ajcsportstalk

By C.C.

July 4, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I’m not crazy about the shirt, but my favorites among the finalists didn’t feature the American Flag theme prominently enough I suppose.

As we allll know, around here, if you don’t have flags and yellow ribbons plastered all over your clothing, car, and home, then you’re a bad citizen and probably hate freedom.

By Rico

July 4, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Love the shirt…But, the finish line was horrible. Also, we had three runners with GPS watches. All recorded 6.45 miles instead of 6.2 miles. Anybody else record a longer run?

Overall, the race did the best with what it had to work with. How can you complain about the Peachtree.

By Mark

July 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Race was great and well organized, but I thought for all the post-race walking to the Civic Center we would at least get a bagel or banana.

By Chris

July 4, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Finally one of the good shirts wins!

By Gus

July 4, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

The finish was brutal, definitely added time to my race. However, it was good for me because I don’t have the legs to outrun the whipper-snappers so the incline evened things out. I ran two minutes slower this year than last but still came away with a top 1000 finish (and a mug). I am happy, happy, happy. Could Kroger provide some fresh fruits next year, please!! The shirt is ugly as usual, but I never wear PRR shirts anyhow, so it doesn’t bother me.

By Melanie

July 4, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I think the T-shirt design is fine but the color could have been several shades lighter. This is summertime folks!!! Its too dark a color! I didn’t have a GPS watch but the distance from the 6 mile marker to the finish line felt like more than a quarter of a mile so I can believe the folks with the technology. Ditto to Mark’s comment about something to eat along the trek the Civic Center. But this event will be supported forever regardless. It is this big common experience that we get to share on July 4,runners, elite and otherwise, walkers and spectators. God willing, I will be back next year.

By George

July 4, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

The new finish line was just plain stupid. Sorry, I don’t have any good words for it and the city of Atlanta should be ashamed of itself for moving it from Piedmont Park. Lots of complaints from people making the turn down Juniper and seeing another hill near the end of the race. I don’t care if the grass is green, brown or blue, put the Peachtree back in Piedmont Park or get it out of Atlanta.

By Ted

July 4, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

The finish was a challenge for me. Uphill, and then uphill some more. That coast down 10th had me spoiled I suppose.
The shirt is one of the better in recent years. I want to compliment the ATC for the organization of the walk and logistics at the end of the race. It was the best organized finish I’ve experienced in my 11 Peachtrees. Wherever the race ends next year, take the logistics lessons learned this year and keep on using them.

By Keith

July 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I liked the shirt, but could the color was UGGGGLY…way to dull for such an upbeat event, and as for the finish…just as ugly. The fun part about finishing at Piedmont Park is running “down” 10th street. Running up Piedmont to the finish wasn’t fun at all…guess I’m spoiled. Please send us back to Piedmont Park next year (GRASS OR NO GRASS).

By Keith

July 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I liked the shirt, but the color was UGGGGLY…way to dull for such an upbeat event, and as for the finish…just as ugly. The fun part about finishing at Piedmont Park is running “down” 10th street. Running up Piedmont to the finish wasn’t fun at all…guess I’m spoiled. Please send us back to Piedmont Park next year (GRASS OR NO GRASS).

By Brenda

July 4, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Awful finish line - surely this was longer that 6.2 miles! Please let us go back to Piedmont Park! Spilling out into a parking lot was a terrible end to an otherwise great event.

By Keith

July 4, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

I liked the design of the shirt, but the color was UGGGGGLY…way to dull for such an upbeat event, and as for the finish…just as ugly. One of the highlights of finishing the Peachtree is running “DOWN” 10th street into Piedmont Park. Running “UP” Piedmont was no fun at all…guess I’m spoiled. Please send us back to Piedmont Park (GRASS OR NO GRASS).

By Steve F

July 4, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

course was definitely longer. We had 6.45 also. That’s not good.

By Joe

July 4, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

The race was great except for the large number of “runners” who cheat by jumping in ahead of their groups past the starting line. Some cut the course by miles. This is the only race I run in where this happens. Put a chip on everyone and if it doesn’t show you covered the entire distance - no shirt.

By Fred

July 4, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Best shirt I saw was the Waffle House “Warning Powered by Bert’s Chili” Very cute.

By marie

July 4, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Course was longer, volunteers had better looking shirts. Thanks water servers. Very cherry welcome.

By Paige

July 4, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Great race dynamics overall…but the finish was a real kick in the pants. Trained hard, ready to run the whole thing, turned that last corner and was deflated that I had to resort to a “walk”. Tough for the mainstream who used to like that downhill boost we had at the end of the PRR in the past. Piedmont Park we want you back! Thanks though for the challenge and opportunity to bring the ATL out to celebrate!

By Fan

July 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Great race, while I sat on my couch eating Cheetos and Twinkies. Way to go ATC.

Now let’s get ready for some PRIDE!!!!

By Lori

July 4, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Isn’t there something the ATC could do to stop people from cheating? I am so tired of seeing people jump in at 1 mi 2mi even 3mi and run. I do’t know how they can feel good about themselves but it’s not right when there are people who run the whole thing and couldn’t find a # and don’t get a shirt. I agree - give everyone a chip and if you don’t cross each mile marker no shirt! I guess that would be a big expense but I’d pay a higher entry fee for it!! Love the shirt!! And I do not have flags or yellow ribbons anywhere - There have been very few shirts with a patriotic theme - I wouldn’t want one every year but I think this year’s a good one.
Hope we get Piedmont Park back next year! My only bad moment today was when I did not win the trip to Ireland - I had one of those 250 siver #’s. Oh well - I just love the Peachtree,

By David S

July 4, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Agree with the others about the shirt color.

Using my Nike+ Sport kit, I also got 6.45 miles. Last weekend, I did a warm-up run of the course and got 6.48 miles (but also stayed on the sidewalk). Whoever measured the course on Juniper should recheck it for next year. Or better yet, just bring back the old finish at Piedmont Park!! 10th street is sooo much nicer than Juniper.

By Jim

July 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Great Shirt; Great crowd enthusium; more bands/music than previous years-excellent; better pacing between groups allowed you to jog a bit rather than walk for a 1/4mile; Piedmont Park infinitely better than Civic Center Finish, but they had to do what they had to do, and did it the best they could with the logistics; don’t know how you control those who jump in close to the finish line- cretins! How do the runners who look like this is the last event on their “bucket list” get those low numbers?

By Nancy Rose

July 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Love the color and design but PLEASE someday can a tank top be offered Most women hate t-shirts and I would pay an additonal fee for a tank top that I would wear proudly

By David

July 4, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Not real wild about the shirt. However it has grown on me from the time I left the race. I thought the race went really well. It was well organized and I didn’t have to fight for room to run like I was told I would. Can’t wait until next year.

By Gen Neyland

July 4, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

This was my first time volunteering the event. I’ve run numerous PRR’s in years gone by, plus more intense, competitive distances. I have a few things to say from a runners perspective working the sidelines with volunteers sacrificing their day for the greater good.

First, the Jumpers. The bibs that jump in along the route just to collect the shirt. To you Jumpers, Ya didn’t earn it. I saw handicapped Runners and Walkers make their way 6.2 to earn the shirt, and capable bodies cheat the system to steal a shirt. To us purists of this sport, you Jumpers are pathetic. To the larger pecentage of able and not-as-able Runners/Walkers that earned the shirt, you did a hellava job today.

