Running is one of the ultimate solitary pursuits, just one vs. the pavement. And for 45 years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race has been a happy holiday expression of that self-contained rivalry.
A big wrinkle comes this way for the next running July 4. For the first time, elite runners will be grouped by nationality and compete for top prize money as a team. The event will be titled the Peachtree Cup, with a trophy to match, the Atlanta Track Club will announce later Wednesday.
Teams comprised of three men and three women each will represent the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia. The combined time for all six runners will decide the finish. With the teams starting ahead of the rest of the field, their strategies for handling this new format will play out on a wide-open Peachtree Street.
The new format also will, “give participants, spectators and volunteers the opportunity to cheer on Team USA as well as all-star teams from around the world as we celebrate July 4th in Atlanta,” Rich Kenah, the Atlanta Track Club’s executive director, said.
The club has thrown the bulk of the prize purse — $81,000 of the $98,500 total — behind the team concept. The winning team will split $42,000. Second will pay $21,000, third $12,000 and fourth $6,000.
Separate of the team competition will be prizes for Open and Masters divisions, men and women. One consequence of grouping the best runners into teams — and making them ineligible for the open titles — could be a little different makeup on the awards stage.
“There’s the highest likelihood of a local athlete winning the AJC Peachtree as there has been for many years,” Kenah said.
About the Author
