I did it! I completed the 2024 Peachtree Road Race. The Peachtree Road Race is the largest 10k and is always hosted on July 4. It is a great way to kick off Independence Day before you head to a BBQ. I have lost count how many times I have run the race. This year was hot, but I was able to finish the race before it was cancelled due to the rising temperatures. This race was a labor of love of 12 weeks of training and one trip down Peachtree Street. Let's take a walk down memory lane for the race recap.
In-Training for Peachtree (12 weeks before the race)
This year training returned to Fleet Feet Decatur for the first time since 2019. I love being in my neighborhood. No long traveling to another location and terrain familiarity helps with running all the hills. I enjoyed being a Run Lead for the interval 12 min pace group. I led an awesome group of runners. They were dedicated and a joy to run with this season.
Peachtree Road Race Expo (1 day before the race)
The Peachtree Road Race expo is one of my favorites. There are plenty of vendors, free food, and photo props. The expo is always held at the Georgia World Congress Center, which is easily accessible from the MARTA train station.
Atlanta Track Club members were able to attend the expo an hour before the general public. I had a busy day so I decided to go during the early member hour to pick up my bib. Packet pick up was quick. I visited the Adidas, the official shoe sponsor of the Atlanta Track Club, area and all the vendors. I didn't purchase anything, but I had fun catching up with friends and taking pictures. Since I served as a Run Lead I was able to join Corral E (one of the many Run Lead Perks). My original corral was G, which was based off my 2022 Peachtree finisher time (1:18:00+).
Race Day (the Start Line)
I ran the Peachtree this year for Team Beef. Similar to past years, I rode the MARTA from the Chamblee station to Lennox Mall. I met friends at our normal spot at Publix. It was humid early in the morning and I was sweating before the race started. I made up my mind, that I was going to finish and hit all the sprinklers to the finish line. I enjoyed every step of the race and finished in 1:16:40, six minutes slower than last year.
This year's finisher shirt was blue with a fun graphic. I ran in Adidas shoes so I could get a commemorative Peachtree Road Race towel to add to my collection (it was only given to runners in Adidas shorts). I collected all the post race snacks, peaches, and visited the Atlanta Track Club members party before I headed back to the MARTA in the epic uphill march.
As always, I enjoyed the race. Running is a gift that I never take for granted. I am looking forward to next year's race.
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