Peachtree Junior: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Kid-Friendly Peachtree Road Race

The Peachtree Junior (often called the Peachtree Road Race Jr.) is Atlanta Track Club’s kids’ version of the iconic AJC Peachtree Road Race. It gives Atlanta children a chance to experience the excitement of race day in a format built just for them—shorter distances, a fun atmosphere, and a strong focus on confidence and movement, not competition.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting with kids, or just trying to understand how this event works locally, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to get your family involved.

What Is Peachtree Junior?

Peachtree Junior is a family-focused running event in Atlanta designed for children, typically from toddlers through middle-school age. It’s organized by Atlanta Track Club, the same organization behind the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

Key features:

• Kid-sized distances instead of a full 10K
• Age-based waves or groupings for safety
• A fun, festive atmosphere with music, cheering, and photo ops
• Medals, shirts, or race swag so kids feel like real “Peachtree runners”

It’s less about winning and more about getting Atlanta-area kids moving and giving them a taste of the city’s biggest running tradition.

When and Where Peachtree Junior Happens

Details can change from year to year, but the Peachtree Junior is usually:

• Held in late spring or early summer, often tied to Peachtree season
• Hosted at a major Atlanta venue (commonly places like Piedmont Park, downtown near Centennial Olympic Park, or another central location)

Because exact locations and dates shift:

• Look for updates from Atlanta Track Club, headquartered at:
  Atlanta Track Club
  201 Armour Drive NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Phone: (404) 231-9064

You can call or check their event calendar in the spring to confirm the current year’s Peachtree Junior date, start time, and course location.

Who Can Participate?

The Peachtree Junior is built for kids and young teens, with options that typically cover:

• Toddlers & preschoolers – short dash distances, often 50–100 yards
• Younger elementary kids – 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, or 1-mile options
• Older elementary & middle schoolers – usually a 1-mile or slightly longer run

Exact ages and distances vary by year, but age brackets are clearly marked when you register.

Is it okay for beginners?
Yes. Many Atlanta families sign their kids up even if they:

• Have never done a race before
• Are more into play than organized sports
• Just want to try something new and fun

The focus is on participation, not performance.

Typical Race Options at Peachtree Junior

Below is a general idea of what you might see offered. Distances and age ranges are examples, not official rules:

Event organizers in Atlanta adapt these categories year-to-year, but this gives you a feel for how it’s structured by age and ability.

How to Register Your Child in Atlanta

Registration is handled through Atlanta Track Club and usually opens well before race day.

What to expect:

• Online registration with basic info: child’s name, age, guardian contact, emergency contact
• Event selection based on your child’s age and comfort level
• Waiver acknowledging it’s a physical activity and that you understand the risks
• Fee that typically includes:
  • Race entry
  • Participant shirt (often Peachtree-themed)
  • Finisher item (like a medal or ribbon)
  • Race bib

💡 Tip:
Atlanta families who are already members of Atlanta Track Club sometimes receive discounted entry fees for kids’ events. It can be worth checking if you plan to participate in multiple local races throughout the year.

What Happens on Race Day?

While each year is a little different, a Peachtree Junior race day in Atlanta usually follows this type of flow:

1. Arrival and Parking

• Arrive 30–60 minutes early, especially if the event is at a busy location like Midtown or downtown.
• Plan for Atlanta traffic and parking. For central events, you may be parking in a deck and walking to the start.
• Look for event signage and volunteers pointing you to check-in and start areas.

2. Check-In and Bib Pick-Up

Depending on the year, you might:

• Pick up your child’s bib before race day at an expo or ATC office event, or
• Head to race-day packet pickup on-site

Your child’s bib number usually corresponds to their assigned wave or corral.

3. Pre-Race Activities

These child-focused events in Atlanta often include:

• Music, announcements, and a lively start-line atmosphere
• Warm-up activities led by instructors or volunteers
• Photo opportunities with the Peachtree branding and sometimes local mascots or characters

Parents can typically stay right at the edge of the course to cheer, and for younger kids, you may be encouraged or allowed to walk/run with them.

