Are these the 5 Atlanta races with the best swag?
Any avid runner with a penchant for races has a closet full of barely-worn event tees and, at the bottom of that, a box of participation medals. It's not like the reason to race is for the swag — but it is always a treat when organizers put a little extra thought into the post-run goodies.
For example? Check out these five Atlanta races with swag you might actually savor.
Held Aug. 13 at Turner Field, this run is where a trained runner and a trained palate meet. Participants receive standard prizes, such as T-shirts and medals, but there are also customized cups and a wine glass for the tastings that take place all day. Not quite enough? Go VIP and score a tumbler and a free pour.
Run for the home team and celebrate the last season at Turner Field with this family-friendly race at the ballpark. Held June 11, participants can choose between a 5K, a 1-mile and a 50-yard dash.
Each registration for the 5K includes a ticket to a Braves game — and while participants can choose between several games, those who opt for the June 11 match-up will be invited to wear their race T-shirts and walk in a pregame parade.
Drinking beer and getting into shape don't exactly go hand-in-hand, but this 5k will let you fake it for a couple of hours. Held Oct. 22 at Turner Field, participants can choose from a 5K or a "Beer Mile," and the latter includes beer at the start and the finish.
While the beer is plentiful at the after=party, the take-home gifts aren't bad either: All "medals" are really paddle bottle-openers, so every time you crack open a cold one you'll have a subtle reminder that yes, you could run a mile if you wanted to.
Most race-day fun comes with an early wake-up call, but this night race — benefiting local charities — will light up Midtown as you sweat it out on the path.
Held May 14 in Piedmont Park, participants receive a glow-in-the-dark wristband, T-shirt and two branded 3M reflective LED lights, a must-have for avid runners trying to stay safe after dark. The race is held in late spring, but its goodies will keep your night runs out of harm's way throughout the year.
Yep, it's exactly what it sounds like: a race where the dress code requires you snag your granny's most hilarious holiday sweater (or grab one from Goodwill). In addition to the loads of ridiculous photos you'll take (along with a Samuel Adams beer at the finish line), all participants will receive a collectible knit hat, a prize you can wear proudly for the few weeks each year that Atlanta is cold enough to warrant it.
Keep an eye out for announcements about this year's event — while it's usually held in mid-December, this year's race is still TBD.