Secondly, the Bandits. Just this : If you didn’t pay to play, stay off the playground and out of our way.

Finally, the ATC, sponsers, spectators, volunteers, and the vast majority of Runners/Walkers, thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this great annual event. On to the 40th…

By A Christian Patriot

July 4, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

The shirt? Just cheap jingoism combined with uninspired graphic design.

By Bob

July 4, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

The finish was more difficult but the ending was very organized. Great volunteers all through the course. I liked the shirt design but I didn’t care for the color since I usually wear my Peachtree shirt with blue jeans.

By Kimmy

July 4, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Second year running the Peachtree Race. Great race but definitely liked ending at Piedmont Park better!! I didn’t like the finish being uphill! I love the shirt and the color is a change of pace!

Great times!! Thanks for to all the volunteers & spectators!! Great way to celebrate the 4th!!

By David

July 4, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna go against the tide here. I liked the finish. Not the hill necessarily but the short, short walk to Marta after the finish. Much quicker than the long trek from the park. I was really happy with that. :)

The volunteer shirt is nice. Just volunteer to work the start and run the race with your start group. That gets you two shirts. Stop off at Moe’s and score a third.

By Teresa

July 4, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

We had a blast running the Peachtree as always. I love the shirt, but my daughters wanted to trade for a volunteer shirt. I hated not ending in Piedmont. “Here’s your water and your t-shirt. Now get back on Marta and be on your way.” It just wasn’t the same relaxing “we made it” ending to the race.

By Tom

July 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I liked the T-shirt design itself but the color of the shirt doesn’t look right. A red shirt would really have set off the design better. I do like the volunteer shirts though. Can I have one of those too?

The fans and volunteers really made the race great!

I wasn’t thrilled about the new finish and hope the ATC will find the right person to pay off in the City of Atlanta to get it back to Piedmont Park. The volunteers did a good job making lemonade with the lemon route that the City sent their way and should be commended for their efforts.

By JT

July 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

I agree that the ending was terrible. I wish Piedmont Park would stop being so anal and actually let people enjoy the park. They really p** me off. And to all you idiots who finish the race and then run down the sidewalks showing everyone the T-shirt need to stop. Come on….it’s so annoying. GO DAWGS!

By George

July 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Teresa, you were supposed to walk 4 more blocks and around the Civic Center to relax in the asphalt of the parking lot. Didn’t you get the memo?

By Hazel

July 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

I hated the course this year this was my 8th year running and the worse ending. The jumpers only cheat themselves and we have no respect for them. The Volunteers were great and they really made the race enjoyable for everyone.

Thanks to all the people who came out for a great event and for their support.

By Hazel

July 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

I hated the course this year this was my 8th year running and the worse ending. The jumpers only cheat themselves and we have no respect for them. The Volunteers were great and they really made the race enjoyable for everyone.

Thanks to all the people who came out for a great event and for their support.

By Tom

July 4, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

If Marta had all those buses to pick up people from the Civic Center Station and take them to Lindberg then why, WHY couldn’t the buses have picked people up right at the Civic Center. Would someone at Marta tell us why runners had to walk 6 blocks to get on a bus.

By Pam

July 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

The run was great and I got a bonus when I looked inside my t-shirt bag…..I had been given two…TWO….Peachtree t-shirts! That’s an error the ATC typically would not make, given how much they love the mystique of the Peachtree t-shirt. It worked out wonderfully, however, when I found that a teen in my neighborhood was sending his shirt to a relative fighting in Afghanistan. I was able to then give him my extra t-shirt. Thanks ATC!!!

By Audrey Williams

July 4, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

This was my husband’s and I first PRR and we absolutely loved it!!! Since we don’t have any race to compare it too, we thought the hills were challenging. We especially liked Cardiac Hill and much to our surprise, It wasn’t that bad!!!’ We can’t wait until next year!!!

By KPoe

July 4, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

I was disappointed in the shirt. This was my first road race so I was all excited to see a modified version of my favorite design on the volunteer t-shirts and stupidly thought that was what the winning shirt was too. I guess that was the runner-up design? I think the stars and stripes on a peach is a bit played out. Let’s see some originality, people! I really loved the retro one with the rainbow (especially appropriate since pride is around this weekend now as well). Alas! I agree with most parties on the blog that the color is an especially unfortunate choice. Guess I’ll have to go for my second peachtree next year to see if I can score a better shirt! Or maybe I’ll just volunteer…

By awm

July 4, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

A great race, very well organized given the circumstance. Missed Piedmont Park and the social gathering.

By Rhonda Abrams

July 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

This was my first time running the Peachtree. I’ve heard from several other runners that the finish at Piedmont Park was much better. I absolutely agree that finishing a race on a hill is not ideal. When you’ve finally reached the last stretch of a race, you need a confidence boost, not a kick in the seat! I was also disappointed with the tee shirt. Overall I enjoyed myself and I plan on running next year’s race.

By MartaSucks

July 4, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

As well organized as the Peachtree Road Race is - MARTA is 180 degrees different. From having to wait 30 minutes at the Chamblee station to purchase a round trip ticket to having to sit on an unairconditioned jammed packed train WITHOUT AIRCONDITIONING at the end of the race, to constant delays in said unairconditioned train (took over 1 hour on the train to get from Civic Center to Chamblee), MARTA plain sucks. It is the worst excuse for a mass transit system in any major city in the country. I for one will make alternative travel plans for next years Peachtree.

By Matt

July 4, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Here’s to finishing downhill on 10th into beautiful Piedmont Park next year. That finish was brutal. The ATC mades lemons out of lemonade, but let’s all hope we get back to the park next year. One morning of foot traffic can’t hurt grass in July that’s already dead!

By Terry

July 4, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

While standing on the sidewalk at 6:14 a.m watching them hang the flag over the course I was harassed by a volunteer. He came over, stood in front of me, and asked me “what is your plan”. He said that I needed to get into my group (TG 1B)or I wouldn’t get to race. Let me again say that it was 6:14 a.m. The only runner in sight was me. I ALWAYS watch them hang the flag first. The race also seemed more crowded and there was a lot of bumping in the front groups. Other than that jerk the volunteers are always wonderful and the race well run.

By John Tackett

July 4, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Shirt sux, the finish definitely made you work, and those around me with GPS came up with anywhere from 6.35 to 6.45 miles. I think that someone at the ATC needs to remeasure the run. Even mapmyrun.com shows it to be 6.32 miles. Something is not right, but I had a good run, qualified for time group 1a for next year so i will live with it.

By Suzanne

July 4, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

It was my first time running the Peachtree. I was a little let down by it. The course was fine. The hills weren’t as bad as I heard. I just got annoyed that people were walking. Sure there isn’t much space to run, but everyone had forever to train or at least move to the right so people can run! Overall, glad I ran, but don’t need to do again.

Thank you to all the volunteers that set up, gave water, cleaned up!!

By Mary

July 4, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Great races should have great finishes. Juniper Street and whatever is not a finish, just a random crossroad. This will not feel like a world-class event until the race returns to Piedmont Park. Memo to decision-makers, grass does grow back. Other than the finish, which was not the fault of the ATC, a very-well organized and well run event as usual.

