It's not a race, it's a happening. The 39th Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race on Friday will feature 55,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair racers, but the real show lines the 6.2-mile course from Lenox Square to Midtown, with loud music, encouragement and refreshments from spectators (even some holy water) and a vibe that is uniquely Atlanta.

"It's a 6.2-mile party line where one comes in contact with some of the most interesting and generous people," said race veteran Tex McIntyre, 65, of Atlanta, who will run his 35th consecutive Peachtree. "The closer to the finish line the louder, more exciting and fun it becomes. What an amazing experience."

The Atlanta Track Club estimates that around 150,000 spectators will show up to watch the big race. And there's plenty of interesting aspects and things you need to know, like:

The new digs

It's that controversial finish line you've heard about.

The weather

Better bring the sunscreen and some cool drinks.

The entertainment

Plenty of live bands, plenty of music variety.

The coverage

WAGA allows you to watch from your living room.

THE AJC'S SPECTATOR'S GUIDE * RACE BEGINS 7:30 A.M. FRIDAY * TV: WAGA

 JEMAL R. BRINSON / Staff 
VIEWING SPOTS FOR AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE 

With the help of the Atlanta Track Club, recommendations for watching the race: 

1. Watch the 55,000 runners sent off in waves from Lenox Square, enjoyed with coffee and a bagel. After the fray moves on, go shopping. 
2. A "true crowd feel" comes where Paces Ferry, Peachtree and Roswell roads meet early in the second mile. Less than a mile later comes 
Jesus Junction, where several churches are located. See The Rev. Sam Candler of the Cathedral of St. Philip's Episcopal church sprinkle holy water on passing runners. 
3. Peachtree Battle shopping center, where you can find some breakfast and parking and then catch the race. Piedmont Hospital and the 
Shepherd Center are also good viewing spots. 
Watch runners get to the top of Cardiac Hill and get encouragement from Shepherd patients cheering the runners. 
4. Spectators from area neighborhoods along Peachtree's stretch from I-85 to just north of Colony Square watch runners who survived 
Cardiac Hill find a second tough hill. 
5. Crowds begin to build in Midtown as runners feel the end is near. Set up close to the Woodruff Arts Center and Colony Square. The MARTA Arts 
Center station offers good access to the High Museum of Art and lots of spectator space. 
6. The corner of Peachtree Street and 10th Street has been a popular and crowded viewing spot. Past this turn is one more turn south on 
Juniper Street, the section of the course that was changed this year because of the drought. 
The Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center replaces Piedmont Park as host to the post-race festivities. MARTA is right around the corner.

Numbered map marks the race course, with mile markers, through metro Atlanta.

—- Scott Bernarde