Photo Feature: Peachtree Road Race

By Ashley Sankey, Education Facilitator and Digital Storytelling Administrative Assistant

What comes to mind when you think of summer? Is it barbecue, the beach or your favorite fair or festival? In Atlanta, another renowned tradition is recognized across the state and worldwide every July 4 — the Peachtree Road Race.

View of runners during the Peachtree Road Race on Peachtree Road in Atlanta. Cotten Alston, Cotten Alston Photographs, Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

Founded by Georgia State University cross country coach and Dean of Men Tim Singleton, the Peachtree Road Race began on July 4, 1970. Since those first 110 participants gathered, the race has become an Independence Day tradition in Atlanta.

Participants run down the street during the Peachtree Road Race. Marion Johnson, Marion Johnson Photographs, Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

Originally starting in the parking lot of Sears and Roebuck on the corner of Peachtree and Roswell roads and finishing — near, then in, Central City Park (now known as Woodruff Park), the Peachtree Road Race stretched across 6.2 miles of Atlanta streets and offered a course accessible to runners and spectators.

Spectators stand near the starting line along Peachtree Street, watching the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. Marion Johnson, Marion Johnson Photographs, Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

Almost every year since the first starting pistol was fired, the race has unveiled new opportunities for enthusiasm and inclusivity for its participants.

Crowds during the Peachtree Road Race on Peachtree Road in Atlanta. Cotten Alston, Cotten Alston Photographs, Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

From t-shirt design contests and the wheelchair division to the Peachtree Junior, which welcomes Atlanta’s youngest runners, each addition builds on the foundation Singleton created more than 50 years ago, encouraging Atlantans to discover the art of running.

A runner enjoys a cooling shower after the Peachtree Road Race. Cotten Alston, Cotten Alston Photographs, Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

Today, the race begins at Lenox Square and ends at Piedmont Park, offering diverse terrain and unique celebrations for all 60,000 participants.

Explore Album for more photographs that uncover the legacy of Dr. Tim Singleton and Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race.