Just two days remain until the running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race. More than 50,000 runners from across the metro — and around the world — are expected to gather for the 57th running of the “world’s largest 10K.”
The Peachtree Health Expo is already underway and young runners are preparing for Friday’s Peachtree Junior races.
Atlanta police and fire officials on Thursday urged people to take precautions amid expected high temperatures during the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race.
"The primary concern for this weekend is the extreme heat," Atlanta fire Chief Roderick Smith said, during a news conference at Lennox Square. Heat-related collapses often start with forgetting to hydrate long before the event, Smith said. He also advised runners to limit alcohol and caffeine.
Some fire stations will double as "hydration stations" along the race's path, Smith said. The fire department aims to have personnel along the entire race in addition to its bolstered presence from the World Cup already in place, Smith added.
"If you feel fatigued, please listen to your mind and stop what you are doing," he said.
Atlanta police will have over 500 officers assigned to the race festivities, according to Chief Darin Schierbaum.
The Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Publix, is now open at Lenox Square, and while the event is an opportunity for runners to pick up their race numbers for Saturday’s race, the event has a lot more to offer.
“Participants want more than a start-to-finish-line experience,” Atlanta Track Club CEO Rich Kenah said. “We’re creating a vibrant hub where runners can connect, dine, shop and preview their start before race day. It’s about making Peachtree a full celebration, not just a single-morning event.”
The expo continues (in air-conditioned tents!) today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Atlanta Track Club members can get in an hour early.
Get all the details on vendors, entertainment and more in our Expo Guide.
The days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday will keep high temperatures blasting into the 90s, a heat index pushing “feels-like” temps into the 100s and possible scattered storms.
During the Peachtree Road Race, temperatures will be in the upper 70s to mid-80s depending on when you start and finish that morning. By 11 a.m., Atlanta will be at 90 degrees.
The Atlanta Track Club says a red flag is the highest alert level before event cancellation.
Drink lots of water during the race and remember that you can take walking breaks.
“We encourage all participants to arrive prepared, have a race plan that accounts for the weather, and prioritize their health and safety above performance goals,” the track club said in a news release.
For more than 50 years, the Peachtree Road Race has been the city’s signature running event. Let New York and Boston have their marathons — the Peachtree’s 10K distance ensures this race is for everyone, from world-class runners to people participating in their first running event. And that inclusivity is what has made the Peachtree Road Race the largest 10K event in the world.
From picking up your race number to details on the postrace Chill Zone, our Peachtree Road Race Go Guide has you covered.