By Frosty

July 4, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

I was pretty disappointed with the choice for shirt this year, but people generally seem to be satisfied with them. I was really hoping for the winged peach submission to win. THAT is a shirt I would wear all the time like my 2004 Peachtree shirt. Whoever designed it did a great job and probably put more thought and effort into it than the winning design which will go in my drawer and never be worn. Someone else here said it: An American Flag on a peach…how original.

Anyway, the new ending did seem a bit longer but I assumed the slope had something to do with it. The final hill didn’t seem to affect me as much as some other runners though. Hope the drought ends soon so we can move the finish back to the park where it belongs.

By 0l coot

July 4, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I agree, volunteer shirts were a lot better looking. PRR shirt is the worst I can remember.

By Grateful

July 4, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

To the woman who yelled out my bib number and cheered me on — thanks! I didn’t realize you were addressing me till later. You really helped pick up my spirits and get me moving!

By Chort McGornistan

July 4, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

The shirt is god awful. It looks like a 5th graders field day shirt.

Terrible finish line, and I logged 6.38 miles. I just got on MARTA and went home afterwards. Way to go ATC.

Also, tell those walkers to get to the right and not go 3 wide blocking everybody else.

With that said, I managed to have fun.

By myra

July 4, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

why do you complain so much? after such a great race, why not just enjoy the race and the rest of the day. Marta is always smarta. pleas ejust stop complaing, and enjoy the ride.

By myra

July 4, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

why do you complain so much? after such a great race, why not just enjoy the race and the rest of the day. Marta is always smarta. pleas ejust stop complaing, and enjoy the ride.

By Gerry

July 4, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Moving to Florida last May, I have missed 2 Peachtree Road Races. The Fourth is just not the same. As far as the T-shirt, be proud that you have the health and stamina to run the race and finish.

By Gerry

July 4, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Moving to Florida last May, I have missed 2 Peachtree Road Races. The Fourth is just not the same. As far as the T-shirt, be proud that you have the health and stamina to run the race and finish.

By Mary Jane

July 4, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

After looking back at my collection of PRR t-shirts, all I can figure is that one committee picks the design and another picks the shirt color. In many cases the two don’t compliment each other so it must be design by committees where noone gets a say if they actually go together or not. I did volunteer several years and those t-shirts seem to be coordinated so those shirts must be designed by only one committee.

By Mike

July 4, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

I ran last year for the first time. This year was a lot of fun, and I’m very proud of my shirt! But…

This shirt was actually my second-least favorite - my least favorite was the one with the rainbow, which would forever remind us of the year that the Road Race and Gay Pride both ended up at the wrong location.

The new route stank - turn on Juniper (uphill), get to finish line (uphill), get your t-shirt (uphill), then go to MARTA (uphill).

I saw jumpers, as usual. I saw people walking with TG-9 numbers a few minutes before the wave of real runners from that group came through.

By carol & doug

July 4, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

we felt the race as very well organized - better than some of the last 12 years we’ve been running the peachtree. the shirt was ok - better design than tshirt color. the real negative was the finish line - no where to hand out - become a participant and encourage others to finish - way too far to go to civic center - put it back in the park - so it’s an event - not just a race.

By Ricky

July 4, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

My first PRR, enjoyed the run, the volunteers were terrific. The shirt was not my 1st or 2nd choice but is fine (odd shade of blue however). The finish was dull and gave you no reason to stick around. The absence of any fruit or bagels for recovery was a mistake. Most weren’t going to be able to eat anything until they got home. Take a page out of the ING GA Marathon book and look at their finish.

By Chad

July 4, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

I’ve been running since the early ’90s and this is the first time I can remember actually not wishing I had the volunteer shirt instead of the race shirt. I’m glad they finally got away from that stupid “block” print on the front. How about a pocket tee with the design on the back next year?

By Tricia

July 4, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I really like the shirt. It is actually a color that would look good with blue jeans or running shorts.

I thought the race seemed kind of long as well. I kept wondering when the finish line banner would come into view. My time was almost a minute slower than my time last year, but finished 150 slots in front of where I finished last year…

Did anyone else have a problem with the TG 1/subseed start corrals? I couldn’t find a break in the fence and ended up having to walk all the way through the TG 2 and 1 to get up front, and didn’t make it there before the gun went off. There were a lot of toes I had to step on and I really do apologize.

By Brent

July 4, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Enjoyed the race, thanks to all volunteers. However some things could be better. No pre-race activities to do or food offered, just water. You’re forced to get into your fenced in corral and wait. You want to stop jumpers, give everyone a chip! What’s the purpose of running if you’re not gonna be timed or held accountable for running the course! You might as well just give out the t-shirt when you mail out numbers. Finish was horrible. The majority of runners are novices and you throw one more hill at them as the sun is really warming up!

By iconclastic crap

July 4, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

the shirt is gingoistic crap, an uninspired design, with a drap background. it’s an ugly billboard for the ajc and the race sponsers. why do people willing volunteer their chest for advertising? the ING marathon shirts are in a different league. techinal fabric, a cool interesting design - they are actually nice.

By Eric

July 4, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

The volunteer shirt is horrible. Bright yellow? I like my blue runner shirt 1000x better. Something I can actually wear that isn’t gaudy. The finish was fine too. People complaining about one more hill = whiny clowns. And I also have no problem with jumpers. If they want to pay $25 for a $5 shirt, more power to them.

By mk

July 4, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

I like the design of the shirt and even like the 10K part of it, but think that part should have been smaller and the words “Peachtree Road Race” bigger. The race is and has always been known as the Peachtree Road Race- not the Peachtree 10K.

By Leo

July 4, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

I rarely post comments about anything on the internet but I had to voice my opinion on the T-Shirt - IT IS HIDEOUS! TOTALLY, UTTERLY HIDEOUS!- Enough Said.

Not a fan of the “surprise hill” at the finish line but it was much closer to Marta than previous years.

By Victor

July 4, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Anyone that was involved in the decision making process of the T-shirt Design should be prosecuted! The volunteers had better looking shirts! I frame my t-shirts and race numbers but I will have to pass on the 2008; Design was horrible, color was too dark and dreary - A total disgrace!

Now, don’t get me started on the finish line! what was that?? whose bright idea was it? I think this was the most poorly organized peachtree yet. This is my 9th consecutive year and I can honestly say that the event made a mockery of our independence day! SHAME!

By JC

July 4, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Ok, to the people suggesting that the t-shirt should have reflected Gay Pride…you have an event with 55,000 people in the Deep South, how well do you REALLY think that would have gone over?? This is supposed to be a fun event…get a grip people…stop taking everything so seriously…so you don’t like the shirt…saying it’s hideous & disgraceful or the people who picked the design should be prosecuted is a little dramatic don’tcha think? If you were so disappointed then stay home next year…there are 1000’s of people who wanted to participate that couldn’t because it fills up…Your bad attitudes and complaining won’t be missed

Now to the people who put this event together & the volunteers…you did an amazing job! 55,000 people and 100,000+ paper cups and plastic bottles laying along the streets and within an hour you couldn’t even tell anything had gone on there! I can’t even imagine the work that goes into this event. To the person who designed the t-shirt, I personally like it & it was the one I picked from the choices….don’t listen to all of these cry babies in these posts!

Don’t worry about jumpers…worry about yourself. They are the stupid ones…all they have to do is wait till the end of the day and go buy a shirt on ebay if they want one that bad. WHO CARES!

