The 2026 Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race places runners in start waves based on verified results submitted in registration to ensure runner safety, create even distribution across the waves, and improve participant density from start to finish. These start waves will be assigned based on the standards below.
New in 2026, a time range will be used for placement within start waves blocks. Waves will be filled evenly within the time standards. Runners who are within the time range are guaranteed a wave placement with the start wave block (for example: Waves E-H). As in previous years, a 5K or 10K time may be submitted for placement from any Atlanta Track Club or USATF certified race.
No, only 5K or 10K times can be submitted for wave placement. Splits from longer races are not accepted.
When will I receive my wave assignment?
Wave assignments will be sent via email starting on June 2. During registration, participants will choose whether to be automatically matched to their best verified Atlanta Track Club 5K or 10K result on record from January 1, 2024 to March 29, 2026, or to submit a different result from a different race within the same date range. If a time cannot be verified, participants will be contacted up to 3 times to correct the verification issue.
What races can I use for qualifying?
Any Atlanta Track Club or USATF certified 5K or 10K from 2024 - March 29, 2026 can be used for wave seeding. Races run after March 29, 2026 will not be accepted. Click Here for a partial list of qualifying races
When will I see my verified time? Can it be updated?
In early May, Atlanta Track Club will email all registered participants with verification of your best 5K or 10K performance at an Atlanta Track Club event between January 1, 2024 and March 29, 2026 or the race result that you submitted. If we are unable to verify the performance or if you prefer to submit a different result from a USATF certified 5K or 10K during that same time period, you will be able to submit those results for verification and wave placement at that time. Race times achieved after March 29, 2026 will not be accepted.
