Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta: Your Complete July 4th Guide

The Peachtree Road Race on July 4th is one of Atlanta’s biggest annual traditions—part road race, part city-wide celebration. Whether you’re planning to run, walk, volunteer, or just watch, this guide explains how the event works in Atlanta and how to make the most of it.

What Is the Peachtree Road Race?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race is a 10K (6.2-mile) race held every year on July 4th in Atlanta.

Key things to know:

• It’s one of the largest 10K races in the world
• The race runs from Buckhead to Midtown Atlanta
• It’s known for its festive atmosphere, crowded course, and hot, humid weather
• Organized by the Atlanta Track Club, based in Midtown

For many Atlanta residents, running or watching the Peachtree is as much a part of July 4th as fireworks and cookouts.

Basic Race Overview at a Glance

The Course: From Buckhead to Piedmont Park

Start: Lenox Square / Buckhead

The race traditionally starts near Lenox Square in Buckhead, along Peachtree Road NE.

• Nearby landmarks: Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Buckhead business district
• Early waves start around sunrise; later waves follow in timed intervals

Expect heavy congestion and road closures in the Lenox area the morning of July 4th.

Along Peachtree Road

The course runs south on Peachtree Road toward Midtown, passing:

• Buckhead retail and office towers
• Residential and commercial areas along Peachtree Road NE
• Several rolling hills that are more noticeable as the race goes on

You’ll be running on Atlanta’s most famous corridor, with spectators lining much of the route.

The “Cardiac Hill” Section

One of the most talked-about features is “Cardiac Hill”, near Piedmont Hospital on Peachtree Road.

• It’s a long, gradual uphill section
• Hits around the middle of the race, when heat and fatigue can build
• Many spectators gather here, including hospital staff and local residents

This is where pacing yourself earlier in the race can pay off.

Finish: Near Piedmont Park

The race finishes near Piedmont Park, typically along 10th Street NE, adjacent to the park’s south side.

• Once you cross the finish line, you’ll move into the finishers’ area and then toward Piedmont Park for post-race activities
• Many runners meet friends and family inside Piedmont Park afterward

The Midtown area around 10th & Monroe / 10th & Piedmont becomes very busy with pedestrians.

Registration and How to Get In

How Registration Typically Works

The Peachtree Road Race uses a lottery-style registration system for most participants due to high demand. While specifics can change year to year, common patterns include:

• Atlanta Track Club members often receive early or guaranteed entry options
• Non-members typically enter a lottery during a registration window in spring
• There may be options for:
  • Charity entries
  • Limited late registrations if not sold out
  • Virtual race options in some years

Information and registration are managed by the Atlanta Track Club:

Check registration timelines early if you live in Atlanta and plan to run; spots can fill fast.

Seeding and Time Qualifications

Runners are placed into starting waves based on past race times or estimated finish times. This helps organize the start and improve safety.

• Faster runners are placed in earlier seeded waves
• Many Atlanta runners use local events (often 5Ks or 10Ks) before spring deadlines to qualify for better seeding
• Walkers and casual runners typically start in later waves

If you’re new to Atlanta and want to improve your seeding for future years, running local Atlanta Track Club races can help.

Getting to the Start and Leaving the Finish

Transportation to the Start (Lenox Area)

Because of road closures and limited parking, most Atlanta residents avoid driving to the start if possible.

Common options:

• MARTA Rail
  • Lenox Station (Gold Line) or Buckhead Station (Red Line) are typically used to reach the start area
  • MARTA usually runs early trains on race morning
• Drop-off
  • If someone is dropping you off, plan to be let out a few blocks away due to traffic restrictions
• Walking from nearby hotels
  • Many out-of-town participants stay in Buckhead hotels within walking distance

Parking near Lenox can be challenging and is often restricted; if you must drive, arrive very early and expect delays.

Leaving the Finish (Piedmont Park / Midtown)

After you finish:

• Many participants walk into Piedmont Park to cool down, meet others, and enjoy the post-race environment
• MARTA Rail access is available via:
  • Midtown Station (north of the park)
  • Arts Center Station (a bit farther north)
• Rideshares and pickups:
  • Streets right next to the finish line and the park are usually congested and may have closures
  • Plan pickup a few blocks away from Piedmont Park to avoid gridlock

If you’re staying in Midtown, walking back to your hotel or home is often the easiest option.

Road Closures and Traffic in Atlanta

The Peachtree Road Race significantly affects traffic on July 4th along the route and surrounding neighborhoods.