I guess you can’t please everyone…but I was pleased and thats all that matters ; ) Have a Happy 4th everyone!

By kj

July 4, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

As usual the volunteers are world class. Very motivating bunch. Never impressed with the t-shirts but we don’t wear them anyway.
This was my 3rd PRR and boy did I miss Piedmont. The hills going up Juniper were tough but nothing compared to getting hot water, and no banana or anything when finished. Crossing the finish line was a bottle neck of chaos that only irked me more and more the longer it took me to walk to the meeting area so far away at the Civic Center. I hope we get downpours of rain before next year or the club learns from this year b/c everything after the finish stunk. Finally, I was disappointed to see so many people jump in from the sidewalk, cheating. Lots of TG9 mixed in well before their group. To me the PRR is about personal accomplishment and seeing cheaters kind of diminishes that.

By Tiffany

July 5, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Am I the only one this happened to? I was just a casual run/walker in TG9, but by the time I crossed the finish line they were ‘out’ of medium shirts. When I registered, I selected a medium shirt, if they ordered like we selected our shirts, how the heck do they “RUN OUT”?! This is not cool…I wanted to wear it and be proud of doing the Peacthree…=! What can I do with a large shirt? Anyone know of a trading system?

By sg

July 5, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Entered the race..paid the fee..ran/walked every step of the 6.45? miles..and my reward at the end was a shirt 2 sizes too big..I paid for the shirt..ordered a size..I

By sg

July 5, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Entered the race..paid the fee..ran/walked every step of the 6.45? miles..and my reward at the end was a shirt 2 sizes too big..I paid for the shirt..ordered a size..I

By Madison Cooper

July 5, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Thank you to the 2008 Volunteers! you did an amazing job as always and I personally appreciate everthing you do.

@JC - You are right, there are thousands of people that would love to have one of the 55,000 spots and do not. Well, for those us that did, and will continue to participate in the race? - We expect, at the very least take home a T-Shirt that has reflects the history and pride that is synonymous with the Race. PERIOD! The 2008 design was a huge let down! an ugly, blue eye sore!

I could also use hideous, sucky, dreary..but other (smarter) people beat me to it. Not sure that we should be prosecuting anyone, but I would participate in a 2008 t-shirt burning party.

By Bee

July 5, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

The t-shirt sucks. There is no representation of GA , for me it SUCKS

By Neil

July 5, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Course workers and finish line workers: A++ Thank You!

City of Atlanta: Zero-point-nothing. You made a token gesture of support at best. What was your REAL agenda with the finish line debacle?

ATC: I am sure the are other metropolitan areas who would LOVE to have us race in their locale, where we would be treated with much less indifference. How much money do you think the PRR brings INTO Atlanta. Surely an equivalent amount more than ample to provide grass rehab. And how about keeping most-favored-treatment groups away, too?

MARTA: D-. Hard to believe that while thousands swelter on the platform it actually takes 10-15 minutes to bring a new train by.

By blazer

July 5, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this

WALKERS stay to the right. can you hear me now?

By cledus

July 5, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this

Blazer, i agree, if you want to walk a 10k run, that’s fine but start in the back and WALK on the right side of the road. I heard it at least 30 times yesterday “walkers, PLEASE, stay to the right”. maybe race workers with bullhorns the entire course might help these walkers hear better. MOVE OVER

By Cledus Jr

July 5, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this

What gets me is when walkers act all p** when runners try to get pass them or accidently bump them while dodging and weaving through the walkers. the GPS devices measure 6.45m because all the weaving around the walkers. Walkers stay to the right and let the runners run!!!!

By Cledus Jr

July 5, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this

What gets me is when walkers act all p** when runners try to get pass them or accidently bump them while dodging and weaving through the walkers. the GPS devices measure 6.45m because all the weaving around the walkers. Walkers stay to the right and let the runners run!!!!

By blazer

July 5, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this

GO Cledus Jr GO!!!!

By Heather

July 5, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

I’ve run the Peachtree the past 6 years and didn’t get a number this year!!!! I was so disappointed, watched it on TV, and 4th of July just wasn’t the same! So sad…

By Heather S.

July 5, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

This was my 9th Peachtree.
I was 9 months pregnant so I certainly wasn’t going anywhere fast (though I did run most of it!)

The finish area was ugly, no doubt about it, but it could have been much worse considering the change and the logistics of so many people. You have to take into account the size of the race and the change they had to make.

The t-shirt…. the color is not my favorite but the design was awesome. With that, you can’t please all the people all the time. I remember being thrilled with the yellow shirts, and heard tons of complaining about that. Much fewer complaints this year, it seems.

By Rhonda

July 5, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

personally, i didn’t think the race was organized well at the beginning or the end. but what do i know, this was my first race. i only wanted an opportunity to participate, i enjoyed the comradery, the fans, and the support of the volunteers. and the shirt was okay, we are not all going to like the same designs…but getting the t-shirt lets everyone know that you made it to the finish line.

and by the way, i am a walker and i spent much of my time on the right side, there were runners on the right as well…and yet, i didn’t hear walkers complaining, so come on people, lets just be proud of each other. happy 4th!

By Mike

July 5, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Great race. Great shirt. Can’t wait until next year.

By rick carter

July 5, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Since I don’t eat before a race I really was depending on an orange or banana at the end. I can’t remember running a race where there was no fruit at the end. What happened? Also, the paking lot just plain sucked but the volunteers were GREAT, as usual.

By Robert

July 5, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Loved the shirt. Hated the finish line.

By yodi

July 5, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

how bout a basic white Tshirt??? They have had these goofy colors for years. Instead of voting on a design maybe vote on the color! the ending was ok if you were by yourself and wanted to just get on marta and leave…but Piedmont is where the fun starts and there was no fun to this.

By Terri

July 5, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Shirts- whatever. They’re not known for being attractive. They’re badges of honor for completing the race…or at the very least well-earned momentos. I also was stuck with a large when the smalls and mediums ran out (however, we were told they were out of mediums and they still had some behind their corral). A large fits me like a muumuu, but I probably won’t wear it anyway, so I don’t care. It’s not (and shouldn’t be) about the shirt…

I ran/ jogged/ walked the route (mostly ran/ jogged). As soon as my time group was out and we were herded through the starting line like cattle, someone started yelling “WALKERS TO THE RIGHT!”…at that point there was no way you could run unless you bulldozed your way through the sweltering shoulder-to-shoulder hordes to the front of the pack. Calm down, people! It’s difficult to move left to right or back again in a mass of 55,000+ people! Certainly there was no way to do it at the beginning before the group had a chance to break up a bit. The water stations were also on both sides of the street, so some walkers had to go to the left if they wanted a drink. I wasn’t bothered by it…you just go around them, politely say “excuse me” and keep moving.

Volunteers and crowd= awesome! Best part of the race! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The end left much to be desired, but the ATC did the best they could. The support at that last hill made a huge difference.

And my dad was there to give me a beer at the end :D! Pretty awesome…

By Karen

July 5, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

This was my third PRR and like most others I spoke with did not like the end at Juniper. A banana or bagel would have been nice on the way to the Civic Center. My group decided to not make that extra few blocks for the festivities and go straight to Marta. Felt like we missed part of the experience. Shame on those jumpers who think they deserve a shirt. I thought I might have to sit it out a few times but kept going to EARN that shirt. Speaking of shirt - wrong color for the heat of the summer! Piedmont Park next year!!

