2026 Top 5 Design Finalists
See the final designs below:
Artist: Grace Cho
Occupation: Creative Marketing Specialist
Design Title: Atlanta at Heart
About the Design: My design reimagines the peach, Atlanta's most recognizable symbol, as a heart formed by a winding road that begins in the heart of the city. For me, the Peachtree Road Race isn't just a route on pavement, it's a pulse. It starts in Atlanta and radiates through every neighborhood, every runner, every volunteer and every cheering spectator.
The heart-shaped road represents how deeply this race is woven into the spirit of the city. On race day, miles turn into memories. Strangers become encouragers. The streets transform into a celebration of resilience, unity and pride.
Artist: Jose Hadathy
Occupation: Manager, Creative Design at Atlanta United FC
Design Title: Look Closer, Atlanta
About the Design: In this design, Atlanta's landmarks spell out "Peachtree," challenging viewers to look closer at the skyline they think they know. This year's race is also a personal milestone for me. After a recent knee injury sidelined my lifelong passion for playing soccer, I am using my first-ever Peachtree Road Race as the finish line for my recovery. Professionally, I design retail collections for Atlanta United, and having the opportunity to design the Peachtree Road Race T-shirt during a World Cup year would truly be a dream come true.
Artist: Lydia Sweeney
Occupation: Design Director, Ampersand
Design Title: It's Always Peachy in Atlanta
About the Design: The Peachtree has been a Sweeney tradition since the early 80s. As both a runner and a spectator, I am always inspired by the joy and community the race brings. I commute into ATL sometimes and illustrated the moment I see the city skyline, still surrounded by trees. There's a lot of positive energy on race day (even on the 6 a.m. MARTA) which influenced the colors, movement and texture in my design.
Artist: Dyan Szall
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Title: We the Peaches
About the Design:
As an artist, designer and runner, creating the Peachtree Road Race shirt has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Born and raised in Marietta, my family and I have run the Peachtree almost every year since I was 12. Now, I can't imagine a July 4 without fighting for my life on Cardiac Hill, getting a picture in front of my alma mater, SCAD, and stopping for a few beers just to get a juicy peach and a T-shirt at the finish.
For me, the best part of the race is after the hills when you get to 17th St. and you can relax a little in the shade of the tree-line and the Midtown skyline. This is the feeling I wanted to evoke in my design. For America's 250th, the U.S. Constitution replaces asphalt on Peachtree Rd. and forms Cardiac Hill. Trees and iconic Atlanta buildings cascade from Buckhead to Midtown to Piedmont Park. We the Peaches celebrates the community we build on Peachtree Road every July 4th — the runners, the walkers, the supporters and the volunteers. From the start under the flag to the finish line, it champions the inclusivity of freedom and justice for all.
Artist: Russ Vann
Occupation: Creative Director
Design Title: Big Peach Classic
About the Design: My design, "Big Peach Classic", celebrates Atlanta's most iconic race with elements inspired by one of the city's nicknames and the patriotic energy of July 4th. As a runner who has participated in the race for many years, I wanted to create something that felt classic and simple. The big peach gives a nod to the nickname, while the other colors, stars, and stripes honor the July 4th race tradition and the upcoming America 250 celebration.