ATLANTA — As thousands of runners prepare to hoof through the heart of Atlanta on July 4th, organizers of the AJC Peachtree Road Race must ensure the course is in shape.
On Thursday, Atlanta's 55th running of its annual Independence Day tradition will take place on busy streets, which are subject to potholes and metal plates.
Several days before the race, Buckhead resident Angela Williams pointed to several metal plates on Peachtree Road near Peachtree Place.
“If you’re running and you don’t place your foot correctly, you’ll trip over and fall,” said Williams.
For months ahead of the race, the Atlanta Track Club has been working with the City of Atlanta to examine the race course from Buckhead to Piedmont Park, searching for any tripping hazards that might impede runners and wheelchair athletes.
“It starts in the early spring with some initial ride-throughs with our course director, the Public Works Department and the Department of Transportation to identify areas of construction, potholes, etc.,” said Race Director Rich Kenah.
As Atlanta gets closer to July 4th, the examinations of Peachtree increase.
“Our wheelchair athletes are moving very quickly, so we want to make sure it is as pristine as possible,” said Kenah.
Crews removed the metal plates on Peachtree well before race time.
Overall, Williams says she is impressed with the condition of Atlanta’s most well-known street.
“Overall, I think it’s pretty good,” said Williams. “It’s the best shape I’ve seen it in terms of getting potholes fixed.”
Kenah said the Track Club and the City will work until race day to seek and destroy any hazards that try to disrupt an Atlanta tradition. The race kicks off on July 4 at 7 a.m.