By Sheryl C

July 5, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

As far as the finish - ok until I had to walk to the Civic Center to meet up with my family and then had to walk back to the photographers. We have a picture from every year - and those pics from the past are in the park with real people in the background.The fake background and the gravel/dirt parking lot are just not going to be the same as the 10+ other pics we have.And for the shirt - I LOVED the Shirt! The PRR is held on the birthday of America - shouldn’t it reflect our colors, flag, heritage? IT DID! And I think it’s the best one ever.

By Robbie

July 5, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Brilliant Race. Loved the new course. My Garmin had the distance at 6.32. The finished was the most organized ever. As for the t-shirt it’s…. a nondescript t-shirt. I gave mine to Emily the beer girl at the Michelob Party at Oterrill’s. A tech tee I would have kept. I don’t want to go back to the park. Other than the finish, the only difference is I get my t-shirt and water on the grass. What would I change? All runners get chips and a tech t-shirt.

By Lindsey

July 5, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I have a GPS and recorded 6.45 miles as well. I think the t-shirts are okay, but I LOVED the volunteer t-shirts. I wanted to ask one of them if they would trade me!!

By JPJ

July 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

It’s the Peachtree Road Race. Not Peachtree Walk in the Park. Runners work hard to do well in all conditions, on all types of courses. Uphill, downhill, it doesn’t matter. A course should be challenging, not merely a path to a T-shirt. I would suggest to the ATC that all participants turn in a race time for entry into the PRR. This would eliminate many of the jumpers and make the time groups more equal.

By aps

July 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

The t-shirt is fine. Finish was OK but the PRR needs to be moved from the clutches of the morons in the Atlanta government. I also tried to do my civic duty this year and take MARTA. Did MARTA not realize the race was happening? Simple really, more trains, more often for a short period of time.

By C.R.H.

July 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

The shirt is ok. It seemed to take forever to get to the finish after the turn onto Juniper. The jumpers are very annoying. I saw plenty of TG6-9 folks with their PRR bag/shirt in hand, even though when I finished those time groups hadn’t even started yet! Timing chips may alleviate the jumping. I think the wrist band idea is a pretty good one also.

By c

July 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

t-shirt design … blech. do they really count the votes? so disappointing when i pulled it out the bag. hills seemed to go on forever in that last bit. between “mile 5” and the end seemed WAY longer than 1.2.

however, all in all, i did enjoy the race. MARTA was great - very good A/C on our train to Buckhead and we didn’t have to wait but 5 minutes for a N. Springs train.

By EddieW

July 5, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

I voted for a different shirt, but the selected shirt was just fine. Six years ago I was, literally, approaching death’s door from anemia caused by twenty-four years of alcoholic drinking. I quit alcohol and a 31-year-smoking habit three months later. This year, I ran a 53+ minute net time according to ATC. That was two minutes slower than last year and the end may have had something to do with it. But, the big deal, I think, was the 84% humidity. None of that matters a lick, though. I am alive and feel great! Thanks for the ATC for providing the motivation to keep running.Oh, on the runners jumping in, I vote for snipers.

By Deborah L

July 5, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

I hated the finish line. When you are running on your last leg, going up hill to the finish line does not make much sense. Next year, back to Piedmont Park. The color of the shirt is beautiful. Love that shade of blue. The design is simple, yet very relevant. Thanks organizers and volunteers. This was my 3rd victory.

By rnrgirl

July 5, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

I looked forward to the Ptree Road Race for months and I’m glad that I finally did it. There are a few things I would change, though. First — some coffee and better speaker system would’ve been appreciated at the start. It was a long wait in our corrals and unless you were right up by the gate, it was hard to hear anything that was going on. No music to get you pumped up…nothing. Second — better post-race activities. There was nothing to do at the finish but grab your t-shirt. Fruit would’ve been nice. You should be able to find a sponsor to provide that! The uphill climb at the end seemed punishing…I can’t wait to see what it’s like to finish at Piedmont Park instead. Thanks to the volunteers and spectators!! They’re what made the race extra special!

By George

July 6, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Tiffany, you couldn’t get your medium shirt because the ATC printed up extra XXL shirts instead. Good Grief! Are Atlantans getting so fat that we have to have XXL shirts for a ROAD RACE!

By dlp

July 6, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

My first race and I DID IT ! I am a native and every year I said I was going to do it, well I finally did it and boy did I have fun. Just about the whole experience was amazing! After 30 years out of school and being all everything in school I let myself go (I am only 35 lbs over school weight) and promised I would not ever run again - ( once you have played football under a “bear bryant wanna be coach, running is the last thing you ever want to do again” ) But It hit me last yar and I felt I was getting older and if I ever was accomplish this goal, it was now or never! So I started simply by walking a little every other day in the late evenings and on weekend mornings. It was hard, but I forced myself to do it. (I found the ole football coach still yelling “quitter s never win, winners never quit”) - so to make a long story short, I worked on the walk for several months, and then I started finally running in March (a month to late I found out) and just built up my running over the last several months to where my 6.2 miles was finally achieved at the Peachtree finish line!. I NEVER thought I could have done this, - especially when at the starting Line at LENOX I saw in the far distance the Bellsouth / AT & T building (the finish line area) SO FAR AWAY ! BUT I DID IT and you can too!

Thanks to everyone for being so nice and I think everything was great including the finish line, MARTA, the T-SHIRT (I loved it!) and the other runners. I hope to see everyone again and I’ll be back next year!

By Pam B.

July 6, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I just plotted the course on Active.com using the Route Planner. They use Google Satellite view - I started at the start line and finished at Juniper/Ponce and came up with 6.417 miles. You can double check me - I saved it as a public route named Peachtree Road Race 2008 - just search by alphabet.

I’d love to hear further comments about this - Not that I’m going for a PR - but I just find this very interesting!!!

By Price

July 6, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Uphill the last quarter mile??? Cruel and unusual. Looking forward to bringing the end back to the park.

By Kristen

July 6, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

I enjoyed the race, althought I exchanged my t-shirt for a new size and left my ipod in the bag that I exchanged. I was wondering if anyone got a bag with an ipod in it?

By Daniel

July 6, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

This was my seventh year cheering and handing out beer for the PTRR. I told my friends that this was my favorite year yet. What a wonderful thing to see that many people coming together to participate in something as a community.

I wish I had never visited this site to see how much everyone complains about something as wonderful as this event. I have money on the fact that none of the people complaining about the t-shirts or new ending were competing in the wheelchair portion of the race.

If you really have a complaint join me next year on the sidelines, and try to remember why you started running the Peachtree in the first place.

By Bill G

July 6, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

This was my 10th Peachtree, and like all the others, I thought the volunteers, the bands and the “fans” on the sides of the course were fantastic. I am in my 50’s, was in time group 1-B and ran about a 54 minute “net” time.

I have no problem with the T-Shirt design, though I wish they would put them on a white T-shirt every year.

Here is my only complaint: not only am I convinced that the course was longer than usual, I am pretty convinced that the 5 and 6 mile flags were put in the wrong places. I was recording my splits and my times over the last 2.2 miles were all over the place; did anyone else think the same thing? The distance from the 6 mile banners to the finish had to have been more than .2 miles, I am guessing at least .25. Comments?

