The 48th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race will take over Atlanta on Tuesday, July 4, as 60,000 runners make their way from Buckhead into Midtown with up to tens of thousands of spectators there to cheer them on.
Whether you’re running (or walking) the race, plan to attend to support a runner, or just want to avoid the Fourth of July morning traffic, here’s your guide to the Peachtree.
Getting there
- The Atlanta Track Club, which manages the race, recommends that runners take MARTA to the Lenox station (on the Doraville/Gold Line), which is near the start waves. MARTA service begins at 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
- Runners can also take Lyft to get to the start waves — use the code "PRR2017" to get 25 percent off two rides on Tuesday. Enter "Peachtree Start" as your destination, and your driver will take you to an appropriate point.
- Spectators can also take MARTA to get to good viewing spots along the course. The Colony Square area is easy to access from the Arts Center station, and the intersection of 10th and Peachtree (where runners turn to finish the last leg of the race) is near the Midtown station. The infamous Cardiac Hill is harder to access as a spectator via MARTA, but is fun spot to be nonetheless. The AJC made this list about the best places to watch the race.
- Here's more info about getting around on MARTA.
Getting home
- For runners who want to take MARTA home after the race, the Midtown station is your best bet. The Track Club recommends cooling down by walking up the shaded 8th Street — you won't be able to walk back up 10th Street after the race.
- If you prefer Lyft, the app will give you one of four preferred pick-up spots to meet your driver when you request your ride.
Getting around
- Most streets near the start line in Buckhead and the finish line near Piedmont Park will close by 5:30 a.m. on July 4.
- The entire course will be closed off by 6 a.m., and no cars will be allowed to cross it after that. By 7:30 a.m., even crossing Peachtree or 10th Street on foot will be very difficult, so plan accordingly!
- Study this list of road closures to plan your trip, if you hope to drive to or near the race.
Rules you should know
- Runners: If you want to bring water or any other sort of exercise drink with you on the course, it must be in a clear non-glass container that's less than one liter — no Camelbaks. But there will be hydration stations for you along the course. Also among the list of banned items: backpacks, masks and costumes that are not form-fitting, weight vests, drones and pets (sorry, Scout). Earbuds and firearms are "discouraged."
- Spectators: Try not to carry too much. At the finish line and several points along the course, fans will have to go through security checkpoints before they can get close to the race. Anything you're carrying in a bag will be searched and put in a clear plastic bag. So go ahead and be proactive — bring your stuff in a clear bag, or carry no bag at all.
But what about the weather?
- The Track Club will be carefully monitoring the weather for Tuesday morning — look out for color-coded signs along the course that will clue you in to the current weather conditions. Green means the weather is good, yellow is "moderate," red means the weather is dangerous, and black means the event is canceled due to extreme conditions.
Something you’re still unsure about? You can learn more about the race instructions here, and at the Track Club’s website.
Related:
A systems architect overcame a disease of water on the bran and is training for her first race.
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