4. The Race Itself

Runs are usually wave-based:

• Younger age groups start first or separately to avoid crowding
• Volunteers line the course to encourage kids and help if someone is tired or nervous

Most Atlanta kids jog, walk, or do a mix of both. Time is less important than the experience.

5. Finish Line

At the finish, kids commonly receive:

• A medal or finisher item
• Water and possibly a small snack
• A chance to pose for photos in front of Peachtree-themed backdrops

Organizers typically set up a clearly marked family meeting area where parents and kids reconnect after their run if they were separated at the start.

What to Bring (Atlanta-Specific Tips)

Atlanta weather—especially in late spring or summer—can be hot and humid, even in the morning. Planning ahead makes a big difference.

Consider bringing:

• Comfortable running shoes your child has already worn
• Light, breathable clothing (tech shirts, shorts)
• A hat or visor and sunscreen
• A labeled water bottle (even if water is available on-site)
• A small snack for after the race (banana, granola bar, etc.)
• A lightweight towel if humidity is high

For younger kids or siblings, a stroller can help you move around large venues like Piedmont Park or downtown streets.

Safety and Supervision

Peachtree Junior events in Atlanta are structured with children in mind, but there are still important safety considerations:

• Stay hydrated: Encourage sips of water before and after the event.
• Dress for the weather: On hot, sunny Atlanta days, light layers and sun protection are key.
• Know the meeting point: Choose a visible landmark (sign, tent, or stage) where your family will regroup.
• Follow staff directions: Volunteers and race staff are stationed throughout the course to guide participants and assist if needed.

If your child has any health considerations, it’s wise to talk with your pediatrician ahead of time about participating in a fun run, especially in heat or humidity.

How Peachtree Junior Ties Into the AJC Peachtree Road Race

The AJC Peachtree Road Race on July 4 is one of Atlanta’s best-known traditions. Peachtree Junior connects kids to that bigger event by:

• Using some of the same branding and themes
• Providing Peachtree-style shirts or bibs
• Creating an atmosphere of celebration and city pride

For many Atlanta families, Peachtree Junior becomes:

• A first step toward joining the full Peachtree Road Race when they’re older
• A yearly family ritual leading up to July 4
• A way to help kids feel part of Atlanta’s running community

Getting to the Event: Transportation Tips for Atlanta Families

How you get to Peachtree Junior will depend on the exact venue, but some general Atlanta advice applies:

• Driving:
  • Plan for extra time if the event is near Buckhead, Midtown, or downtown.
  • Many events use nearby parking decks or designated surface lots.
• MARTA:
  • If the course is near central Atlanta, taking MARTA to a nearby station (like Midtown, Arts Center, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center) can reduce parking stress.
• Rideshare:
  • Can be convenient if you’re staying in an Atlanta hotel or don’t want to deal with parking, especially around large parks or event streets.

Check the event instructions for the current year, as Atlanta Track Club usually provides specific parking and MARTA guidance.

Other Kid-Friendly Running Opportunities in Atlanta

If your child enjoys Peachtree Junior, Atlanta offers additional options:

• Atlanta Track Club Kilometer Kids:
  A free youth running program offered seasonally at various parks, schools, and community centers around metro Atlanta. Great for building confidence and basic fitness in a relaxed environment.

• Other ATC youth events:
  Throughout the year, Atlanta Track Club hosts additional kids’ runs connected to larger adult races (for example, kids’ dashes at Thanksgiving or winter events).

These programs give Atlanta families a way to keep kids active beyond just one big race day.

How to Stay Updated

Because details for Peachtree Junior—such as date, location, and distances—can change over time, Atlantans typically:

• Check the Atlanta Track Club event calendar in late winter or early spring
• Follow Atlanta Track Club on major social channels for announcements
• Join email lists when registering to receive specific event-day instructions

If you prefer phone contact, you can reach:

Atlanta Track Club
201 Armour Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 231-9064

They can provide current-year information on the Peachtree Junior / Peachtree Road Race Jr. and related youth events.

By understanding how Peachtree Junior works in Atlanta—who it’s for, when it happens, and what race day feels like—you can decide whether it’s a good fit for your family and help your child enjoy a fun, confidence-building introduction to one of the city’s most beloved traditions.