Everything you need to know about the 2026 Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race

Atlanta’s biggest Fourth of July tradition returns Saturday as more than 50,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the 57th running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race.

Known as the world’s largest 10K, the annual event stretches from Buckhead to Midtown before finishing in Piedmont Park and once again serves as one of the city’s signature Independence Day celebrations.

Race information

Event: 57th Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race

Date: Saturday, July 4

Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)

Start: Lenox Square, Buckhead

Finish: Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta

The elite wheelchair race begins first, followed by the elite women’s and men’s fields. The first participant wave starts at 6:50 a.m. EDT, with additional corrals beginning approximately every five minutes through about 8:30 a.m. Organizers recommend runners arrive by 6:15 a.m.

TV and streaming

The race will air live in the Atlanta market on Atlanta News First (WANF), with coverage also available through the station’s digital platforms and streaming apps.

Radio

There is no official national radio broadcast. Local traffic, race updates and transportation information will be available through Atlanta-area radio stations throughout the morning.

Weather

Runners should prepare for another hot and humid Peachtree. Forecasts call for temperatures climbing into the mid-90s during the afternoon, with race organizers placing the event under a Red Flag Alert because of potentially dangerous heat. An isolated afternoon thunderstorm is also possible after most participants finish.

The course

The iconic 6.2-mile course begins outside Lenox Square in Buckhead and heads south almost entirely along Peachtree Road and Peachtree Street before finishing inside Piedmont Park.

Along the way, runners tackle the famous Cardiac Hill climb before enjoying a downhill finish into Midtown. Water stations are located approximately every mile.

Transportation

Atlanta Track Club strongly recommends using MARTA.

MARTA begins service at 4 a.m.
Lenox Station provides the easiest access to the starting area.
Midtown and Arts Center stations offer the closest access to the finish area.
Participant parking is extremely limited, making MARTA or rideshare services the preferred options.

Road closures

Drivers should expect widespread closures across Buckhead and Midtown.

Portions of Peachtree Road near Lenox Square closed beginning July 3.
The race course along Peachtree Road closes beginning around 5 a.m. Saturday.
Roads will gradually reopen beginning around 9:30 a.m., with full reopening expected by late morning.

Packet pickup

Participants who did not receive their bib by mail must pick it up at the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo at Lenox Square. There is no race-day bib pickup, and participants must present a valid ID and confirmation information.

Fun facts

The Peachtree Road Race is recognized as the world’s largest 10K.
More than 50,000 runners are expected to participate in 2026.
The event dates back to 1970 and has become one of Atlanta’s most recognizable annual traditions.
Every finisher receives the coveted official Peachtree T-shirt, one of the most recognizable race shirts in road running.
The race is being held during America’s 250th birthday celebration, adding another layer of significance to this year’s event.
EasySportz Publisher Jackson Fryburger will also be lacing up the running shoes, taking part from Group H simply to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. If you spot me along the course or after the finish, stop and say hello. The post-race plan? A well-earned beer (or two) at Park Tavern. USA! 🇺🇸