Elite High School Division - Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race 

The Tradition Continues in 2026

The third Annual Elite High School Division of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race hosted by Atlanta Track Club will give the best distance runners in Georgia the chance to experience professional road-racing firsthand. The top 36 runners from across the state will line up next to the sport's best at the World's Largest 10K on July 4. The two-day immersive experience will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional distance runner and the opportunity to race against their peers on one of road-racing's biggest stages.


Date

  • July 3-4, 2026

Locations

  • The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Hotel - Pre-Race Dinner and More
  • Lenox Square - Expo, Press Conferences, Starting Line
  • Piedmont Park - Finish Line

Cost

  • Free to selected athletes
  • Participation is by invitation only

The Experience

Each participating athlete will be treated as a professional including the following experiences:
  • Athlete luncheon, briefing and welcome at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta hotel
  • Equipment fitting at the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race Expo presented by Publix
  • Complimentary professional uniform kit courtesy of adidas including adizero adios Pro 4 racing shoes
  • Engagement with professional athletes at the pre-race press conference
  • Answering questions from the press and/or public at the high school athlete panel
  • Pre-race banquet with the professional field at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta hotel
  • Inclusion at the pre-race technical meeting with the professional field
  • Opportunity to meet and talk with the professional athletes
  • Access to professional athlete wellness services and hospitality before and after the race
  • Access to the professional athlete warmup area the morning of the race
  • Begin the race at the front of the main field with the professional men's field next to them and more than 55,000 runners behind them!
  • Compete in the 56th Running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race in the High School Elite division
  • Post-race hospitality at the finish line with the elite field
  • Optional bus service to return to the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta hotel
  • Please note: A hotel room for the night of July 3 is not included, but rooms will be available at a reduced rate for those interested. Discounted hotel options, including the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta will be released soon.
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How to Qualify

The top 18 non-senior boy distance runners and the top 18 non-senior girl distance runners residing in the state of Georgia will be selected to join the field based on the following considerations:

  • Athlete must be in the graduating class of 2027, 2028 or 2029
  • Automatic selection if athlete is named to the Atlanta Track Club All-Metro Cross Country Team
  • Exceptional performances at high-level cross country meets during the 2025 season such as the Wingfoot XC Classic
  • Top performances on the track during the 2026 season in the 1600m and 3200m
  • Athlete must compete on an organized high school team within an organization such as the GHSA or GIAA, GAPPS, etc.

July 4 Schedule

All times are approximate and will be updated as the event approaches

4:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.

Arrive at InterContinental

5:45 a.m.

Depart For Elite Warmup Area

7:00 a.m.

High School Elite Race Begins

7:50 a.m.

All Athletes in the Hospitality Area

7:55 a.m.

Post-Race Interviews

8:00 a.m.

Awards Ceremony

8:30 a.m.

Athletes Depart With Parents

9:15 a.m.

Final Bus Returns to InterContinental

Event Sponsors

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Become a Member

Atlanta Track Club members receive access to exclusive races and events, discounts on all of the Club's events and programs and benefits from our partners. They also get guaranteed entry, the lowest price for the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race and preferred wave placement in the Peachtree. Become a member today!

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