Common impacts:

• Peachtree Road is closed between Buckhead and Midtown for much of the morning
• Side streets and cross streets near the course are limited or closed during race hours
• Areas around Lenox Square and Piedmont Park can be congested even before and after closures

If you’re not participating:

• Avoid planning morning drives that cross Peachtree Road in Buckhead, Midtown, or between
• Build extra time into your trip or plan routes that bypass Peachtree Road and 10th Street
• If you work or live along the route, check your building’s recommended access plan

For many Atlanta residents, this is a good morning to take MARTA, adjust plans, or stay local in your own neighborhood.

What Runners and Walkers Should Expect

Start Line Experience

• Wave starts: You’ll be assigned a specific wave and corresponding start time
• Crowds: Expect dense crowds, especially in the start area and early miles
• Security and gear: Bag policies and security checks may be in place; pack light

Later waves can start under warmer, brighter conditions, so consider that as you plan your pace and hydration.

On-Course Atmosphere

During the race:

• Cheer zones and spectators line much of the course, especially near:
  • Buckhead commercial areas
  • Hospitals and churches along Peachtree
  • Intown neighborhoods closer to Midtown
• You’ll likely see:
  • Local bands or DJs in some spots
  • Families with signs
  • Neighbors handing out unofficial refreshments (use judgment and caution)

This is very much an “Atlanta community” event, not just a race.

Weather and Heat

Atlanta in early July is typically:

• Hot and humid, even in the early morning
• Often sunny and warming quickly as the race progresses

Practical considerations:

• Hydrate before and after the race; use official water stations along the route
• Light, breathable clothing is common, often with patriotic July 4th themes
• Many runners wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen

If you’re not accustomed to Atlanta summers, the combination of heat, humidity, and hills can feel more intense than expected.

Spectator Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

You don’t have to run to enjoy the Peachtree Road Race. Watching from the sidelines is its own Atlanta tradition.

Best Areas to Watch

Popular options include:

• Buckhead near Lenox/Peachtree: Great for seeing earlier waves and elite runners
• Along “Cardiac Hill” near Piedmont Hospital: High energy, lots of cheering
• Midtown near the finish: Exciting atmosphere but can be very crowded

If you live along or near Peachtree, you can often just walk out to the route and join the cheering.

Getting Around as a Spectator

• Plan to arrive early before major roads close
• Use MARTA if you’re traveling from other parts of Atlanta
• Wear comfortable shoes—you may walk several blocks to find a good viewing spot

If you’re meeting a runner afterward, agree on a specific meeting point in or near Piedmont Park (for example, a particular entrance, playground, or field) to avoid confusion in the crowds.

Safety, Medical Support, and City Services

The Peachtree Road Race coordinates with Atlanta police, fire, and medical services.

What participants usually see:

• Medical tents near the start, along the course, and at the finish
• Police officers and traffic control at intersections and along the route
• Volunteers guiding runners, handing out water, and assisting as needed

If you have health concerns, it’s wise to talk with a healthcare professional before attempting a 10K in Atlanta’s July heat, especially if you’re new to distance running or the climate.

Spectators and runners should follow instructions from Atlanta Police Department officers, event staff, and medical personnel if any emergency arises.

Volunteering at the Peachtree Road Race

If you live in Atlanta and want to be involved without running, volunteering is a popular option.

Common volunteer roles:

• Water stations along Peachtree Road
• Packet pickup shifts before race day
• Start or finish area support
• Course marshals helping guide runners and keep the route clear

Volunteer opportunities are coordinated by the Atlanta Track Club, with sign-ups typically opening well before race day. This is a good way to experience the event up close and support the local running community.

Planning Your July 4th in Atlanta Around the Race

For many in Atlanta, July 4th plans revolve around the Peachtree schedule.

If You’re Running

• Expect an early wake-up, especially if using MARTA or staying outside Buckhead
• Plan breakfast and hydration with enough time to digest before your wave
• Coordinate post-race plans:
  • Brunch in Midtown or nearby neighborhoods
  • Relaxing in Piedmont Park
  • Heading home before midday heat and traffic build

Have a backup meeting spot in case your phone battery runs low or service is congested.

If You’re Not Running

• Expect traffic changes along Peachtree and Midtown through late morning
• Consider:
  • Avoiding crossing Peachtree by car
  • Starting road trips or out-of-town drives after mid-morning
  • Using MARTA for any early downtown or Midtown visits

If you live in affected neighborhoods, it can be a good morning to stay walkable, enjoy a local coffee shop, or watch the race near your home.

The Peachtree Road Race is one of Atlanta’s signature annual events—part athletic challenge, part neighborhood block party stretching from Buckhead to Midtown. With some planning around registration, transportation, heat, and crowds, residents and visitors can enjoy it as runners, walkers, volunteers, or spectators and still navigate Atlanta smoothly on July 4th.