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.