An educated runner is much less likely to get in trouble.
That is the bottom line that Dr. Joe Wilson preaches to first-time Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race runners and to veteran runners as well.
“The trouble with the Peachtree is people don’t listen to their bodies,” Wilson said. “… Run inside you’re comfort zone. … You’re never going to be able to do your personal best here.”
Wilson, the race’s medical director since 1987, oversees a team of 180 medical volunteers, 14 ambulances and 19 paramedics on bikes with defibrillators. The medical crew sees more action on race day than he would like.
Overall, between 100 to 200 runners typically visit the medical tent during the race, sometimes for something as minor as a blister, sometimes for things far worse. But Wilson said the change to a staggered start a few years ago has helped lower the number of incidents, even with the increased number of participants.
“In early days, people used to push harder because everybody started at the same time. … Now that we have wave starts, I think runners are much more realistic,” Wilson said. “I think we’re having, percentage-wise, fewer problems overall.”
This year, 23 groups will start at staggered times from 7:30-9:05 a.m. The staggered start not only benefits first-time runners who have likely never coped with 60,000 people but the practice is also a hit with Peachtree veterans like James Bramlett Jr.
“The way the Atlanta Track Club has set it up, they’ve got the staggered start which really helps with the control of the race in terms of the participants,” Bramlett said. “Until they had done that, right at the onset of increasing the entries, it was a little bit overwhelming.”
Since 1978, Bramlett has run in 34 Peachtree Road Races. The 63-year old Jonesboro resident also advises first-timers, like his 10-year-old grandson Jackson, to pace themselves between running and walking.
“I would encourage them to enjoy the experience, to make sure they hydrate,” Bramlett said. “Not to overdo it because the adrenaline will be flowing and people will be truly excited to be a part of it. If they feel they’re getting hot or anything, to make sure to slow down and take periodic walk breaks, if necessary.”
Water stations will be located every mile mark on the 6.2-mile course. To make post-race reunions a bit easier, a tent at the finish line in Piedmont Park will have alphabetized signs for designated meeting spots.
Bramlett said he, like many others, plans on using MARTA to get to the starting line and return home after the race. As in years past, MARTA will be operating earlier to accommodate the more than 250,000 people who are expected to descend upon Midtown.
Starting at 4:45 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, MARTA will run special event service with trains running every 10 minutes.
MARTA is encouraging all runners and spectators who are planning on using the trains or buses on race day to purchase a $5.50 round-trip ticket before Friday. For those on the Red Line, the closest station to the starting line is Buckhead Station. On the Gold Line, use Lenox Station. Free daily parking will still be available at MARTA parking facilities.
But an educated Peachtree runner has to know more than where the race starts and ends.
“It’s a unique experience not only with the other runners but with the people who come out to support,” Bramlett said. “You get a lot of support and energy from the crowds that line the entire course.”
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