Event & Program Policies
Atlanta Track Club Policies
Course
Participants must follow the directions of course monitors and on-course signage and stay within the course boundaries at all times as designated by fence, traffic cones or other marking.
Official Times
Net time is used to determine finish order for age-group award winners. Overall finishers times are based on gun time. Official finisher times are the net times recorded by the electronic timing system and corresponding with the B-Tag attached to a bib when the runner crosses the starting line and the finish line.Results are unofficial until 14 days following the event. All corrections and/or disputes regarding results should be directed to results@atlantatrackclub.org.
Results for the AJC Peachtree Road Race are official 30 days after the event. Participants will be directed to fill out a form for results and corrections after the completion of the event.
Race Bibs
Race number bibs must be worn on the outermost layer of clothing at all times on the race course. Removing or damaging a bib may result in the B-Tag becoming in operable and the participant may not appear in the results.
Start Wave Placement
Several Atlanta Track Club events assign participants into start waves based on estimated finish time during registration. The letter at the beginning of the race number will correspond with the participant's start wave. Participants must line up in their assigned start wave on race day, and volunteers will enforce start wave placement.
If participants would like to run with someone assigned to a different start wave, they may do so by starting in the wave that is farthest back. For example, if your number is in start wave A and your friend's number is in start wave C, you may both run in C. Your friend may not move from wave C to wave A.
Many of Atlanta Track Club's events offer self-seeding into waves. For the safety and enjoyment of participants, at these events we ask that participants themselves based on estimated pace per mile:
- Wave A - 7:30 min/mile or faster
- Wave B - 8:30 min/mile or faster
- Wave C - 9:30 min/mile or faster
- Wave D - 11:00 min/mile or faster
- Wave E - 13:00 min/mile or faster
- Wave F - Walking Participants or those slower than 13:00 min/mile
Atlanta Track Club posts the closing time for the starting line on the website for each event. Participants crossing the starting line after it has officially closed may not receive official results.
Course Time Limits
Course limits are set based on permits obtained by Atlanta Track Club from the jurisdictions in which its events are held. The course time limit clock begins once the last runner crosses the starting line. Once the course limit expires, the roads are no longer closed to traffic and race services cannot be guaranteed. Participants will be asked to move onto the sidewalk or offered transportation back to the start/finish area if applicable.
Distance |
Course Time Limit |
Pace Per Mile |
Mile | 25 mins | 25:00 |
3K | 45 mins | 25:00 |
5K |
1hr 15mins |
25:00 |
4 Mile |
1hr 20mins |
20:00 |
8K |
1hr 30mins |
18:00 |
5M |
1hr 30mins |
18:00 |
10K |
1hr 45mins |
17:00 |
12K | 2hrs 6mins | 17:00 |
8 Mile | 2hrs 21mins | 17:00 |
15K |
2hrs 30mins |
16:00 |
10M |
2hrs 30mins |
15:00 |
15M | 2hrs 45mins | 11:00 |
Half Marathon |
3hrs 30mins |
16:00 |
Marathon |
6hrs 30mins |
15:00 |
Wheeled Conveyances
Wheeled conveyances of any kind (including but not limited to strollers, bicycles and roller skates) are prohibited from all events in order to ensure the safety of all participants unless otherwise noted.
Exceptions to this policy are the following events where opportunities for participants pushing strollers and/or dogs are leashes are available:
Non-competitive
- Northside Hospital Atlanta Women's 5K - Strollers Only
Northside BeltLine 3K
Westside BeltLine 5K
Atlanta's Finest 5K
PNC Atlanta 5K
Eastside BeltLine 3K
Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day 5K - Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta
Participants pushing strollers or with dogs on leashes must start in the wave and follow all course instructions. For the safety of all participants and children in strollers, these events ARE NOT competitive and participants are asked to participate at a safe, controllable pace. Complete rules and regulations can be found here.
Athletes with Disabilities
In order to serve all our athletes, Atlanta Track Club offers opportunities for Athletes With Disabilities (AWD). If you are an AWD and interested in participating in an Atlanta Track Club event, please email awd@atlantatrackclub.org, to discuss what reasonable accommodations can be made based on your specific needs. Atlanta Track Club officials will provide reasonable accommodation to Athletes With Disabilities on an individualized and event by event basis.
