An Independence Day Tradition: The Peachtree Road Race

On Friday, July 4, I made my annual trek to Atlanta for what has now become a personal Independence Day tradition – the AJC Peachtree Road Race. This year marked my 11^th year running the “world’s largest 10K” race with my mom. The race brought over 50,000 runners from all over the world.  

Each year, I question my sanity as I get ready to toe the start line in downtown Atlanta. Why did I sign up for this AGAIN? Why didn’t I train a little more? Why do I do this every year? But once the day arrives and we finally make our way to the starting corral, I remember why. Because it’s an experience unlike any other race.  

There’s an energy in the city that you won’t find anywhere else. Not only are you running the streets of Atlanta with 50,000 of your closest friends, but you’ve got the support of the city. The streets are lined with spectators and there’s no telling what you’ll see.  

I’ve always been amazed at the turnout. It is packed in Atlanta, which is why we park at MARTA and ride all the way into the Lenox stop, instead of trying to park. MARTA is an experience all its own. It starts off not so bad, but as the train stops to pick up more runners, as well as people just trying to get to work, it really gets packed. Pretty soon, it’s standing room only. Before the race, and all the sweat, it was not so bad. But you’re still uncomfortably close to a ton of strangers. 

This year, since I hadn’t trained properly, I decided to hang back with my mom for the duration. She kept telling me to go on, that she was holding me back. And believe me, my competitive nature was trying to take over. But honestly, I got to see the race in a different light this year. It was a reminder that it’s okay to slow things down every now and then. 

My mom and I started the race around 7:35 a.m. and by that point, the elite runners had already crossed the finish line. In years past, we’ve experienced all kinds of weather. This year, it was warm and humid, but not quite as bad as previous years. Thankfully, there are water stops all along the route to ensure the runners stay hydrated. On top of that, spectators graciously hand out their own treats for runners – which could be anything from water, popsicles, fruit, candy, beer, and Jell-O shots. There are people who live for those beers along the course. Running a 10K in the Atlanta heat, fueled by beer, doesn’t sound appealing to me personally, but to each their own. 

There are people of all ages who participate in the race, and many have been doing it for years. My mom and I were behind a lady that had a sign pinned to her shirt announcing that this was her 45^th consecutive Peachtree Road Race. That’s quite an accomplishment. There are people who are truly there to run their fastest race, and then there are people there who walk the race and simply enjoy the experience. For me and my mom this year, it was a mixture of walking and running - and enjoying the entertainment.  

That’s because AJC Peachtree Road Race is the most entertaining 10K race I have ever run. There are runners in costumes or decked out head-to-toe in patriotic apparel. That’s not all. Spectators – even those not handing out beer - make the experience even more fun. Homemade signs are a common sight, like the one that read Don’t Trust A Fart After Mile 1. There are spectators in costumes, kids cheering the runners on, and my personal favorite - dogs! So many pups are along the course, some sporting their own patriotic attire.  

There are many businesses that participate as well. Some give out promotional items. Others provide musical entertainment either broadcasting through a speaker, setting up a DJ, or even booking a live band. There is so much to see and do along the course, it makes the 6.2 miles go by a little quicker - for the most part. 

After crossing the finish line, runners are ushered into Piedmont Park, where they pick up their race shirt and grab some water, a peach, and a banana. I usually don’t spend much time in the park once we’ve finished the race, since we still have a two- mile walk back to the MARTA station to head home. This year, things were a bit different. My mother and I were separated as we tried to get our race shirts. Thankfully, I found her quickly, but she had driven my sister and two friends to Atlanta, so we had to meet up with them. And my fiancé’ was also there, so I was trying to find him. 

Typically, the race posts signs with letters on them. This is an easy way to set up a meeting place. This year - no signs. Compounding the issues, the number of people in the park made cell service unreliable as well. This proved frustrating. After much back and forth, and some miscommunication, five of the six people in our party were together. Calls and texts to the sixth weren’t going through. But thanks to the quick thinking of one in our party, we decided to check Missing Persons. Back together, we made the two-mile trek back to the MARTA station to head back to our vehicles. It was still busy on the train but not packed like earlier that morning.  

Back at the truck, and 20,000 steps later, I welcomed the chance to sit for the next few hours as we headed back to Augusta. Another AJC Peachtree Road Race in the books - not my fastest, but a great experience none-the-less.