Registration | Race Numbers and Guarantees | Running the Race | Timing Parking and Spectating | T-Shirts | Race Pictures REGISTRATION How do I sign up? See Peachtree Registration Information.   How do I know if I’m in the race? Your canceled check is your sole receipt and proof of entry. Please contact your bank to see if your check has been cashed. Usually, all checks are processed by the end of the second week of April.   If you are not accepted, your unopened application will be returned to the return address indicated on the envelope, marked “Return to Sender: AJC Peachtree Road Race Closed”. If you receive your envelope back, this means that it was received at the correct P.O. Box, but was not one of the first 45,000 entries received or chosen as part of the random drawing for the remaining 10,000 spaces. A yellow sticker reading “unable to deliver as addressed” may be affixed to the envelope by the US Post Office: this indicates that the entry WAS received but is being returned as a non-accepted entry.   I ran Peachtree last year. Will an application for this year’s race be mailed to me automatically? No. Applications must be obtained from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution each year on the third Sunday of March. (Click here for information on the registration process.) Information from previous years cannot be used, as each year’s race uses a completely new and unique database.   I’m in the race! When will I get my number? Numbers are mailed via first class postage by mid-June.   How can I get documented time so I can get in a seeded time group? See "Instructions for placement in Peachtree Time Groups". The following items can be used as documentation: photocopy of race results postcard, printout of race results (showing the name and date of the race and with your name highlighted) from the Internet, photocopy of race results from a newspaper report.   Handwritten results, race numbers from other races (original or photocopied), team pictures, etc. will not be accepted. You are responsible for obtaining your race results and attaching them to your application. The Atlanta Track Club is unable to look up results. Results cannot be sent in separately at a later date.   What races may I run to get a qualifying time? There is not a specific list of qualifying races. Any race of 10k distance or longer that is run on a USATF-certified course (which assures accurate measurement) may be used, including races run out of state. Check the race application to determine if the race is on a certified course, or contact the race director.   I’ve run a race, but my time is slower than 54:59. Should I still send it in? Yes! If you have run another race, no matter what your finishing time is, please enclose it with your application. This will place you in one of the time groups just behind the seeded groups.   I’d like to run as part of a team. Are there provisions for team or group entries? All entries are on an individual basis. If you’d like to run as part of a group, you may do so on an informal basis. You need to run in the highest-numbered Time Group assigned to any of your members: for example, if you’ve received numbers that start with “3”, “5” and “7”, the highest-numbered group is 7, and you may all run together in that group. Also, please run no more than two abreast to avoid blocking other runners.   RACE NUMBERS AND GUARANTEES How do I know what Time Group I’m in? The first digit of your race number is your time group. Your race instructions contain start area information specifically for your group, so be sure to read and understand them before heading down to the race. You want to be excited, not panicked and confused.   How are numbers assigned? To ensure fairness, number assignment is made on a completely random basis once the database of registrant names is compiled. Without inclusion of a documented race time, a registrant may be placed anywhere in Time Groups 2-9.  The date that an application is received at the post office box has no bearing on number assignment, nor does Atlanta Track Club membership. A new registrant database is compiled each year, so a runner’s number can vary from year to year.   To find out more about the seeding process, click here.   I’m an Atlanta Track Club member. Why was I not placed up front? As stated on the ATC membership application and the race application, membership in the Atlanta Track Club does not guarantee entry into, or seeded placement in Peachtree. To be fair to everyone, member and non-member, number assignment is done on a random basis unless a documented time from a previously run race has been submitted. ATC membership was designed to promote lifetime fitness through running through participation in the Grand Prix race series free of charge, volunteer coaching services, and receipt of the Wingfoot magazine.   The benefit for ATC members with regard to the race is that the 10,000 most senior members receive their race application approximately ten days early, making their chances of acceptance very good.   The computer databases for membership and the race are completely separate: there is no way to determine individual members from the race registrant list.   For more information on the seeding process, click here.   My family all sent in their applications at one time, but we’ve been assigned numbers in different groups. How can we run together? Placement in Peachtree is done on a random basis. If you’d like to run with someone assigned to a different group, you may do so by running together in the group with the highest number. For example, if your number is in Time Group 3 and your friend or family member is in Group 5, you may run together in Group 5. The first digit of your race number is your Time Group number.   