Peachtree Road Race: largest 10K in the USA
Published: May 12, 2009
Thousands of people congregate every Fourth of July to sweat for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, the country's largest 10K race.
This Fourth of July race, the country's largest 10K, is a tradition for runners and those who just like to watch them sweat. This massive footrace attracts 55,000 runners, from elite world-class athletes to folks who line up at the back and walk the 6.2 miles. Runners snapped up all of the available numbers for the race back in March, but some registrants sell their numbers.
Even without a race number, thousands of people get up early to sit at a restaurant or bar on Peachtree Street, drink a cool beverage and cheer on the parade of humanity jogging past.
Collectively, the runners will burn 34 million calories, drink 120,000 gallons of water and have access to 600 portable toilets. Live bands entertain race participants, who are not supposed to wear headphones or push strollers, for safety reasons. Only registered runners are eligible for a Peachtree T-shirt, a true status symbol in Atlanta on the Fourth.
A wheelchair race begins promptly at 6:55 a.m., followed by the footrace at 7:30 a.m. The race starts near Lenox Square Mall and ends near Piedmont Park.
Unless you plan to sleep in your car, driving to the race is a bad idea. Race directors start closing Peachtree Road beginning at 5:30 on the morning of July 4th, and once the road is closed, no private vehicles will be permitted on the course. Taking MARTA is a smarter way to get to the race.
A microchip in every registered runners number will record the time he or she crosses the starting and finish line. At the end of the race, you can meet up with friends under one of ghe huge helium balloons bearing the letter of the runner's last name.
Before the race, run over to the Peachtree Running and Fitness Expo on Thursday and Friday, July 2 and 3, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead. Exhibits include health and nutrition experts, training aids, food, and miles of official Peachtree memorabilia.
Among the door prizes is a drawing for a free Peachtree number; the Expo is also a good place to find a last-minute number for sale.
- by Diane Loupe, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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