Atlanta Track Club Run Leads: How Group Runs Work in Atlanta (And How to Join)

If you run in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard people mention “Atlanta Track Club run leads.” In everyday terms, they’re talking about the volunteer and staff leaders who organize and guide group runs for the Atlanta Track Club (ATC) around the city.

These run leads are a big reason Atlanta has such a strong running community. They help keep group runs safe, organized, and welcoming—whether you’re a complete beginner or training for your next Peachtree Road Race.

This guide breaks down what run leads are, how Atlanta Track Club’s group runs and training programs work, and what you can expect if you show up to a run in or around Atlanta.

What Is a “Run Lead” with Atlanta Track Club?

Within Atlanta Track Club programs, a run lead (sometimes called a group leader, pace leader, or captain) is a trained person who:

• Helps organize and guide group runs
• Sets or monitors pace for a group
• Keeps the group together and on course
• Watches for safety issues, such as traffic, weather, or medical concerns
• Welcomes new runners and answers basic questions

Run leads are commonly found in:

• Official training programs (e.g., half marathon, marathon, 10K training)
• Weekly community group runs in neighborhoods around metro Atlanta
• Special events and pop-up runs connected to major Atlanta races

They’re usually experienced runners, often volunteers, who are familiar with:

• The planned route
• Atlanta’s terrain and traffic patterns
• Where to bail out, shorten a run, or get back to the start safely

Where Atlanta Track Club Run Leads Typically Operate

Atlanta Track Club is based in Atlanta and coordinates programming across the metro area. Run leads may be present at:

• Midtown & Piedmont Park group runs and workouts
• Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Buckhead neighborhood runs
• The BeltLine Eastside Trail and Westside BeltLine meetups
• Decatur and Emory-area community runs
• West Midtown and Downtown routes tied to race training

Atlanta Track Club’s administrative office is typically located in the Midtown/Brookwood area, but run leads themselves will meet groups at parks, tracks, and popular running spots across the city.

To confirm current group run locations and schedules, you can contact:

Atlanta Track Club
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 4689
Atlanta, GA 30302
Phone (main line): 404‑231‑9064

Office and event details may change over time, so it’s best to check directly with the club if you need the most up-to-date information.

What Run Leads Do Before, During, and After a Group Run

Understanding how a typical ATC-led group run works can make it much less intimidating to show up for the first time.

Before the Run

Run leads usually:

• Arrive early to check in with staff, set up signage if needed, and review the route
• Introduce themselves to participants and ask about experience levels
• Share basic info like:
  • Planned distance and pace range
  • Route overview (hills, out-and-back vs. loop, water stops)
  • Any safety notes (construction, dark sections, bike traffic, etc.)

New runners can introduce themselves to a run lead and mention:

• Approximate pace (even just “easy” or “walk-run” is fine)
• Any injury concerns you’re monitoring
• Whether it’s your first time with the group

This helps the leader suggest the right pace group and expectations for the workout.

During the Run

Run leads focus on:

• Pacing the group: Keeping roughly consistent pace so runners don’t start too fast
• Calling out turns and hazards: Intersections, potholes, uneven sidewalks, or tight spots
• Watching for stragglers: Making sure no one is left completely alone unintentionally
• Adjusting on the fly: Shortening the route or slowing the pace when needed

They’ll often:

• Signal road crossings and remind runners to obey traffic signals
• Encourage hydration, especially in Atlanta’s humid summers
• Remind runners about etiquette on shared paths like the BeltLine (staying right, passing politely, etc.)

Most groups try to be inclusive, so leaders typically check in verbally with participants: “How’s everyone feeling?” “Anyone need a walk break?”

After the Run

Once the group returns to the start:

• The run lead will confirm everyone is back safely
• They may guide a brief cooldown or stretching
• New runners can ask follow-up questions about:
  • Future group runs
  • Upcoming training cycles
  • Atlanta races (like the AJC Peachtree Road Race, Publix Atlanta Marathon, or Atlanta 10 Miler)

Some groups may informally gather afterward at nearby coffee shops or spots along Piedmont Park, Midtown, or neighborhood centers.

Types of Atlanta Track Club Group Runs with Run Leads

Atlanta Track Club offers several types of group experiences where run leads are involved. Exact offerings can change by season, but the main categories often include:

1. Training Programs for Specific Races

For many Atlanta races, the club runs structured training programs. Examples commonly include:

• 10K training (often aimed at the AJC Peachtree Road Race)
• Half marathon and marathon training (for events like the Publix Atlanta Marathon)
• 5K/Beginner running programs

In these programs:

• Participants are sorted into pace groups
• Each pace group has one or more run leads
• Leaders help manage long runs, midweek workouts, and sometimes strength or form drills

These sessions often meet at central locations such as:

• Piedmont Park
• Tracks in the Midtown, Decatur, or Brookhaven areas
• Other convenient public spaces around the city

2. Weekly Community Group Runs

Atlanta Track Club also supports recurring group runs that are less formal than a full training program. These might:

• Be open to the general public or club members
• Vary in distance (e.g., 3–6 miles)
• Attract a mix of paces, from walk-run to faster groups