By Joan

July 6, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Thank you Atlanta Track Club and AJC for another great memory!! All 60 of our group enjoyed the race and can’t wait until July 4, 2009. However, we all agree that ending in the park is a better fit for the Peachtree finish. Thank you to all the volunteers!

By kyle

July 6, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

i ran the peachtree road race on july 4th. an atlanta tradition in which i have never participated. i got up at 4:50 am and left an hour later for the marta station. my girlfriend dropped me off in the dark wearing only my racing number and small running shorts. i took exact change to buy my train ticket. as i put the money in the machine i realized i did not have enough. twenty five cents short. i had no more money. no more pockets. no cell phone. i explained my quandary to the nice marta employee lady and she gave me a quarter. she saved a nervous man’s running career. it was a rare sight to see only white people in sports attire waiting on the train in the dark. packed like sardines under the streets of atlanta. when we walked back out onto the streets of buckhead there were 4 helicopters overhead. the sun was yet to come up but the dawn was a glowin’. all the roads were closed. full of walking folks. it was like a movie set. i stood around for quite a long time. almost 2 hours! the first runners were done and cooled down before i even began to run. i listened to some folks talk. i saw some folks in costumes. men in pink shorts. men in country club outfits. a man with a giant afro. pretty people. odd people. old and young and small and tall. i even saw a dwarf. run dwarf run. i ran faster that the average and i stayed to the left as instructed for the speedier than joe folks. i spent my time concentrating on the road and curbs and legs and heels as not to trip. i saw people serving cake. people handing out free t-shirts. people preaching. greyhounds wearing hats. coffee. politicians. a half naked man standing on a bench yelling as loud as possible to the runners. old women in patriotic garb. i shook rep. john lewis’ hand. he is a short stout man. i heard bits of conversation as i ran by. seems like the know-it-alls always make comments. if you know it all then why aren’t you running? i kept running. the cardiac hill portion of the race which the local news always speaks of with fear was no problem. they always speak of fear. people had thrown many plastic drinking cups down on the street and it was wild to hear hundreds of people stepping simultaneously on hundreds of plastic cups. 6.2 miles went by fast. before i knew it i had finished the race. actually it took me 58 minutes and 24 seconds from when i crossed the start to the finish line. i felt pretty good. i was very sweaty since the temperature was in the 80s…along with the humidity. i flowed through all the people in the streets to the spot where i was to meet my parents. they wanted to pick me up. i found them and we walked several blocks back to their car, powered with biodiesel. the car that is. i needed to make a pit stop. i darted into some trees and bushes. i saw a man standing there. i said hello as i noticed he was asian and very angry. very disturbed and very angry. he glared at me like a hungry samurai warrior sans the sword…i think. he even was wearing some sort of blue military jacket. i turned and ran away. i was confused and forgot i needed to make a pit stop. i told my parents we should go. i went home with my peachtree road race t-shirt and a brain full of interesting sights and sounds. i wonder what the angry asian is doing now?

By GatorGuy

July 7, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

This was my first PTRR and had a great time. I actually thought the T-shirt was one of the best ones I’ve seen in year. Do people really want a yellow shirt? Enough with the whining about the race not ending in Piedmont Park. Everyone including the race organizers would have preferred that. It was not an option.

I thought the post finish t-shirt “corral” worked really well.

I started with my time group and left my ipod at home as instructed. Was I the only one? When I got home and watched the race on TV, there were people with TG9 running with TG1!!! I’ll know better next year!

By Vanessa Cuda

July 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

This was my first Peachtree, and I was really happy just to finish. I accompliched my goal I set many mounths ago. I had perma-grin for the rest of the day. T-shirt is great, happy to have it. Volunteers were GREAT - always with smiles - spectators were awesome - they kept me going. Yes, the last hill stunk. And I agree with many people that the walk to get the shirt and meet up with family and friends was really long and warented a bagel or banana. by the time I found my friends I was wishing that I had grabbed a donut or watermelon someone was offering to runners during the race! And then a long walk to MARTA, choking down some free protien bar (yuck). I look forward to doing the peachtree again! THANKS AJC!

By John & Nancy V.

July 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

My wife and I have been running the Peachtree for the past 22 years. This was the worst race yet. The uphill finish line was terrible. Not just because it was uphill, but because of where we all finally ended up…on a narrow, black topped, city street. It was actually a bit depressing. There was simply no joy at the finish line. Without Piedmomt Park as a final destination, this world class event was severely diminished. The ATC did their usual great job with the race, but they need to push harder next year to have the race end in the park. If that cannot happen, then we hope that they would please find a more suitable finish line, one that does not involve a 1/2 mile (or so) uphill run. We loved the T-shirt. It had just the right balance of color, patriotism and race information. And, it looks great with jeans! Thanks to all of the volunteers for helping to provide us all with an otherwise great experience.

By Rod

July 7, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

The jumpers are a disgrace along with the early finishers who stand on the side of the route and show their T-shirts to those who are still running.THAT IS RUDE!! Part of the fun at the finish line is getting your T-shirt and seeing it for the first time. Please put the finish back into Piedmont Park.

By jill

July 7, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

my first P’tree RR and I was really disappointed. being in the last time group just started the day off poorly. Ive done lots of races over the years with thousands of people and not one of them took 1.5 hours for me to cross the START line…sheesh. that just killed the momentum. why not tell folks to line up at their appropriate times per group instead of just sitting on the ground for over an hour.

Also, t-shirt is awful! boo! who picked the design and color?? there were some really cute ones in the finals. if the shirt was white, it’d be better.

and the as with the rest of the posts here, the finish was terrible. uphill and no party! please, please go back to the park!

By Mary J.

July 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

This was year 5 for me and I’m really happy to have the opportunity to run it each year. Thanks to the ATC and AJC and all the many volunteers it takes to put on such a huge event. I’m sure glad that I didn’t have to plan it.

OK, here is my $.02.

All and all I had a great time, loved the crowd and look forward to next year.

By JJ

July 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

This would have been my 31st in a row but I chose to do something else and from all the remarks it appears I made a wise choice. I miss the PRR, but the ones I really miss are the ones that ended IN THE PARK. If you look at the last 10 years the race continues to suffer a downward spiral of sorts.

The “race” used to require a 55 minute run or better to get a shirt. If the ATC decided to truly make it a “race” and require chips and armbands, they will see they really only have about 20,000 hard core “runners”. To truly make it a “race” they would suffer greatly economically. Many people do this for fun, as in a “fun run”. They paid their $28 like everyone else. If they want to only do 5 miles that is their business, as long as they don’t pull a Rosie Ruiz.

I’ll probably do a few more PRR’s but it will have to move back to the park, or even better, do the original 1970 course and finish in downtown Atlanta at Woodruff Park!

As a matter of fact maybe I’ll do the original course in the future races and screw the t-shirt. I have too many of them already!

By Jim Machovec

July 7, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

The shirt wasn’t my first choice but I liked it to include the color. I don’t understand why timing chips cannot be provided to more time groups, at least to the groups that people have been assigned based on the fact that they submitted an official time from certified race. I subbmitted a certified time of 56.59 to the ATC and was placed in time group 2. According to unofficial time I completed the race in a faster time than over 500 entrants who were given a timing chip. I know the ATC has the chips because they are used for the Atlanta Marathon/Half Marathon. If it means a little more work, please consider providing chips to a reater number of runners so that they may obtain an official time for the hard work they have put in. I am a member of the ATC. I also have my own timing chip which the club has refused to enter into the computer.

