What you need to know before running the AJC Peachtree Road Race

Racers begin at the starting line from Lenox Square during the 47th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race Monday July 4, 2016, in Atlanta, Ga.

The AJC Peachtree Road Race is fast approaching. Below are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions. 

Race Numbers I can’t run, so I’d like to give my number to a friend. Is that OK? No, race numbers are non-transferable, unless transferred using the official transfer procedure. Click here for information on the official race number transfer system.

I won’t be able to run. What can I do with my number?  You have two options: 1. Deferred entry - If you will not be participating in this year’s AJC Peachtree Road Race but would like to take part in next year’s event, your entry may be deferred. While fees are not waived, a deferred entry does ensure you’ll have a spot in next year’s Peachtree and will not have to enter the lottery. Click here for details on deferred entries.  2. Race Number Transfer - If for some reason you are unable to participate in this year’s AJC Peachtree Road Race you may officially transfer your race number to another non-registered runner. Click here for details on the race number transfer system. The Race Number Transfer program will be available online June 13-June 20.

What will I need to bring with me when I pick up my race number at the expo?  You will need to provide two items when you pick up your race number:  * Valid ID (Valid forms of ID include: Driver’s License, Passport, School ID, Utility Bill, School Report Card, etc.) ID is required for all participants, including minors. * Copy of your race number confirmation. If you selected to pick up your race number at the expo, you will be emailed your race number confirmation in mid to late June. Click here for additional details on the expo. 

During registration, I selected to pick up my number at the expo, but now would like to have it mailed.  Once the form is submitted we cannot change the method of race number delivery. 

I selected to pick up my number at the Expo, but am unable to pick it up now. Can a friend pick up my number for me?  Yes, if you are unable to pick up your race number at the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo, your number may be picked up by a third party. The person picking up your race number will need to have the following items with them in order to pick up your number for you:  * Copy of your ID (see above for acceptable forms of ID).  * Copy of your race number confirmation.

My address has changed since registration, can I change it?  You may email address changes through April 1. After that date we recommend that you forward the mail to your new address. If you do not receive the number by June 15, please contact peachtree@atlantatrackclub.org

I am entered in the AJC Peachtree Road Race. When will I receive my race number?  If you selected to have your race number mailed to you, race packets containing your number will arrive by June 20 at the address submitted during registration.  For those that selected to pick up your race number at the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo, you will receive your race number confirmation via email by June 22. You will be required to show your race number confirmation along with a valid ID when you pick up your number at the Expo. 

Why is there a letter in front of my race number?  The letter in front of your race number indicates the start wave that you have been placed in. For example, if your race number is H76455, that indicates that you have been assigned to start wave H. Click here for more details on start wave placement details. 

I’ve lost my number. Can I get a replacement? Unfortunately, only one number is issued per runner. Lost numbers cannot be replaced under any circumstance. If you still wish to participate, charity numbers are available. Click here for more details. 

Can I run the race without a race number? No, you must have an official race number. 

Can I sell my race number?  No, the resale of race numbers is prohibited. Numbers worn by unregistered participants are subject to disqualification.

Start Waves I'm an Atlanta Track Club member. Why was I not placed in an early start wave? Atlanta Track Club membership does not guarantee special start wave placement. To be fair to everyone, member and non-member, start wave assignments are based on performance. Click here for additional information regarding start wave placement.  My family has been assigned numbers in different start waves. How can we run together?  If you'd like to run with someone assigned to a different start wave, you may do so by running together in the start wave with the highest number. For example, if your number is in Start Wave A and your friend or family member is in Start Wave L, you may run together in Start Wave L. You may not move to an earlier start wave. The start wave that you are assigned is indicated on your race number.  How are start wave standards determined? Start wave standards serve as a guideline each year to determine wave placement. Start wave standards are determined based off the range of qualifying times submitted during registration. During the verification and assignment process, it may be necessary to adjust the standards from the previous year in order to accommodate the range of qualifying times submitted and the volume of runners within the physical space allotted.  Can I change my start wave? No, race times cannot be added or changed after once you submit your registration.  What happened to the sub-seed start wave? We have made some adjustments to the start waves to help improve and simplify the start line experience. Seeded runners will continue line up at the start line in front of Wave A. Those that have historically qualified as a "sub-seed" will now, based upon the new time standards, start in Wave A. The start time for both the Seeded Wave and Wave A will be simultaneous.  What is the reason for the change?  Several different waves starting at the same time created unnecessary confusion and no real benefit to the runners in those divisions. Combining those waves makes timing the runners more manageable, efficient and most importantly accurate.  Can I submit a new time? All times submitted during AJC Peachtree Road Race registrations are final and cannot be changed.  Are runners in Wave A still eligible for prize money and awards? Overall awards, prize money, Top 1,000 and Top Georgia Resident* are based on the official race gun times. Women in the seeded section and Wave A will not be eligible for overall prize money or overall awards as there is a separate elite women's start however they will be eligible for Top Georgia Resident. Female registrants who would like to be considered for the separate elite women's start, please contact eunislawski@atlantatrackclub.org.  Men in Wave A are eligible for prize money and awards. With no separate elite start, Male Wave A and seeded runners begin at the same time and compete for the same prizes.  *Valid Georgia driver's license, non-driver ID or utility bill addressed to finisher required for Top Georgia Resident prize money.  Can I change my start wave? No, race times cannot be added or changed after once you submit your registration.  If I get a number through the race number transfer system, can I update my start wave? No, start waves cannot be changed. You will receive the same number that was issued to the original registrant.