Atlanta Track Club is a supporter of the Runner321 movement. It was started by adidas that encourages athletes with Down Syndrome or other intellectual or developmental disabilities to participate in races and other sports events. The movement calls for every marathon to hold bib #321, a number representing trisomy 21 in the Down Syndrome community, to ensure representation and inclusion for neurodivergent athletes in mainstream sports.
If you'd like to be considered as Runner 321 for any Atlanta Track Club event, please email awd@atlantatrackclub.org. A number of current open registrations offer this option.
Pets
For the safety of our participants, pets, including service animals, are only permitted in the designated waves at the following events:
- Northside BeltLine 3K
- Westside BeltLine 5K
- Atlanta's Finest 5K
- PNC Atlanta 5K
- Eastside BeltLine 3K
- Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day 5K
Participants with dogs on leashes must start in the wave and follow all course instructions. For the safety of all participants, these events ARE NOT competitive and participants are asked to participate at a safe, controllable pace. Complete rules and regulations can be found here.
Personal Hydration
Water and Powerade are available to participants before, during and after each Atlanta Track Club event with the number of fluid stations determined by the length of the race. Personal hydration systems that are concealed in a larger backpack are not permitted. Shoulder, handheld and waist hydration systems are allowed. Liquid must be stored in visible non-glass containers smaller than one liter.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited at Atlanta Track Club events:
- Firearms and weapons of any kind
- Glass containers
- Wheeled conveyances
- Pets
- Containers holding more than one liter of liquid
- Backpacks
- Rolling bags and other luggage
- Masks (except personal protective equipment) and costumes that are not form fitting
- Weight vests
- Military equipment
- Firefighter equipment
- Drones
Sportsmanship
Offensive, violent or otherwise unsportsmanlike conduct toward race officials, volunteers and fellow participants may result in disqualification and removal from the event venue. It may also impact a participant's eligibility to participate in future Atlanta Track Club events and programs. Observation of unsportsmanlike conduct should be reported to a race official, an Atlanta Track Club employee or by emailing results@atlantatrackclub.org.
Age Limits
Age limits at Atlanta Track Club events are based on the best practice recommendations of USA Track & Field, the sanctioning body of running and field events in the United States. They are as follows:
Race Distance |
Age Range |
One Mile |
6+ |
3K |
7+ |
5K |
8+ |
4M |
9+ |
8K |
9+ |
5M |
9+ |
10K |
10+ |
12K/8M | 13+ |
15K |
14+ |
10M |
14+ |
Half Marathon |
14+ |
15M | 16+ |
Marathon |
18+ |
Weather Cancellations & Delays
Atlanta Track Club events are held rain or shine. However, the occurrence of lightning or other severe weather in the vicinity of the event may result in a delay or cancellation.
Atlanta Track Club closely follows weather forecast and other outside factors that may result in a cancellation or delay. Participants and volunteers will be alerted via email, social media and Atlanta Track Club's website at the first sign an event may be canceled or delayed.
When possible, Atlanta Track Club will make decisions concerning the cancellation or delay of an event no later than two hours before the scheduled start. This will immediately be emailed to all registered participants and volunteers, posted on Atlanta Track Club's social media pages and on Atlanta Track Club's website.
In the event of lightning within eight miles of the event location, it is mandated the event be delayed for 30 minutes following the lightning strike. Participants, volunteers and spectators will be asked to take cover at a designated shelter or in their vehicles.
Please understand some outside factors that cause a delay or cancellation are unpredictable and may not allow for advanced warning. Atlanta Track Club will always ensure and even err on the safety of its participants and volunteers as a matter of policy.
Refund Policy
Atlanta Track Club now offers Refundable Registration for events and programs*. Please read more about this policy here.
The Club does not offer refunds for its membership for any reason, which is stated during the registration process. The policy is in place to cover operational costs incurred throughout the year. Youth Team participation is also not refundable.
