ATLANTA – July 19, 2018 – Just 50 weeks from today – on July 4, 2019 – Atlanta Track Club, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and the global running and walking community will celebrate the 50th running of the iconic AJC Peachtree Road Race, one of the city's greatest treasures.
Atlanta Track Club, organizer of the Peachtree, announced its 50-week celebration and the countdown to race day by unveiling the event logo and announcing three major initiatives to mark the milestone.
In keeping with the theme of all things 50, a registered lottery entrant or Atlanta Track Club member participant from every state will be awarded a complimentary roundtrip airfare to Atlanta on Delta Air Lines, the official airline partner of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. These 50 visitors will be provided with a personalized 10K training plan designed specifically for the Peachtree and treated to a “50 at the 50th” VIP Atlanta and AJC Peachtree Road Race experience that includes an exclusive pre and post-race party.
“The Peachtree draws participants from around the world but has been and will continue to be an Independence Day tradition that is largely driven by Atlanta area runners and walkers,” said Rich Kenah, Executive Director of Atlanta Track Club and Race Director of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. “In its 50th year, we are committed to making this a true nationwide celebration with people from across the country gathering right here in Running City USA.” Members of Atlanta Track Club receive guaranteed entry into the 50th AJC Peachtree Road Race. Non-members register for remaining slots via a lottery. Member and lottery registration open in March.
Atlanta Track Club also announced changes to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Peachtree Junior. Held annually since 1987, this “Peachtree for kids” has traditionally been held in May but will move to July 3rd in 2019. Kids 14 and under will run on 10th Street before entering the meadow at Piedmont Park. “Adding the Peachtree Junior to Peachtree week allows the next generation of runners to cross the same finish line that 60,000 people reach on July 4,” said Kenah. “The AJC Peachtree Road Race has always been a family event and this ensures that every member of the family has a way to celebrate health and fitness at the world’s largest 10K.” Registration for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Peachtree Junior opens in early 2019.
Finally, Atlanta Track Club released the first installment of the Peachtree 50 – a collection of 50 stories spanning 50 weeks that will celebrate a different aspect of the race’s history, legacy and importance to the city. The first story in the series – an in-depth look at the relationship between the race and the city of Atlanta –can be found at Peachtree50.com. New stories will be published every Thursday through July 4, 2019.
“This is just the beginning of our Peachtree 50th birthday celebrations,” said Shawn Hardister, Chair of Atlanta Track Club’s Board of Directors. “Our organization prides itself in putting on the best running events in the United States and we are looking forward to sharing plenty of exciting news as we get closer to race day.” For the latest news on the 50th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race, visit atlantatrackclub.org and follow Atlanta Track Club and the AJC Peachtree Road Race on Twitter at @atltrackclub and @ajcprr. You can also follow and use the hashtag #ajcprr50.