I’ve just found out I won’t be able to run. Can I get my money back? If you won’t be able to run, please refer to Section 9 of your race instructions regarding the return of numbers. You will need to mail the number back to us (you do not need to mail the entire packet back) by July 1. We will issue you a guarantee card in the mail: please read it carefully and follow the instructions on the card. The card will guarantee you a spot in the following year’s race if the instructions are followed. As stated on the application and instructions, race fees are not refundable, nor are they transferable from year to year. Once you are signed up, race fees are used for race expenses and cannot be returned.   I have a guarantee card from last year’s race. How do I redeem it? Instructions are printed on the card. You will need to obtain a current race application, enclose a photocopy of your ID, any race time documentation, and a check for the race fee. The only difference is that you mail your application to the Atlanta Track Club address printed on the card instead of the PO Box. The deadline to send in a guaranteed entry is March 31.   I can’t run, so I’d like to give my number to a friend. Is that OK? As stated in the race instructions, race numbers are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend the race, please see Section 9 of the race instructions regarding race numbers and Question 3 above.   If you have been placed in a seeded time group and issued a timing chip, this is because you earned it by running a qualifying time. Transferring a seeded number to an individual who did not qualify for that number negates the entire seeding process. Transferring a timing chip by any means is grounds for being barred from the race permanently. Also, the chip is a rental for which you are responsible; not returning it will result in a replacement fee.   The Atlanta Track Club takes NO responsibility for a third party should a number be sold or transferred.   I’ve lost my number. Can I get a replacement? Unfortunately, only ONE number is issued per runner. Lost numbers cannot be replaced under ANY circumstance.   May I buy a number that has been returned to the Atlanta Track Club? Unused numbers are never reissued. Anyone who is unable to run the race and returns their number is issued a guarantee card.   Can you tell me how to find a number that might be for sale? We’re sorry, but as numbers are not transferable, we do not assist anyone wishing to do so.   RUNNING THE RACE What is the minimum age to run the Peachtree? You must be at least ten years old on the day of the race to run. Very young children’s bodies are less able to dissipate heat than those of older runners, making them more susceptible to heat-related problems. The excitement and large crowds can be intimidating or even terrifying to a small child. And while we have many friendly volunteers and the alphabet balloons at the finish area to match runners and families back up at the end of the race, the possibility of a youngster becoming temporarily “misplaced” is very real, and the resulting stress would do much to ruin the holiday for everyone.   If your child is age 7-12 and would like to experience the excitement of the Peachtree on a smaller, more kid-friendly scale, we recommend the Peachtree Junior, held earlier in the summer at Piedmont Park.   I’d like to push my child in a stroller or carry him/her in a baby backpack. Is that OK? No. For everyone’s safety, no wheeled conveyances of any kind are permitted on the course. Space at the starting area and on the street is tight, and a runner-stroller collision is virtually assured, no matter how careful you are. Even with a genuine running stroller, trying to negotiate the new medians on Peachtree and Cardiac Hill can be taxing for Mom or Dad, and a bumpy ride through huge crowds on a hot, humid morning really isn’t all that pleasant for Junior either.   Carrying a child in a baby backpack while running for any distance is extremely dangerous. You’re not equipped with shock absorbers, and six miles’ worth of bouncing is the same to your child as vigorously shaking him or her for the same amount of time. The additional weight can compromise your balance, making it likely that you and the baby will take a tumble on the pavement. And, as noted before, it’s hot and humid outside.   Your children will be much happier if you let them sleep in at home with a sitter or Grandma on race day. You can tell them all about it when you get home.   Can I bring my dog? We’re sorry, but pets and wheeled conveyances, including baby joggers or strollers, skateboards, bicycles, and skates, are not permitted on the course.   I’m a very slow runner. Can I still run the race? Runners of all abilities are welcome. If you’re relatively slow, however, you should stay towards the right hand side of the course. Be sure not to stop suddenly or veer into the paths of other runners. If you’re running with friends, run no more than two abreast. Doing this will keep traffic on the course moving smoothly and prevent any unpleasant looks (or worse) being directed your way.   Can I run the race without a number? If you do not have a number, you’ll be required to start behind the last time group. If you’re directed by police or other city personnel to move to the sidewalk at any time, you must comply. Sorry, T-shirts are not given to runners without numbers.   TIMING I ran in Time Group Five. What is my official time? Unfortunately, due to budget and logistics constraints, we are unable to time all runners. Only runners in the elite time group through Time Group 1B receive timing chips and have their official times recorded. All other runners should use their watches to record their times for their own use.   