ATLANTA — The 55th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race will bring reminiscing and grief for a group of friends who have graced the Fourth of July with colorful costumes for 20 years.
Shawn Matthews was the driving force behind the many clever outfits worn by as many as 20 people as they traversed the 10,000-meter Peachtree. This year, many of those same people will run in memory of their friend.
“Coming out and really showing support for someone we all loved and cared tremendously about,” said friend Danny Wiley.
A hit-and-run driver killed the 36-year-old Matthews in Boca Raton, Florida. Friends said Matthews loved taking part in Atlanta’s Fourth of July tradition and led the process of choosing costumes for him and his friends.
“Shawn was the brains behind everything,” Kenny Bishop, a friend, said. “He took pride in all of us having a good time.”
Over the years, the group has dressed as fighter jets, U.S. monuments and a MARTA train. Friends said Shawn Matthews wanted any and all to take part.
“His goal was to get as many people together as possible,” Bobby Ralston, another friend, said. “It didn’t matter how much work it took on his end.”
“He could have the worse costume,” said friend Andrew Huddleston. “He was like, ‘I don’t care, my buddies are here.’”
Shawn’s spirit will remain a part of Peachtree. This year, the costumes will be replaced with t-shirts bearing the words “Live Shawn.”
“We’re kind of cried out, to be honest,” said friend Mikee McGuire. “We’ll just try to have as much fun as possible. He would be mad if we weren’t having a good time.”
Every July Fourth, Shawn Matthews had as much fun as possible. To honor him, his friends will keep the tradition alive, covering Peachtree Street with memories, tears and smiles.