You run for the accomplishment, for the camaraderie and to be a part of the world’s largest 10k race.
But admit it — the main reason you run the AJC Peachtree Road Race each year is for the T-shirt. And now it’s time for you to vote on which shirt you’ll wear home after the July 4th race.
Voting is closed for the 2019 AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirt.
> See AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirts from 1970-2018
The Atlanta Track Club and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution added a celebrity twist to this year’s design contest.
Instead of opening the contest to Atlanta’s top graphic designers, this year’s shirts were designed by some well-known Atlantans — including Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms — who have significant ties to the AJC Peachtree Road Race.
“Although I have never come close to winning a road race,” Bottoms said, “I proudly accept the challenge of working with a winning design team to create the 50th AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirt.”
Bottoms and her design team are competing against Insung Kim, creative director for the Atlanta Braves; Atlanta Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk; New York Times best-selling author Emily Giffin; and AJC Peachtree Road Race legend Jeff Galloway, who won the first race.
The Atlanta Track Club will donate $5,000 to the winning designer’s nonprofit of choice. Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. March 31.
» Follow our AJC Peachtree Road Race news
Emily Giffin
Nonprofit of choice: City of Refuge
The New York Times bestselling author of “Something Borrowed” and “All We Ever Wanted” runs the race with her husband and kids each year, so Giffin said she is “thrilled” to play a role in the 50th annual AJC Peachtree Road Race.
Giffin worked with her three children (Edward, George and Harriet) to come up with the concept for this design, called “Lucky Bib.” “Like all families, mine enjoys many special traditions on the holidays,” Giffin said. “But our favorite, by far, is running the AJC Peachtree Road Race on the Fourth of July in Atlanta, the best running community in the world!” She brought in a past champion to bring her family’s design to life. Tina Tait, an Atlanta-based graphic designer who won the contest in 2015, did the artwork on this entry. Just like the Peachtree, Tina is turning 50 this year.
Jeff Galloway
Nonprofit of choice: Piedmont Park Conservancy and Back on My Feet
The Olympic runner and founder of Phidippides Run store was named named “The Most Recognizable Runner in America” by RunningUSA. With the help of his son Brennan, Galloway said he hoped he could design a shirt that would uphold the legacy of the AJC Peachtree Road Race.
“I know that I won’t win ‘The Peachtree’ again,” he said. “But it would be a highlight of my life to see 60,000 runners wearing the shirt design that portrays how the PRR has inspired Atlanta and the world. The winning of the first Peachtree Road Race set me on a quest for excellence that led to Olympic competition. As assistant Peachtree race director when the race grew from 1200 to 12,000 in three years, I was inspired to set up training programs for average sedentary citizens to change their lives through exercise, and this began my career.
“I thank my friend and illustrator, Walter Cumming, for bringing to life the determination of Peachtree legends, backed by millions who were inspired by the PRR, to experience the freedom and empowerment of running down Peachtree on July 4th in order to win the symbol of achievement — this T shirt.”
His design is called “These Runners Made Peachtree The World’s Foremost 10K ... and inspired millions to join them.” He worked with longtime local illustrator and former AJC graphic artist Cumming to bring his vision to life.
> RELATED: Read more about Jeff Galloway, the first winner of the AJC Peachtree Road Race
The Atlanta Braves
Nonprofit of choice: Atlanta Braves Youth Baseball
For the past two years, Braves staff and fans have volunteered at a water stop on the Peachtree course. Now, those staff members hope the Fourth of July tradition for those participating in the race and attending a Braves game will be further cemented with the signature 50th anniversary shirt.
“The race unites the city, and we are proud to participate in this iconic event,” Derek Schiller, Atlanta Braves president and CEO, said in a press release. Schiller also said he hopes to see fans wearing the T-shirt design to watch the Braves play the Philadelphia Phillies that night.
Insung Kim, creative director for the Braves, designed the shirt, which he calls “50 and Still Feelin’ Peachy.” “It’s a huge honor if this is the design that's chosen,” he said. “50 years is a long time and I think it's a great, significant marker for any event or any organization. The Braves are happy to be a part of it, especially since you've got an Atlanta icon with the Peachtree Road Race and the Braves as another Atlanta icon.”
Harry the Hawk
Nonprofit of choice: Atlanta Hawks Foundation
Harry the Hawk has always been the first one off the start line at the Atlanta Hawks Fast Break 5K, presented by Sharecare. Winning the design contest would be especially significant to Harry and his team, since the Hawks will also celebrate a 50th season this year. Harry’s calls his design “Celebrating Every Step.”
“Being born and raised in the city of Atlanta, and being a huge fan of the Atlanta Track Club ever since I was a baby bird, it would be a huge honor for my design to be chosen to represent our city, my organization, and Atlanta Track Club,” Harry said in a written statement (because he doesn’t talk). “The AJC Peachtree Road Race is such a great 'True to Atlanta' tradition, and I am excited about taking part in this summer's race. Everyone knows I can dance and I can dunk, and now, they'll know that I can draw. This design is inspired by the very first Peachtree Road Race and celebrates the proud, final step of crossing the finish line.”
Keisha Lance Bottoms
Nonprofit of choice: Families First
The mayor of Atlanta calls her T-shirt design “One Atlanta.”
“The rich history of the AJC Peachtree Road Race extends far beyond the start and finish lines,” said Bottoms, who runs the Peachtree every year. “It is my hope that our t-shirt design will celebrate the diversity of all Atlantans and mirror our goal of creating an inclusive and welcoming One Atlanta.”
For official contest rules and to vote for your favorite design, click here.
» Click here to see the AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirts through the years
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