*Regarding In-Training Programs & Refund Protect: Refund Protect is only applicable if the qualifying event (illness, injury, etc.) occurs before the first day of training. If the qualifying event happens on or after the first day of training, the athlete is not eligible for a refund. The first day of training is the Training begins date under Program Schedule; not the first in-person practice.
Youth Team Refund Policy
Atlanta Track Club does not offer refunds for Youth Team once the season begins. The policy is in place to cover staff resourcing and planning for the season. An exception to this no refund policy exists if it is requested two weeks or more prior to the start date. In this event, a partial refund (not including processing fees) will be issued. Further inquiries regarding this policy can be directed to youthteam@atlantatrackclub.org.
Emergency Alert System
Atlanta Track Club's Event Alert System (EAS) will be used to communicate the condition of the race course and other event related locations to participants, volunteers, and staff. Colored signage will be located at the start line, along the course, and in the finish area indicating the levels which range from Low (Green) to Moderate (Yellow) to High (Red) to Event Cancelled (Black). The colored signs will also include short messages. Pre-race, all event staff, volunteers, and participants should familiarize themselves with the anticipated event conditions, safety procedures, and the Event Alert System. Alert updates will be communicated via email and social media. On race day, everyone should stay tuned to PA announcements and the sign warning system at the start, finish, and water stations along the course for the most accurate, up-to-date event conditions.
COVID-19
Atlanta Track Club's COVID-19 policies change frequently and can be found here.
Race Number Pick-Up
Information about race number pick-up times and locations can be found on individual event pages at atlantatrackclub.org and in participant instruction emails. Most of our events offer race number pick-up on the day of the event, but events such as the Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K and Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K require participants to pick up their number prior to race day.
Participants who are unable to pick up their race numbers may send a third party to pick it up for them. They will need to provide the third party with their check in pass. For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, we also require a copy of the participant's photo ID.
Race day number pick up is available for the Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K and the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K. Participants must purchase for will call and pay a fee prior to the event to be able to pick up their race number on race day. Only will call race numbers will be available on the morning of the event. Will Call can be purchased during registration or in your haku account.
Bib Transfer
Bib numbers may not be transferred for any Atlanta Track Club event. Participants who use another person's bib number are subject to disqualification.
Discounts/Group Registration
Atlanta Track Club promises its 28,000 members the lowest discount on all events and programs. Unless otherwise stated, that discount is 13%. To receive your discount during registration, log into your membership account.
As a mission-focused not-for-profit, we believe in offering registration fees that make over events and programs accessible to as many runners and walkers as possible. Due to the low pricing, discounts are not frequently offered.
However, discounts are available to a company, club or group who purchases 25 or more entries all at once prior to select Atlanta Track Club events. For more information on such discounts, please reference our Group Registrations page.
Emergency Contact Information
Atlanta Track Club requires participants to provide emergency contact information both during registration and on the back of race numbers. Please be sure to fill out the requested information on the back of your race number so we can quickly identify you and contact family members in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Switching Race Distances
You may switch race distances or categories at our events provided the distance has not reached capacity. You must contact Atlanta Track Club prior to race day to switch distances or to virtual by emailing questions@atlantatrackclub.org, visiting the Race Solutions table at race number pick-up. Failure to notify the Club will result in disqualification and the participant will be removed from the results.
There will be no refunds if you are switching from the longer distance to the shorter distance, and additional fees will apply for those switching from the shorter distance to the longer distance. Participants may also switch from the in person event to the virtual events or to in person from virtual. Participant shirts will be provided based on availability to those switching races. Please consult each event webpage for deadlines to switch distances and categories.
Grounds for Disqualification
Atlanta Track Club reserves the right to disqualify participants and remove them from the results for failure to follow any of the previously listed policies as well as for the following reasons:
Using someone else's race number. Race numbers cannot be transferred to another participant. Atlanta Track Club reserves the right to disqualify this person and remove them from the results.
Missed checkpoints. Depending on the distance, there are various checkpoints on the course where a participant's timing chip is recorded. If a participant's chip misses checkpoints, they will be disqualified and removed from the results. If a participant feels this decision has been made in error, they must contact the Atlanta Track Club at results@atlantatrackclub.org.