Why do the official results show me running slower than the time I recorded on my watch? Official results list the official, or “gun” time of each participant. This is the time elapsed from the actual moment of the start of the entire race until an individual runner crosses the finish line. Personal, or “chip” time is the time elapsed between that individual crossing the start and finish lines. For example, if it takes you one minute to cross the start line and you run the race in 45 minutes, your official time is 46 minutes and your personal time is 45 minutes.   The rules governing international road racing, including the Peachtree, require that gun time be used to determine race placement, official timing, and all awards. This preserves the “first runner, first place” concept of racing and prevents the results becoming a record of individual time trials. When you receive your results postcard, both times will be listed. You may use your chip time for future Peachtree seeding, and possibly for other races as well (check the literature for the race you are applying for). You may also use it to brag to your friends.   PARKING AND SPECTATING What time is the race? The wheelchair race begins promptly at 6:55 a.m., with the footrace following at 7:30 a.m.   Which streets will be closed for the race? When will they be closed? Peachtree Road will closed from Peachtree-Dunwoody/Roxboro to Piedmont Road beginning at 5:30 a.m. on the morning of July 4th on a “rolling” basis beginning at Lenox Mall. The remainder of the course (Peachtree Road from Piedmont Ave. to 10th Street and 10th Street to Charles Allen Drive) will be closed on a rolling basis beginning at 6:00 a.m. The entire course will be closed by 6:30 a.m. Once the road is closed, no private vehicles will be permitted—no exceptions.   See the Start Area Map for side streets in the Lenox Mall/Phipps Plaza area that will be closed on race morning.   10th Street is closed from Charles Allen Drive to Monroe Drive beginning July 1 at 9 a.m., reopening on July 4th at approximately 2 p.m.   If you are in these areas on race morning and will need to travel, it’s essential to plan ahead and find an alternate route prior to race day. If in doubt, check with a neighborhood association official, condo or apartment manager, or the local police precinct for suggestions. Atlanta Track Club staff is not familiar with all the routes in the area and cannot plan a route for you.   Where can I park before running or watching the race? When it comes to parking, we strongly suggest taking MARTA instead. A system map and fare information are available in race instructions and at www.itsmarta.com. Trains will be running beginning at 5 a.m. The MARTA train station closest to the start is Lenox. Try not to use the Buckhead station if at all possible. If you must use the Buckhead station, do so before 6:45 a.m. to avoid being held at the station exit.   If you absolutely have to drive, be prepared to arrive VERY early, as roads will be closing at 5 a.m. The only option for parking at the start area is at Lenox Mall. NO parking whatsoever will be available in Piedmont Park. Public parking may be available in areas of Midtown away from the actual racecourse; fees and policies will vary. If you park on a side street in a residential area, PLEASE be courteous: don’t litter or block driveways, and keep the noise level down. Traffic patterns may be very different from normal, so you will need to exercise patience upon leaving. PLAN AHEAD to determine your driving route so that it does not conflict with the race.   I’d like to be at a certain point to watch someone run the race. How can I get there? The key to getting the best vantage point is to get there early, plan ahead, and be patient both on the way to your vantage point and when leaving. Again, your best bet is to take MARTA.   If you will be meeting runners in the park after the race, you will not be able to cross the course while the race is in progress, so if at all possible, stand on the EAST side of Peachtree. This will allow you to enter the park on its west side via the 12th or 14th St. gate.  It is possible to access MARTA at one of the stations along the course and exit at Midtown station, but be prepared for a long walk east on 10th and a detour around the east side of the park to get to the finish area.   Once you arrive at the park, look for the famous alphabet balloons at the north end of the ball fields—meet up under the big helium balloon bearing the letter of the runner’s last name.   T-SHIRTS I can’t be at the race. Can my friend bring my number and pick my shirt up for me? Can it be mailed? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race T-shirt is a finisher’s shirt only. It is a mark of accomplishment, given only to participants who train for and complete the race. This is a long-standing Peachtree tradition, and we honor our runners by maintaining it. You must have completed the race and be in the finish area, wearing your bib number, to receive your shirt. Shirts cannot be picked up by third parties or mailed. If you forget your number, we are unable to issue a shirt, so be SURE to wear your number.   When picking up your shirt, please take one in the size you indicated on your application. This will help ensure that there’s an adequate supply for those in later time groups. Please do not attempt to try shirts on while in line; there are thousands of tired and hot people behind you who won’t appreciate it.   RACE PICTURES How do I get my pictures from the race? Race photos are handled by MarathonFoto. Proofs are usually mailed to the registered runner at the address listed on your original race application within two to three weeks of the race. Any questions regarding race photos should be directed to MarathonFoto at (800) 247-3435.