Before the fireworks, before the backyard barbecues and family gatherings, tens of thousands of people gathered on Peachtree Road for one of Atlanta’s most enduring Fourth of July traditions.
The 57th Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race brought more than 56,000 registered runners and walkers to the streets of Atlanta on Saturday morning, with participants traveling from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and more than 30 countries to take part in the world’s largest 10K.
The morning also marked a new chapter for the race as Northside Hospital was welcomed as the event’s title sponsor.
Mayor Andre Dickens was on hand for his fifth consecutive year as honorary starter, helping send wave after wave of runners onto the course after welcoming participants from the start line. The morning began with the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division and Handcycle Division races, followed by the Presentation of the Colors, the National Anthem and a military flyover before the elite runners and the main field took off.
In his remarks, the Mayor welcomed Northside Hospital as the race’s new sponsor and thanked the Atlanta Track Club, volunteers, sponsors and the City’s public safety teams for the months of planning that make the event possible each year. He also wished every participant “a perfect race” before joining runners in Wave C.
Behind the scenes, hundreds of City employees worked throughout the morning to keep the event running safely and smoothly. Teams from the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Atlanta E-911, Grady EMS and other City departments supported road closures, public safety operations, medical response and race logistics from the first arrivals before sunrise until the final runners crossed the finish line.
For many Atlantans, the Peachtree Road Race is as much a part of the Fourth of July as fireworks. Some come to chase a personal record, others to walk with friends and family, and many simply to be part of an Atlanta tradition that has brought the community together for 57 years.
As another successful race came to a close, the streets of Peachtree gave way to the rest of the day’s Independence Day celebrations—but not before once again reminding everyone why this race remains one of the city’s most iconic annual events.
