ATLANTA -
August 19, 2020 --
The 51st Running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race will be held across
the country and around the world as the race moves to a completely virtual
event in 2020, Atlanta Track Club announced Wednesday. The Club, which
organizes the Peachtree, had previously postponed the event from July 4 to
Thanksgiving Day. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Club
concluded that a virtual race was the safest option for participants,
volunteers, staff, and the hundreds of city and state employees, many of whom
are first responders, who come together to help deliver the event to Atlanta
each year.
The
Virtual Running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race will still be held on
Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Participants can complete the 10K between the
hours of 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
"Atlanta
Track Club will deliver a virtual experience worthy of the Peachtree name to
ensure that runners and walkers feel the community, camaraderie and competition
of the world's largest 10K," said Rich Kenah, Executive Director of Atlanta
Track Club and Race Director of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. "As coronavirus
has spiked in recent weeks here in Georgia, we recognize that this decision is
the best and only responsible way forward."
"The
curve is no longer flattened and we have significant community spread of the
virus here in the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia," said Dr. Jonathan
Kim, the Peachtree's Co-Medical Director. "It is true that outdoor environments
are safer than indoor. That doesn't mean there is zero risk. You can't reliably
maintain social distancing when you are running a race even if you limit the
number of participants well below our usual 60,000."
Atlanta
Track Club will fill the remaining spots in the Virtual Running of the AJC
Peachtree Road Race on a first come, first served basis. Registration will open
on August 31 and remain open until the event sells out at its 60,000-person
capacity. Participants will have their race kit, including race numbers and
finisher's shirts, delivered to them by race partner UPS before Thanksgiving
Day. There will be no Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo. In yet another
first, the winning T-shirt design will be unveiled prior to race day. The Club
will also release an app this fall where participants can track their time,
upload GPS-driven results and measure their performances against other
participants, listen to the sounds of the Peachtree and share their race on
social media. All participants will also receive access to a complimentary
10-week Peachtree training plan.
As
the AJC Peachtree Road Race moves forward into its next 50 years, the race will
include a competitive division for high school runners. Prizes are available
for the fastest open, age-graded performances as well as for the top three
times in each age group. The top 500 women and top 500 men will also be
awarded.
Those
who had already registered for the Peachtree will be automatically placed into
the virtual event. Atlanta Track Club is not offering additional refunds or
deferrals. For a full list of FAQs, please click here.
Peachtree
Junior, which has now been scheduled for November 26 as well, will also be held
virtually. The race is open to children 14 and under.Registration
is open now
and all participants will receive a T-shirt, race number and medal via UPS
prior to race day.
Atlanta
Track Club has also unveiled the remainder of its 2020 race schedule. It
includes a mix of in-person, by-appointment and virtual events as the Club
works to deliver unique and safe experiences to Running City USA. The annual
PNC Atlanta 10 Miler, originally scheduled for October 18 at Atlantic Station,
will instead be held on November 1 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in
Braselton, Georgia. Participants will register for a specific time slot and the
race will be run throughout the day with no more than 25 runners and walkers
per wave.
"We
are excited to be able to offer a responsible in-person race that protects the
health and safety of all participants and volunteers," said Kenah. "Runners and
walkers looking to really test their toughness will love the challenge of the
extreme course familiar to race car fans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. It's
a safe bet that when the race returns to Atlanta in 2021, the hills of Midtown
and Buckhead will seem easy!"
A
virtual option is also available. Registration is open now.Click here for more details.
Beginning
this month, runners and walkers will have the opportunity to take part in three
virtual races, all of which are free to members of Atlanta Track Club and $10
for non-members as part of the Grand Prix Series presented by Piedmont
Healthcare. The races include a 4 Miler (August 27-30), a 3K Cross Country race
(September 25-27) and a 10K (October 16-18), which will provide an opportunity
to prepare for the Peachtree.
Separately,
a series of three virtual races for children 14 and under will kick off in
October. The Fall Youth Running Challenge features distances from the 40-yard
dash to the 5K as well as fun games and challenges for kids to take on with
their families.Registration is open now.
A
full calendar of events is below.
The
Atlanta's Finest 5K, Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD and Invesco QQQ
Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash will not be held in 2020.
The Wingfoot XC Classic will be an in-person event in 2020 with a modified
schedule and open to middle school and high school teams only.
Atlanta
Track Club Schedule of Events for Remainder of 2020
|
August 27-30 |
Virtual
only |
Free
to Atlanta Track Club Members $10
for non-members |
|
|
September
25-27 |
Virtual
only |
Free
to Atlanta Track Club Members $10
for non-members |
|
|
October
8-11 |
Open
to middle school, high school teams only. |
|
|
|
October
9-11 |
Virtual
only |
$20
for entire series |
|
|
October
16-18 |
Virtual
only |
Free
to Atlanta Track Club Members $10
for non-members |
|
|
October
23-25 |
Virtual
only |
$20
for entire series |
|
|
November
1 |
In-person/by
appointment and virtual options |
10
Miler: $65 5K:
$35 |
|
|
November
6-8 |
Virtual
only |
$20
for entire series |
|
|
November
26 |
Virtual
only |
$38
for Atlanta Track Club members $42
for non-members |
|
|
November
26 |
Virtual
Only |
Mile:
$15 Dash:
$10 |