and healthy Atlanta through running and walking.
Our verdict
There is nothing quite like taking part in such a massive event as this. Even though all 60,000 runners aren't on the course at the same time, due to the wave starts, there is something special about being involved in a race like this. There are big crowds from the very start to the finish and they are extremely vocal. This is definitely one you should do!
How to register
There is a cap in the number of participants, with entry to the race granted on a first come first served basis. Atlanta Track Club members had priority access to registration with the remaining spots open to the public until June 4 or when the event sells out. Registration methods have evolved in recent years, and could well continue to do so.