Running Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race

Photo Credit: Atlanta Track Club

Now that I've completed my "first" Peachtree Road Race, I'm already planning to run it again next year, and I'm hoping to make it my July 4th tradition too...


I've already started to recruit a few friends to run along side me, and thought I would compile a list of things I discovered about the world's largest 10K. So get reading, and hopefully you'll sign up to run this exhilarating 6.2 miles and make it a part of your tradition too!

1. Online registration for this race begins in early March...so mark your calendars.
2. Only 60,000 people get to run, but many many more register to do this race. If you sign up to be an Atlanta Track Club member, then you are guaranteed entry in the 10K.
3. Because there are so many participants, runners are released in waves starting with letter A and ending in Y. Waves are released about every 4 minutes starting at 7 a.m. with the last wave at 9 a.m.
4. Please note if you are running with a group, and you all receive different letters (waves)...you cannot decide when you will start the race. You will all have to begin the race with the lowest letter. For example, if you are in wave B, but other people in your group have waves D, M, and U, and you all want to run together, you will all have to start with wave U. It's also important to note that if you're not an early riser, just get to the race before the last wave leaves at 9, and you're good! 
5. The course starts near Lenox Square Mall and ends in Piedmont Park.
6. Have someone drop you off on race day or take Marta as many roads are blocked off.
7. Visit the free Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo two days leading up to the race for lots of exhibits and freebies.
8. You can pick up your race number at the expo, but if you don't plan to attend, I strongly suggest having your number mailed to you. It will save you a lot of hassle and traffic!
9. Check the forecast and be prepared to dress accordingly. Lots of sunscreen if it's going to be really hot, and in case of this year's rain...one of those resealable snack sized bags came in really handy for storing my cell phone.
10. Water and other refreshments are offered at every mile. Restaurants and eateries were also generous with beverages, pastries and other goodies. I even saw volunteers handing out cappuccino! Sweet!
11. Water sprays are also available along the way. I saw at least one this year.
12. Be ready to smile for the camera along the course, especially near the finish line. Photographers from the AJC and MarathonFoto are out in full force ready to snap your pictures. They do a pretty good job, and your photos are ready for purchase from MarathonFoto as early as the day after.
13. The race culminates at Piedmont Park where there are more refreshments, food, music and lots and lots of free giveaways for runners. This is really a fun part of the day.
14. As you can imagine, after the race, there are still lots of roads blocked off and thousands of runners trying to get home which equals some tired, sweaty and frustrated people. I suggest having someone pick you up as close to Piedmont Park as they can get.  If not, Marta is your next best option. To be honest, I prefer getting picked up.  You'll be tired after your race to have to walk another mile or so to Marta. Plus, who wants to get on an air conditioned train or bus all sweaty and in this year's case...wet too. I also suggest planning ahead and making sure whoever is picking you up has a couple of towels for you to sit on, and even a trash bag for your wet and muddy shoes like every runner had this year.
15. I didn't find the 6.2 miles to be challenging at all. I ran a few miles a couple of times a week in the months leading up the race.  I did a run/walk combo for the actual race, and truth be told, so did a lot of other people. You will find that there are all sorts of runners...young and old, the fit, and not so fit...if you get what I mean. 
16. If this has been on your bucket list, do it, and don't let fear get in the way. As humans, we are afraid of the unknown, and that's what typically keeps us from living our best life. I was afraid too, but I'm living proof that you can come out on the other end and feel great about this milestone. If I can do it, so can you!
17. If you're afraid of running it alone, don't be. Chances are there are lots of other people running solo too, and it's a great opportunity to put yourself out there and meet a new friend. And like The Hubs said, you can't be alone because there's like 59,999 other people running along with you.
18. People...residents, volunteers, young and old, line the streets the whole entire way cheering for you!
19. And the best part...if you love to "people watch" then you'll be in heaven because there are so many colorful characters to watch.  I mean there are tutus, tiaras, wigs and so much more. I don't want to spoil it for you...it's quite a spectacle. 
20. And finally, don't leave without your Peachtree Road Race t-shirt. You've earned it, and wear it with pride.

So.  Set a reminder in your cell phone...the online registration for the lottery begins in early March. Come on, it will be fun!!!

Do something amazingly different, and live your best life possible.