ATLANTA — UPDATE: The remainder of the race for runners still out on the course was canceled just after 10:40 a.m. with a black flag alert indicating extreme heat.
It also means runners still at Piedmont Park need to depart.
The elite races finished earlier in the morning, as did most of the initial waves of runners.
Original story below
Atlanta, get ready! The 55th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race is almost here.
More than 50,000 runners will take to the streets of Atlanta on Thursday, July 4, for the World's Largest 10K race.
Here's everything you need to know about the big day, whether you're running or cheering someone on. More information can also be found in the 36-page participant instructions.
What's the course of the AJC Peachtree Road Race?
The AJC Peachtree Road Race is 10 kilometers, or 6.2 miles long. It starts at the intersection of Lenox Parkway and Peachtree Road in Buckhead and winds its way south to finish at the intersection of Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street at Piedmont Park in Midtown.
It will be hot!
Participants and cheerleaders can count on heat and humidity during this year's race. In fact, a heat advisory will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday across metro Atlanta. So, especially if you're running, stay hydrated, wear light and breathable clothes and listen to your body - a PR isn't worth heat stroke! Water stations will be available approximately every mile.
The 11Alive Weather Impact Team is monitoring conditions for the start of the race. Get updates here.
How can virtual runners submit times?
While the majority of racers will be right here in the heart of Atlanta, thousands will be joining virtually from home, wherever that may be. Virtual participants must complete their race and submit their results between July 2 and 5 at noon, according to the Atlanta Track Club. All virtual registrants will receive an email with information on how to submit their results. And be sure to print a virtual race bib!
Road closures
The World's Largest 10K brings annual road closures throughout the city. Peachtree Road between Lenox Road and Lenox Parkway will close at midnight on the Fourth of July, according to the AJC. Starting at 4:30 a.m., Atlanta police will close these streets in Buckhead:
- Peachtree Rd. from Lenox Rd. to Peachtree Dunwoody Rd.
- Around Lenox Rd. from Peachtree Road to Lenox Rd.
- Lenox Rd. from Peachtree Rd. to Ferncliff Rd.
- Buckhead Loop from Peachtree Rd. to GA 400
- Phipps Blvd. from Buckhead Loop to Wieuca Rd.
- Wieuca Rd. from Old Ivy Rd. to Roxboro Rd.
- Roxboro Rd. from Kingsboro Rd. to Peachtree Dunwoody Rd.
- Prichard Rd. from Roxboro Rd. to Oak Valley Rd.
- Lakeside Rd. from Pritchard Rd. to Kingsboro Rd.
- Kingsboro Rd. from Roxboro Rd. to Lenox Rd.
- Oak Valley Rd. from Peachtree Rd. to E. Paces Ferry Rd.
The area will reopen by 8:30 a.m. once all racers have started. Once the start area is secured, APD will close off all traffic crossing Peachtree between Lenox Square and 10th Street. A stretch of 10th Street between Charles Allen and Monroe Drive is already closed, and post-race events will be held there.
Here are a few more closures to keep in mind:
- 10th Street from Myrtle to Charles Allen, 2:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 10th Street from Peachtree to Myrtle, 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Monroe Drive from Kanuga to Virginia, 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 8th Street from Monroe to Peachtree, 7:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Peachtree Place from Peachtree St. to West Peachtree, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Can I take MARTA to get there?
Yes! According to the AJC, you can take the train to the Lenox or Buckhead stations beginning at 4 a.m. on race day. The gold line is the best way to reach the start waves near Lenox Station. You can transfer to that line at Lindbergh Center Station or take the nonstop shuttle buses from Lindbergh to Lenox. The red line to North Springs station will also be open and will exit on Peachtree Street, but the AJC and MARTA say this route is less convenient.
The Atlanta Streetcar will also run 8:15 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
What will the shirt look like?
It's a surprise! While the finalist designs have been announced, the winning shirt won't be revealed until the first person crosses the finish line. Check out the contenders:
How can I watch the AJC Peachtree Road Race?
You've got a couple of options to watch the AJC Peachtree Road Race: line the street and cheer on the runners in person, or check out 11Alive's live coverage of the race on July 4, with pre-race coverage beginning at 4:30 a.m. on air, online, in the free 11Alive mobile app or on 11Alive's Roku and Amazon Fire TV apps.
Anchor Aisha Howard will be at the start line, while meteorologist Chesley McNeil and Atlanta’s traffic expert Crash Clark will be on Cardiac Hill.