Expo Where is the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo located? The Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center (Exhibit Hall C1, 362 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., NW, Atlanta, 30313) on July 2 and July 3.  Do I have to attend the expo? If you selected to pick up your number at the expo during registration, you will need to attend the AJC Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 2 and July 3.  Is there a cost to attend the Expo? No, the AJC Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.  Can anyone attend the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo?  Yes, the expo is open to the public, so anyone can attend.  What is there to do at the Expo? The Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo features 100+ vendors from the running/health and fitness industries. You can stop by the Expo to find deals on the latest and greatest gear and apparel. The Expo will also feature a Fitness Zone with interactive track and field events as well as opportunities to win a 2018 Peachtree entry at some sponsor booths.

Course Is water available on the course? Yes, water stations are located approximately every mile along the course. Several water sprays will also be located along the course. Click here to view course map.  Is there a course time limit? The Peachtree course will officially close at 11:30 a.m.  When does the start line officially close? The start line closes immediately following the last runner in the last start wave. Unfortunately, we are not able to leave the start line open for additional time.  I would like to cheer on my family and friends as they make their way down the course. Where is the best spot to watch the event? Click here to view the best places along the course to watch the race. If driving, be sure to familiarize yourself with road closures, available hereIs the course closed to traffic? Yes, the entire 10K course is closed to traffic; however, please be mindful of your surroundings in case of any emergencies. Click here to view course road closures.  Are there any items that aren't allowed on the course? Click here for a list of prohibited itemsWhich streets will be closed for the race, and when will they close? Click here for complete list of closures.  I'd like to be at a certain point to watch someone run the race. How can I get there? The key to getting the best vantage point is to get there early, plan ahead, and be patient both on the way to your vantage point and when leaving. Your best bet is to take MARTA to where you will be watching the race.  Where can I meet up with my family or friends after the event? The best place to meet up with family and friends after the event is in the Anthem Family Meeting Area located in Piedmont Park near the Park Tavern. Alphabetical arranged balloons will be located in the area to help you determine an appropriate spot to meet up with your family and friends. View finish map here.

Timing/Results Is the Peachtree a timed event? Yes, the AJC Peachtree Road Race is a timed event. All event participants will receive a Chrono-Track B-tag timing tag attached to their race numbers. The tag is activated when you cross the start line mat and stops timing when you cross over the finish line mat. Wear your bib on the front of your shirt and do not cover under any layers such as a fuel belt for accurate timing. If you do not cross the timing mats at the start, you will be disqualified and removed from results.  When will race results be posted? Unofficial race results will be posted on atlantatrackclub.org and ajc.com/peachtree the evening of July 4. Results inquiries will be accepted for 30 days after the race. At this time the results will be finalized and made official.  Why do the official results show me running slower than the time I recorded on my watch?  The quality of different GPS units can vary, but all of them can be affected by conditions such as buildings or large crowds that can interfere with reception of satellite signals causing them to be inaccurate. The chip time is your official time.  Are there age group awards?  Age group awards for the top three men and women in each age group (14 & under, five-year increments up to 90+) are mailed to participants after results are finalized thirty days following the event.  Are runners in Wave A still eligible for prize money and awards? Overall awards, prize money, Top 1,000 and Top Georgia Resident* are based on the official race gun times. Women in the seeded section and Wave A will not be eligible for overall prize money or overall awards as there is a separate elite women's start, however they will be eligible for Top Georgia Resident. Female registrants who would like to be considered for the separate elite women's start please contact eunislawski@atlantatrackclub.org.  Men in Wave A are eligible for prize money and awards. With no separate elite start, male Wave A and seeded runners begin at the same time (7:30 a.m.) and compete for the same prizes.  *Valid Georgia driver's license, non-driver ID or utility bill addressed to finisher required for Top Georgia Resident prize money.

Transportation  How do I get to the start area? Parking is not available in the start area, so it is advised that you take MARTA. MARTA will begin running at 5 a.m. on race day. The Lenox station off of the gold line is the closest station to the start line. Race participants are discouraged from using the Buckhead station as it is not set up to handle the large numbers of people that will be arriving in the start area. Participants using the Buckhead station will also have a more difficult time getting to the start area once the wheelchair and footraces begin.  How do I get back home after the event? All race participants are highly encouraged to take MARTA after the event since parking in the area surrounding Piedmont Park is limited. The Midtown station off of 10th Street and the Arts Center station near 14th Street are both approximately a 15-20 minute walk from Piedmont Park.  For those planning on heading to the Midtown station, be sure to take 8th Street when heading to the station as 10th street will still be closed off for participants finishing the race.  Will there be buses to take us from Piedmont Park to the MARTA stations? No, buses will not be provided to take finishers to the MARTA stations. Both the Midtown and Arts Center stations are a 15-20 minute walk from Piedmont Park.  Click here to view road closures.  Still not answered? Send your question to peachtree@atlantatrackclub.org.