Peachtree Road Race 10K: Your Complete Guide to Atlanta’s Iconic Fourth of July Run

The Peachtree Road Race 10K is one of Atlanta’s best‑known traditions and the largest 10K road race in the world. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for the holiday, or are just curious how it all works locally, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to get involved.

What Is the Peachtree Road Race?

The AJC Peachtree Road Race is a 10K (6.2‑mile) road race held every July 4th in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s organized by Atlanta Track Club, a nonprofit running organization based in Midtown.

Key things to know:

• Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
• Date: Every year on July 4
• Location: Runs along Peachtree Road through Buckhead and Midtown, finishing in Piedmont Park
• Organizer: Atlanta Track Club, 201 Armour Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, phone: (404) 231‑9064

For many Atlanta residents, the Peachtree is as much a Fourth of July tradition as fireworks and cookouts. Some people race for time, others walk with friends or family, and many come just to cheer along the course.

The Course: From Buckhead to Piedmont Park

The Peachtree Road Race follows one of Atlanta’s most recognizable stretches of roadway. While minor adjustments can occur year to year, the core route is very consistent.

Typical Start and Finish

• Start: Near Lenox Square in Buckhead (around Peachtree Rd NE & Lenox Rd NE)
• Finish: Near 10th Street NE and Charles Allen Drive NE, by Piedmont Park in Midtown

You’ll move south along Peachtree Road, passing major landmarks like churches, retail centers, and midtown high‑rises before turning toward the park.

Landmarks Along the Way

Participants often recognize:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza area at the start
• The Cathedral of Christ the King
• The Shepherd Center area
• The Peachtree Battle and Brookwood neighborhood corridor
• Colony Square and Midtown office towers
• The final stretch into Piedmont Park

The Hills: “Cardiac Hill” and More

Atlanta isn’t flat, and this race proves it. The most famous climb is “Cardiac Hill” near the Shepherd Center, roughly midway through the race.

Expect:

• Rolling hills through Buckhead
• A sustained climb up Cardiac Hill
• Some downhill and flatter sections as you get closer to Midtown

For someone planning their first Peachtree, understanding the hills is one of the most important parts of training.

How to Register for the Peachtree Road Race

The Peachtree is extremely popular, and entry is limited. Registration is generally handled through:

• Online registration via Atlanta Track Club
• A lottery system (for non‑members) when demand exceeds available spots
• Guaranteed entry for many Atlanta Track Club members in good standing who meet the membership deadlines

Typical Registration Timeline

While exact dates can shift slightly, the general pattern is:

1. Spring (usually March):

   • Atlanta Track Club members are given an early registration period.
   • A general lottery window opens shortly after for non‑members.

2. Late Spring/Early Summer:

   • Lottery results and confirmations are released.
   • Race numbers, wave assignments, and pre‑race information are provided closer to race day.

If you live in Atlanta and know you want to run most years, joining Atlanta Track Club often makes it easier to secure a spot.

Start Waves and Corrals: How Placement Works

With tens of thousands of participants, the Peachtree uses wave starts (also called corrals) to keep things organized and safer.

How Waves Are Assigned

Your wave is usually based on:

• A recent 5K, 10K, or similar race time that you submit
• Or, if you don’t have a prior race time, you’ll usually be placed in a later wave focused more on running/walking for fun than on speed

Earlier waves are typically faster runners, while later waves are a mix of joggers and walkers.

This system helps:

• Reduce crowding
• Keep pace groups together
• Make it easier for you to run or walk at your own comfort level

Why Your Wave Matters

• Start time: Earlier waves start first, usually very early in the morning. Later waves can start significantly later.
• Course conditions: Earlier waves tend to have a bit more space.
• Heat: In Atlanta’s July humidity, the earlier you start, the cooler it generally feels.

Race Day Logistics in Atlanta

Because the race runs on major roads through Buckhead and Midtown, planning your morning is important—especially if you’re driving or using transit.

Getting to the Start Line

Common options:

• MARTA:

  • Many participants use the Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center stations to reach the start area.
  • MARTA is typically one of the most convenient ways to navigate around road closures on race morning.

• Drop‑off / Rideshare:

  • Some participants get dropped off near Buckhead, then take MARTA or walk to the starting corrals.
  • Road closures mean that pickup and drop‑off points may be a block or more from the exact start line.

• Parking:

  • Garage and surface parking near Lenox/Phipps and along Peachtree may be available but can fill quickly and is often affected by closures.
  • For many, it’s easier to park near a MARTA station and train in.

Getting Home From the Finish

The finish line is near Piedmont Park, close to:

• Midtown and Arts Center MARTA stations (a short walk)
• Several paid parking decks in Midtown if you’ve parked nearby

Some Atlanta residents park near Midtown, take MARTA to Buckhead before the race, and then walk back to their cars after finishing.