By JS

July 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

With 15 major sponsors, and what - $1.5 million in registration fees from the 55,000 runners - my question is this: where does all the money go? I would feel so much better about running the race if there was a major chunk of my registration going to those amazing people outside the Shepherd Center at Cardiac Hill, or to kids or other individuals who weren’t running because they simply cannot. The purse is what - $88,000 in total - and t-shirts and signage can’t cost that much. I have to believe that the sponsorship fees covered a good amount of the purse. So where does all the extra money go? Maybe ATC can build their own park for the finish…

By Scott

July 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

My twentieth Peachtree. I actually liked the shirt better than most. I have wanted a blue one since the one in the early 90s. The organization was excellent as usual. I really hate the people who jump in after the start. I could not believe it when some man stepped into the street at the 5 mile mark and was just then pinning on his number. My GPS measured longer as well but I chalked it up to running from side to side high fiving with the kids in the crowd, being blessed by the Priest, saying hello to the folks watching at the top of Cardiac Hill and generally enjoying myself.

By Mike

July 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Every year the same old story. Everyone on here complaining about the shirt design.

Do you think you could come up with a design that would satisfy 55,000 people?

Didn’t think so.

No matter what the design, the color, the look, thousands will gripe and moan about it.

Yawn.

By AtlGal

July 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

This is my 10th Peachtree and I HATED THE END!! Having to walk so far at the end just to get to the balloons was ridiculous. Plus once I walked back a bit there was NO WAY TO CROSS THE STREET TO GET BACK TO THE NORTH AVE MARTA STATION. The police wouldn’t let anyone cross where there was an opeing in the fence. HORRIBLE. I ended up walking several extra miles just trying to get to the train station. Maybe next time they should consider having an end that lets people cross the race path without being stuck on one side of it. Absolutely ridiculous. PLEASE FIX THIS NEXT YEAR!!!!

By Nancy Lee

July 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

My husband and I ran the Peachtree together for many years and I can honestly say that this was the least fun of all of them. The finish was horrible (uphill!!) the ending should have been in a Green Space where all of the spectators and all of the runners had a chance to mingle with one another. Instead it ended on an asphalt road with the runners sitting on the curb to cool off. Where was the celebration? What happens to all of the money that the Atlanta Track Club receives? Maybe next year we can plan far enough in advance to make it a memorable event for all participants and all spectators. Oh, I want to thank the runners with the cow-bells. They were a lot of fun and they made a lot of the crowd HAPPY!! Including us!!

By Ziggy

July 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

this was the 1st PRR for my husband and I and we loved it! don’t have anything to compare it to course wise so for us it wasn’t an issue. it would have been wonderful to end in piedmont park, hopefully next year. only negative, the smll group of people before the finishing line charging for water. have some class people!

By Rick

July 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

I had not run the PPRR since 2002. This actually was one of the more pleasant experiences. It probably helped that I was in the 3rd time group instead of the 6th, 7th or 8th as in previous years.

For a quick fix, the finish was fine - never had to stop running until I crossed the finish line. Nice folks on the left about at the 6 mile mark handing out PBR’s. Yee Haw. T-shirt line moved well. Was a bit of a slap in the face to then have to walk uphill for 3 blocks to get to Marta.

I live in Lawrencevile. I left the house at 6:30 and was back home by 10:30 - can’t beat that!

By Jenny

July 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

This was my first Peachtree and I had heard so many things like the crowds are unbearable, you can’t even run the first mile. I found none of that to be true. I thought it was so well organized! I would definately do it again!

By Chalette

July 7, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad 2008 was not my first Peachtree run. My condolesences to the first time Peachtree runners who didn’t have the opportunity to experience finishing the race at Piedmont Park - there is absolutely nothing like it. It wasn’t very cool to hit “the wall” coming off of the turn on to Juniper. Besides, I thought the Peachtree run was 6.2 miles, not 6.4 miles! Kudos to the priest with the holly water, Spiderman and the men in Speedos!

By Kiljoy

July 7, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

I didn’t care for the shirt or the finish. I agree the City of Atlanta has made an effort to destroy all the summertime traditions (1) Dogwood (2) Jazz fest and now (3) Peachtree. If the grass dies in Piedmont, plant more! It’s that simple!

Perhaps if Peidmont is located in the new City of Buckhead, we will have better management.

By Burdell, G.

July 7, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Shirt was great (my vote), and the finish line was fine. My training was suspect, however. Great arrangement at Civic Center. Missed Piedmont park, but this race is a blast, no matter what you do to it. The runners are the best, and always make for a good time. Best of all were the port-o-lets at Marta entrances. I needed them after 1 hour drive to get to the race.

By Ginny

July 7, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

As a first timer, I was pleasantly surprised. The wait to get started was long but the crowd moved well and I was able to run/jog and weave over to the right when I needed to walk. I thought the finis on asphalt was tough.The parking lot offered no place to get out of the sun.I would like to see the stats on the number of people treated for heat problems.Even if you cooled down, there was still a hike to MARTA. The ride on MARTA was the worst part. I am so thrilled that I was able to complete the course that despite the concerns I just may be back next year.

By Sweet T

July 7, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Loved the event (my 5th)- Hated the ending at the Civic Center- Loved the pre-race enthusiasm- Hated the loooong wait in group 9- Loved the wonderful volunteers- Hated the shirt color- Loved the bands and music- Hated sharing the day with the Gay Pride events- Loved the enthusiasm of the cheering crowds- Hated that the finish line ran out of shirt sizes and snacks- Loved the smiles on the faces of my friends as we crossed the finish line together- Hated that volunteers were winding down and packing up the event as group 9 was coming in to the finsh line- Loved being a part of 55,000 fantastic friends- Hated seeing cheaters step into the event and get in our way- Loved the sense of acomplishment after training all year.

By jm

July 7, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

This was my 20thish year of running Peachtree. I have lost count. First one was at 12 yrs old…When you ran into Piedmont and there was only about 10,000 people. I hated HATED this finish. All uphill. And to get your shirt..I felt like I was cattle and being herded. Lost the kids for about 15min. b/c they went to get medium shirts and I was told to “catch up w/them down there”. Wherever “down there” was. Finally found them. No place to go and mingle and to see everything going on. I think that if next year ends like this one…I won’t be doing this. And there was 3rd generation (father in law, husband and my kids) running this year. I don’t care about people walking as long as they stay to the right but what about the runners who come over to the right as well. Runners to the left…walkers and slower runners to the right. I had people just zipping by me and hitting me like they owned the street and I was not walking. Please let it end next year at Piedmont. Let this tradition be.

By zeke

July 8, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

The finih are sucked! The soire at the civic center was ridiculous, very inconvenient for runners and fans or family! But, the ajc, coke and other had their nice corporate areas on the upper level! Shirt design as usual lacked a lot!

By Big Al

July 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Am I in the minority who actually liked this year’s shirt? Good color, good design. I have run 10-15 Peachtrees and I have to say from a male perspective, canary yellow, peach, and pink tee shirts aren’t excatly the look a lot of us are aiming for. STick with white, navy, or dark grey imo.

By zeke

July 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

My GPS, my son’s and my daughter’s recorded 6.3 miles!!!!

By zeke

July 8, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

My GPS, my son’s and my daughter’s recorded 6.3 miles!!!! Line to line!!

By zeke

July 8, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

My GPS, my son’s and my daughter’s recorded 6.3 miles!!!! Line to line!!

By zeke

July 8, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

My GPS, my son’s and my daughter’s recorded 6.3 miles!!!! Line to line!!

By Jane L

July 8, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

This was my first Peachtree. I’m glad I got to experience the “weird, unpopular” finish, for the sake of future, nostalgic conversations, but I hope I can experinece the normal finish next year. Having to go uphill AND not be able to see the finish banner was killing me. I agree a finish in the park is more festive (I was a spectator last year, so I know what normal PRR looks like, at least). I was overall impressed with the organization of such a big event — a group of volunteers for everything that needs to be done, even T-shirts that read “Give me your chip.” Honestly, in my post-race high, I was looking at all this and imagining how much organization a military operation requires, and therefore appreciating that Americans in general have been “good organizers” over the years of our short history so far. The cheers from volunteers and spectators and the “thanks” runners were giving the volunteers made it a great community event for a national holiday. I agree with whomever said that the negativity of these posts is a downer and I won’t look at these next time.

By Cindy

July 8, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Okay Folks - I just have to COMMENT about all you guys who complain about people “jumping in the race”. Try to think of it this way - I am a ntive Atlantan. I love to run the Peachtree and see the start and watch the wheelchair race. And see the leaders. Can’t do that if I am behind everyone. So, every year, I park at Peachtree Battle Road…watch the start - JUMP in WHEN my time groups comes by…(run on the right side of the road) becasue I stop often. First, to shake the hands of ALL the Shephard Patients…means so much to them… and to me……then I run/walk to the end - stopping to high five the kids and visit with the elderly, etc - and, finally, collect my Tee-shirt. I immediatley turn right back around and RUN back to my car. This year, I probably ended up running about 8 miles total, so I earned my shirt. While I am running back, I wave and cheer for the group 9 people who are walking almost ALONE BECAUSE all the crownd is gone. Ever think that these people might want and need support too? I was runnng back to P’tree Battle and the street sweepers were already cleaning up the cups - the two bikers who were following the walkers made them move to the sidewalk. They get no bands, no support, no flag waving kids, etc. IT MOVES me to shake their hands and cheer for them. Some of them have been training all year just to be able to make this 6 mile walk in the heat. They deserve some credit.
So all you people who complain about us “cheaters” should think twice until you know the whole story. The race ,for me, is not all ABOUT ME, it is about inspiring and helping others. And this is my native city - so I try to enjoy ALL the Aspects of the Peachtree.

By Syd

July 8, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

How can you people complain about the hills? They are not that tough. And adding one more hill is not big deal. It’s just a 10K anyway.
The city of Atlanta should be ashamed and is an embaressment. We should leave the finish alone. I actually liked it better when we ran through the park. I guess that was about 10 years ago the last time we did that.

By Syd

July 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Oh…I forgot to add my comment about the shirt. I think it is great…for washing my car. But this is par for course with the PRR. They have had one decent shirt in the last 10+ years.

Walkers…STAY TO YOUR RIGHT. There is no excuse not too.

Jumpers…Jump in at TG9. There is no excuse not too. If you want to finish sooner, run a qualifing race to get subseeder, TG1 or TG2.

By Steve

July 8, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Had the absolute time of my life in a fantastic event!! This was the first time in 25 years that I ran it and really have no recollection of how things were in Piedmont Park so where I finished was a non-issue. The shirt is fine although I had another favorite. My compliments to the organizers that had to deal with the change of plans for finish. I thought the Civic center was great and the meeting place balloons worked like a charm to hook up with family!! Thanks again for the time ever. Hope to do it all again next year.

By Cindy

July 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Sweet T - Read the post by me “cindy” a few up from the bottom. I think it is terrible for the volunteers/vendors to “shut down” before the last runner finishes. Walker or not. You guys in group 9 have to wait at least 1 1/2 hour to start - they can at lest wait for you. I run back to my car and see time Group 9 every year. I at least try to give you guys the support and cheers that you deserve!(since a lot of the crowd has dissapaited) BTW, I LOVED the shirt this year - loved the color and I VERY MUCH appreciate the volunteers. I say “THANK YOU” to every single one I see!!!

By jm

July 8, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Oh - and I liked the shirt this year. I usually do. I wear them every year. Don’t know what the fuss is all about. People not wearing them. The only shirt that I have not really liked was a few years ago when it was a yellow shirt…didn’t like the design then. I think that it might still be in my closet. And I have had a quilt made out of older Peachtree shirts.

By Jessica

July 9, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I did not volunteer for Peachtree this year…but I have been volunteering for over 10years. I was upset that the race was not able to finish at the park. I think that the park conservancy needs to deal with the fact that 55k runners will kill some grass. The track club pays to use the park and has to pay for any damages, so it’s not like they would be out any money. I want the finish back in the park next year!

By Steph

July 9, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

The Peachtree was great. I was pumped that I ran the whole thing, despit having to weave b/w walkers. But, I am sick of seeing some of ya’ll whine and complain on here. First off: Not everyone is going to like the same T-shirt, so suck it up and wait until next year. It’s more a bandge of honor anyways or even just a badge of payment LOL. Maybe the one next year will suit your liking more. Also I love how some of you are whining about how the ending was longer than 6.2 miles. Who cares? It’s still a fun race. Besides after 6+ miles, does it really matter if it’s 0.2 miles longer. I realize that it sucks that it didn’t end in the park but quit whining about the hill. Most of the people I saw hitting the finish line were walking anyways so I feel that the ATC made the best of a bad situation. All that being said, I wish you people would just be glad to participate in a huge fun race with lots of people cheering you on. I mean obviously unless you are one of the top runners, its all for fun and if you really hated the end and the shirt and the extra hills then don’t run next year and free up some space for people who will be grateful to get in.

By David

July 9, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Regarding the course length, organizers will measure a race course using all the road tangents. So the front runners will run the corners to keep the correct distance. Everybody else will stay to one side of the road due to the crowds. Don’t expect a 6.2 mile run unless you’re up front and able to run the tangents.

By Martha

July 15, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

I walked the road race in the very last group and had an enjoyable time. Of all the shirts, that was the yuckiest. My personal opinion is that the track club or race organizers were able to print that shirt for much cheaper because of fewer colors—way fewer colors. All four of the other shirts looked way better. You just have to outsmart the average Marta rider. We walked south to the next station, got a seat, had a nice air-conditioned ride. There were Marta people controlling how many people got on each train, so you didn’t have to smell too many armpits. The Track Club, even though I was bummed about the T-shirt choice this year, is otherwise amazing to entertain so many people, with really not too many serious complaints. Now that extra 50 cents for that stupid little paper Marta card every other time you use it for an occasion like this—totally bogus.

By hill pusher

July 20, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

gotta laugh at all the whiners concerning the Hiss of Jupiter. Standing mid hill and watching the whellchair racers speed up the hill made me wonder what the hell the runners could be complaining about? Try it in a whelchair one day