This year I ran the Atlanta Track Club Thanksgiving Half Marathon for the first time ever! Usually I would go home early or I would be dealing with injuries around this time. At the beginning of the year, I made a goal that I would complete the Triple Peach Series (Peachtree Road Race, 10 Miler, and Thanksgiving Half Marathon). Thankfully, I can happily say that the goal was accomplished.
Since this was my first time running the Thanksgiving Half, it's time for the review...
Packet Pick Up
The packet pick was held at two Big Peach Running Store locations: Midtown and Alpharetta. I opted for Midtown since it closer to my home. Parking surprisingly was plentiful and pick up was quick. The good thing about being in the store is that you can get some last minute items and few impulse ones too.
Race Swag
This year we received white jackets for the half marathon. It beats getting another tee shirt and can be worn for many situations
The Race
The race started from Turner Field, which is easily accessible by Marta. Participants were also offered free parking. Lining up for the corrals was easy and then we off at our designated time. With the race being in Atlanta had no expectation of a flat course. The hills were out in full effect as always. We ran around Georgia Tech, through Atlantic Station, in Piedmont Park, and around the Old Fourth Ward and Oakland Cemetery. We ran many familiar routes for races such as Publix half, Hot Chocolate 15k and Jeff Galloway half. The race was about the same difficulty as the Publix half, but not as scenic.
My soul rejoiced when I reached the finish and I am not sure I will be back to run it again. I need my muscles to forget about all the hills before I make a decision. We received our Thanksgiving race finisher medal. As a Triple Peach Finisher, we received an additional medal, a shirt, and a pie.
Ultimate Peach
As if Triple Peach wasn't enough, Atlanta Track Club has created the Ultimate Peach for runners who complete the Triple Peach and the Publix Marathon in March 2017. Ultimate Peach here I come!!!