Weather and Safety Considerations

Running in Atlanta on July 4 means dealing with humid summer conditions.

Typical Weather

• Warm to hot temperatures, even in the early morning
• High humidity, especially as the sun climbs
• A chance of afternoon thunderstorms, though the race is mostly done by mid‑morning

Staying Safe on Course

To stay comfortable and reduce risk:

• Hydrate before, during, and after the race (water and sports drink stations are set up along the route).
• Wear light, moisture‑wicking clothing suited to hot weather.
• Start conservatively if you’re not used to running in the heat.
• Pay attention to volunteers, medical personnel, and course announcements.

You’ll see medical tents and staff in and near Piedmont Park and at points along the course to assist participants who feel unwell.

Training for the Peachtree in Atlanta

Whether you’re a beginner or a returning runner, a bit of planning makes the 10K more enjoyable.

Where Atlantans Commonly Train

Locals often prepare using Atlanta’s many running‑friendly areas:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Flat, paved, and popular for 3–6 mile runs.
• Piedmont Park – Loops with hills that mimic parts of the Peachtree profile.
• Chastain Park – Good for hill practice and shaded stretches.
• Silver Comet Trail (west of the city) – Mostly flat, useful for building consistent mileage.

If you want to get familiar with the actual course, some runners use sidewalks along Peachtree Road on weekends to preview sections like Cardiac Hill.

Local Running and Cycling Clubs

Although the Peachtree is a running event, many running and cycling clubs in Atlanta include it as a key annual goal or group outing. Groups affiliated with or inspired by:

• Atlanta Track Club group runs (various locations around the metro area)
• Neighborhood‑based running groups (e.g., Midtown, Virginia‑Highland, Westside, Decatur)
• Multisport and cycling clubs that incorporate running into cross‑training

Joining a club or informal group can help you:

• Stay accountable with weekly runs
• Learn pacing for a 10K
• Get tips from experienced Peachtree veterans who know the course and logistics well

Peachtree Road Race for Walkers and New Runners

You don’t have to be a seasoned runner to enjoy the Peachtree.

Walking the Race

Many Atlantans walk all or part of the 10K:

• Later waves are often a blend of joggers and walkers.
• The atmosphere is more relaxed, with people chatting, taking photos, and enjoying the crowd support.

If you plan to walk:

• Practice a few 4–6 mile walks leading up to the race.
• Wear comfortable, broken‑in shoes.
• Be mindful of course etiquette—stay to one side if you’re walking so faster participants can pass safely.

Is It Family Friendly?

Families often participate together, especially in the later waves. Younger participants should be accustomed to walking or jogging several miles, and adults typically ensure they’re prepared for the heat and distance.

What to Expect at the Finish in Piedmont Park

Crossing the finish near Piedmont Park is a major highlight.

You’ll typically find:

• Finishers’ shirts – The coveted Peachtree T‑shirt is one of the race’s biggest traditions. Designs change yearly and are usually revealed around race day.
• Post‑race refreshments – Water and light snacks for participants.
• Medical and cooling areas – For anyone feeling overheated or unwell.
• Piedmont Park green space – Many people sit in the grass to cool down, meet friends and family, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

Traffic near Midtown can be busy after the race, so many participants linger in and around the park or nearby neighborhoods before heading home.

Spectating and Neighborhood Involvement

You don’t have to run to be part of the Peachtree Road Race.

Best Places to Watch

Spectators typically gather along:

• Peachtree Road in Buckhead – Near churches and neighborhood intersections
• Around Cardiac Hill – To cheer runners up the climb
• The Midtown stretch – Near commercial and residential buildings leading into Piedmont Park

Arrive early if you plan to drive, due to road closures and limited nearby parking. Many spectators also use MARTA to reach their viewing spots.

Community Feel

The race is known for:

• Neighborhood support – Front‑yard cheering sections, creative signs, and sidewalk setups along Peachtree Road.
• Local Atlanta pride – Many people run in patriotic colors, Atlanta‑themed shirts, or costumes.

The Peachtree effectively becomes a rolling community event from Buckhead to Midtown.

Useful Local Contacts and Resources

For questions about registration, membership, or race‑related policies, the primary official contact is:

Atlanta Track Club

• Address: 201 Armour Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Phone: (404) 231‑9064
• General role: Organizes the AJC Peachtree Road Race, year‑round training programs, and local running events.

For travel and transit planning on race day, many participants also check information from:

• MARTA Customer Service – (404) 848‑5000
  • For train schedules, station parking details, and service alerts affecting Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center, Arts Center, and Midtown stations on July 4.

Quick Peachtree Road Race Overview

For anyone in Atlanta curious about the Peachtree Road Race 10K, it’s both a major running event and a shared civic tradition. With some planning around entry, transit, and heat, you can experience one of the city’s defining Fourth of July celebrations—whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines.