ATLANTA -- March 1, 2021 - Five local graphic designers are vying for the opportunity to hold an important place in AJC Peachtree Road Race history. One of their designs will appear on the front of this year's finishers shirt at what promises to be one of the most memorable editions of the 52-year-old event.
The
finalists for the AJC Peachtree Road Race T-Shirt Contest were selected by
judges representing Atlanta Track Club and title partner the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution. Now, the Peachtree community will have the opportunity to
vote for their favorite design at ajc.com/peachtree. Voting begins today and
will remain open through March 31. Anyone may vote up to once per day during
the voting window. The winning design and the color of the shirt will be
revealed on Peachtree weekend in July in keeping with the event's long-standing
tradition.
"A
lot has changed over the last year," said Rich Kenah, the Peachtree's race
director. "The AJC Peachtree Road Race T-Shirt contest has not. In fact, this
year's submissions were some of the strongest we have ever received."
Designs
are featured below. This year's group features two returning finalists. Stephen
Mullinax of Atlanta, was a finalist in the 2020 contest. Russ Vann was a
finalist in 2018. All five finalists say they plan to sign up for the Peachtree
when registration opens on March 15. One of them, Mark Singletary, has not
missed a Peachtree since 1998. Another, Leah Knighton, will be running for the
first time while Matt Vogel will be running for the first time since 2015. Besides
having their artwork on the shirt worn proudly by all finishers, the winning
designer will get $1,000 from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The
52nd Running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race will be held on July 3
and 4, 2021. The 10K race begins at Lenox Square and ends at Piedmont Park. The
two-day format of the event will allow for social distancing and other
mitigation measures designed to keep participants safe. No participant capacity
has been announced, but it is expected to be below the race's historic capacity
of 60,000 people. Other COVID-19 safety precautions such as face coverings,
health screenings and limited-contact aid stations will also be enforced.
Race
participants will select their choice of race day during registration which
will be open March 15 - May 1 at ajc.com/peachtree. Members of Atlanta Track
Club receive guaranteed entry and priority race day selection. Non-members will
enter through a lottery system. A virtual Peachtree is available with
guaranteed entry for all until capacity is reached.
Finalists
Artist: Leah Knighton
Residence: Lithonia
Design Title: Keep Up That Peachtree Pace
Inspiration: My brother, Zach, was the
person that inspired me to enter this contest. He believed I had the ability to
win it and I wanted to do it for him. My inspiration for this design is my
pride in Georgia. I wanted it to be simple but still show the key things that
we associate with our state. I wanted to include a road design that went
through the whole state outline. Peachtree street and Peachtree road really
embody how I perceive Atlanta. The area is filled with diversity, art, history,
and community.
Artist: Stephen Mullinax
Residence: Atlanta
Design Title: Reignited
Inspiration: This year I wanted to celebrate that the race is back and better than ever. The phoenix has long been a symbol of Atlanta and represents our city's ability to rise above challenging times with strength and resilience
Artist: Mark Singletary
Residence: Atlanta
Design Title: Hermes Dropped His Peach
Inspiration: A fun, retro design that captures the energy of the day. It's a little
goofy to run 6 miles with 60,000 folks: the t-shirt should reflect that.
Artist: Russ Vann
Residence: Atlanta
Design Title: Peach for the Stars
Inspiration: Inspiration for my design
came from wanting to showcase a peach. I wanted to use the elements of a
classic peach, but give the design some fun.
Artist: Matthew Vogel
Residence: Cumming
Design Title: The Great Peach State
Inspiration: The great community of Atlanta comes out to support those running and
walking, cheering on the runners every step of the way. With this design I
wanted to use bright colors alongside a more playful kind of illustration that
gave the design that same embracing feeling that we share each year in the
heart of the great peach state.