On a normal Fourth of July, thousands of runners would be celebrating Independence Day at the annual Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.

Due to coronavirus concerns the race has been postponed this year and officials urge runners not to try to run the usual route, as roads are not blocked off.

So lots of runners are creating their own experiences.

Brian and Cecilie Benefield operate Marietta Food Tours and it looks like they won the "Marietta Square Road Race" they invented this morning.

MORE: Which fireworks cause the most injuries?

Brian and Cecilie Benefield celebrate after their creative run.
icon to expand image

Lots of folks are celebrating their personal runs throughout metro Atlanta and beyond:

The 2020 AJC Road Race is now scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day. It will be the first time that the Peachtree will be run on a day other than July 4. The race was first run in 1970.

The Atlanta Track Club announced the change having sought the advice of health experts, AJC reporter Ken Sugiura previously reported. The risks posed by bringing 45,000 participants, along with fans, race volunteers and support personnel in close proximity, informed the move.

Atlanta Track Club executive director Rich Kenah also cited “the overall fatigue factor by those in the medical community, the first responders” who would be needed to support the race.

The move disappointed many runners but sparked plenty of creativity among those determined to lace up today.

Congrats to all these dedicated athletes!

About the Author

Keep Reading

Michael Collins, former Color Of Change director, poses for a portrait at the soccer ball sculpture at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. He’s leading a new coalition, Play Fair ATL, to hold Atlanta accountable on human rights ahead of the 2026 World Cup. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

A rendering of the columbarium memorial that is estimated to be completed by next summer or fall in the southeast part of Oakland Cemetery, officials said. (Courtesy of Historic Oakland Foundation)

Credit: Historic Oakland Foundation