Run leads at these events:

• Welcome drop-in runners
• Keep the group safe and reasonably organized
• Help new participants find the right pace buddies

These runs might take place near:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail access points
• West Midtown neighborhoods
• Popular parks like Grant Park, Candler Park, or Chastain Park, depending on scheduling

3. Special Event or Pop-Up Runs

Around big race weekends or seasonal events, Atlanta Track Club may host:

• Course preview runs
• Holiday-themed fun runs
• Pop-up workouts tied to a new race or partnership

Run leads help manage these larger groups, especially when:

• Participants are unfamiliar with the course
• The route crosses major streets (e.g., Peachtree Road, 10th Street, North Avenue)
• There are multiple pace levels and distances

What to Expect If You’re a Beginner in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and just starting to run, run leads are there to make things easier.

You can generally expect:

• No pressure to be fast: Leaders often encourage walk breaks, especially for newer runners
• Clear instructions: Simple directions about where to go and what pace group to join
• Support in heat and humidity: Reminders to bring water, slow down in the summer, and dress for the conditions
• A mix of abilities: Many programs include walk-run intervals and true beginner groups

Atlanta’s hills (especially in areas like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Buckhead) can be challenging, and run leads know how to handle them—often building in regroup points at the tops of hills or easy stretches.

If you’re nervous, you can:

• Arrive a little early and tell the run lead it’s your first time
• Ask which group is most beginner-friendly
• Let them know any limits you’re working with (for example, “I’m comfortable with about 2–3 miles only”)

How to Join a Group Run with an Atlanta Track Club Run Lead

While specific registration steps change over time, the general process in Atlanta looks like this:

1. Review upcoming programs or group run calendars

   • Look for options that match your distance, pace, and location.

2. Sign up if required

   • Some training programs require registration and fees.
   • Some community runs are free or open; others might be member-focused.

3. Confirm meeting details

   • Time, exact meeting spot (parking lot, pavilion, store, or track entrance)
   • Whether the route is road, trail, or pathway (e.g., BeltLine, park loops)

4. Arrive 10–15 minutes early

   • Check in with someone who looks like an organizer or wearing an official shirt
   • Ask to be introduced to the run lead for your pace group

5. Follow the leader’s instructions

   • Stay aware in traffic, on paths, and during turns
   • Let them know if you need to slow down, shorten the route, or turn back

If you’re visiting from out of town, you can still often join a group run as long as the event allows drop-ins or non-members. It’s a good way to get a guided running tour of Atlanta, especially around scenic areas like:

• Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline
• BeltLine Eastside Trail down toward Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Krog area
• Historic neighborhoods in the city’s core

Typical Expectations and Etiquette for Runners

Run leads pay attention to safety and group flow, but participants help things run smoothly by following some simple Atlanta-friendly running etiquette:

• Obey traffic signals: Even when the group is moving well, always respect red lights and crosswalks.
• Run no more than two abreast on narrow sidewalks or crowded BeltLine sections.
• Stay to the right, pass on the left when on multi-use paths.
• Announce passes: “On your left” when overtaking other runners or walkers.
• Use lights or reflective gear for early morning or evening runs, especially in areas with limited street lighting.
• Respect neighborhoods: Keep noise down early in the morning, and be mindful around homes and businesses.

Run leads will often remind the group of these expectations, especially when running downtown or in busy neighborhoods.

Example: How Different Runners Use ATC Run Leads

Here’s a simple snapshot of how various Atlanta runners might use run leads:

Safety and Weather Considerations in Atlanta

Atlanta weather can shift quickly, and run leads play a key role in adjusting plans:

• Heat and humidity (late spring through early fall):
  • Leaders may slow paces, shorten routes, or schedule earlier morning runs.
• Thunderstorms:
  • Some runs may be delayed, rerouted, or canceled if conditions become unsafe.
• Cold snaps or icy mornings:
  • Leaders may avoid certain bridges, steep hills, or untreated sidewalks.

If you’re unsure whether a run is still happening—especially during severe weather—it’s wise to:

• Check direct communications from Atlanta Track Club (email, phone line, or posted notices)
• Allow extra travel time in heavy rain or traffic

How Run Leads Fit into Atlanta’s Broader Running Community

Atlanta Track Club run leads are just one part of a larger running ecosystem in the city that includes:

• Local running stores that host their own group runs
• Neighborhood running crews in areas like Grant Park, Kirkwood, and West Midtown
• High school and college tracks that open for public use at certain times

However, ATC run leads are often seen as a central, reliable option, especially for:

• Those training for major Atlanta races
• Runners who want a structured, well-organized environment
• People newer to the city who want an easy way to meet fellow runners

If you live in Atlanta, work in-town, or visit regularly, checking out an Atlanta Track Club-led run can be a straightforward way to:

• Learn popular running routes
• Get familiar with hills, surfaces, and traffic patterns
• Connect with a supportive community guided by experienced leaders

Once you attend a few sessions, you may even choose to become more involved—some experienced runners eventually volunteer as run leads themselves, helping guide the next wave of Atlanta runners.