Switching race distances on race day. Participants who would like to switch race distances must do so prior to race day. They may contact Atlanta Track Club at questions@atlantatrackclub.org, visit the Race Solutions table at race number pick-up.
Running the race without a participant bib number
Bandits
Bandits are strictly prohibited at Atlanta Track Club events. A bandit is anyone who participates in an event without registering and/or without a race number. This is not only a safety issue as race officials are unable to identify bandits in the case of an emergency, but also a drain on course resources for paying participants. If caught, bandits will be asked to leave the race course immediately. It may also impact a participant's eligibility to participate in future Atlanta Track Club events and programs.
Drug Testing
Atlanta Track Club reserves the right to conduct drug tests at any event where prize money is awarded. Drug testing is conducted by or under the authority of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. At events where drug testing is conducted, no prize money will be awarded until results of drug testing are received from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Training Program Policies
Age Requirements: Training programs are geared toward adult participants 18 and older. However, participants as young as 16 may participate as long as they are accompanied by a parent and the parent has signed a release acknowledging the risks involved. Both the parent and child would need to be registered for the program.
Time Limit: Course limit paces for the affiliated goal event will be applied to training program sessions. We recommend that training participants be able to maintain one min/mile over the pace limit for at least a mile at the start of training. If participants are not meeting this pace per mile, they may be asked to change their training runs to a set time limit to match training support.
Refund Policy: Refund Protect is now available for In-Training. It is only applicable if the qualifying event (illness, injury, etc.) occurs before the first day of training. If the qualifying event happens on or after the first day of training, the athlete is not eligible for a refund. The first day of training is the Training begins date under Program Schedule (located on each program's webpage); not the first in-person practice.
Training Content: Atlanta Track Club's training schedules, workouts, program communications or any other Atlanta Track Club In-Training related correspondence are proprietary and not to be shared with non-training participants.
Social Media: Participants and volunteers agree to not promote or solicit events or programs that compete with Atlanta Track Club events or training programs on In-Training Social Media. Promotion or solicitation of competing events or training programs without permission from Atlanta Track Club could result in my removal from those closed social media groups.
Gender Identity in Registration
Atlanta Track Club believes running and walking should be
universally accessible regardless of age, gender, race, or other identities. We
strive to inspire a sense of belonging without fear of bias and believe that
our strength lies within the diversity of our members, participants, partners,
staff, and volunteers. With that in mind we have made updates to our
registration process effective November 1, 2021. Here are the changes you can
expect to see and some answers to some common questions.
For New Members
For those signing up as new members of Atlanta Track Club,
or those registering for an Atlanta Track Club event via our registration
platform, haku, the following gender choices are available:
·
Male
·
Female
·
Non-binary
·
Prefer not to say
Members or participants may choose any of the above when
creating their profile. That choice will carry over to all future
registrations.
For Renewing or
Existing Members
Current memberships will automatically renew on January 1,
2022. If you would like to update your gender, you may log into your haku
account beginning on December 2 and
do so. Atlanta Track Club will be sending detailed instructions to all members
with instructions on how to make changes to their haku profile. This change
will carry over all existing and future race registrations.
What do the new
categories mean?
The additional "non-binary" category is meant for all
non-cisgender who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, agender or gender
expansive. Those who do not wish to share their gender identity can choose
"prefer not to say."
Can minors under the
age of 18 change their gender?
Parents or guardians may change the gender of minors on
their dual or family memberships. Minors with individual memberships should
have a parent or guardian contact questions@atlantatrackclub.org
to have their gender updated.
How will this change
awards and results?
Beginning in 2022, Atlanta Track Club races will feature
male, female and non-binary overall and age group divisions. These will be
displayed in results and in awards. In the case of a USATF Championship race
within an Atlanta Track Club event, only male and female divisions will be
eligible for awards and prize money. Participants who choose "prefer not to
say" during registration will appear in results but will not be eligible for
awards.
If I change my
gender, will it impact past results?
No. A change to a participant's gender will only effect
future events.
How will race shirts
and other sized-items be offered?
Shirts and other sized-items will be labeled as "men's fit"
and "women's fit." All sizes and fits will be available to all participants and
options will not be limited based on gender identity.