Peachtree Road Race is a point-to-point race with extremely limited parking. You will start near Lenox Mall and finish at Piedmont Park which are both located near MARTA stations. MARTA will start running at 5am on race day. I recommend getting on MARTA as soon as possible - even if you are in a later corral remember that there are 60,000 runners plus volunteers and spectators heading to the race as well. Be sure to purchase your MARTA ticket or pre-load your MARTA Breeze card before race morning in order to save a lot of time.
Based on your proof of time that you submitted when registering, you are assigned to a start
corral. The letter on your bib will indicate what corral you are assigned. If you want to run with your family or friends that are in a different corral than you, the person with the higher bib can move back, but you may not more forward (Example: Someone in corral B may move back to
corral J, but corral J may not move up to B). Here is a map of the starting area with corral
locations and wave start times.
Peachtree Road Race is unlike any other 10K that you have ever ran. First, leave your
headphones at home - you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere a lot better if you can hear what is going on around you (and it is safer too). People line the streets for most of the 6.2 route to cheer for YOU! Since it is July 4th, you will see a lot of runners and spectators in their finest red, white, and blue ensembles (or even some quirky outfits). Businesses and spectators a like even come out with different drinks and snacks for runners (water, watermelon and freeze pops are popular).
Don't be afraid to have fun! Give high-fives to the children lining the course. I also recommend staying to the right as you approach Sheppard's Center at mile 3.5 - the patients and their families are seriously some of the best cheerleaders and give some of the most awesome high-fives! There will also be bands/music playing along the way as well for even more entertainment. Check out the course map here for more information.
It will be HOT! It is July in Atlanta which is notorious for being hot and humid in July. Granted, Peachtree Road Race runners have been lucky in some years and had some "cooler than average" temperatures, but just count on it being warm (especially for the later corrals).
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stay hydrated (before, during and after)! Official water stations are plentiful on course (approximately every mile) and there are unofficial stops for water as well (businesses and spectators along the way typically have water being distributed). While you might not feel thirsty - take the water! Pouring water over your head will also help you stay cool along the way as well.
You just finished the largest 10K in the country with 60,000+ runners and now you want to meet
up with your friends and family to celebrate! While you think your attire might be something that
stands out pretty well, you will be surprised how many other runners also chose to rock that same green tank top or go over the top in their red, white, and blue. It can be difficult to try to find your group so plan ahead.
1. Pre-plan your meeting place. There are large balloons with letters on them in Piedmont Park to serve as meeting places. Choose your letter and make sure that everyone in the group knows where to meet. Here is a map of the finish line area.
2. Know when people should be finishing obviously things change, but having a rough
estimate of your finish time will help you know when to expect your family/friends.
Are you an Atlanta Track Club member? Don't forget to stop by their Member VIP Area at Park Tavern on your way to MARTA! This is an awesome opportunity to relax for a bit and let the MARTA crowds calm down before heading back. You will be able to enjoy a snack and share Peachtree Road Race stories with your fellow running community.
If you are a member of Atlanta Track Club, your bib will be marked with "Atlanta Track Club Member" or you will be given a wristband in some cases. You must have one of these two things in order to enter the party. If you aren't already a member - NO WORRIES! Atlanta Track Club will be offering a special membership deal at the expo on July 2nd and 3rd and you will enjoy the post party on July 4th along with other great Atlanta Track Club benefits.