The Peachtree Road Race 10K

Next Monday, July 4th, the US's largest 10K, the Peachtree 10K, will take place in Atlanta Georgia. This race's history goes back to 1970 when it started with 110 runners. By 1974 there were 765 finishers, 6500 runners in 1977, over 20000 in 1979, and in 1980 they decided to limit the race to 25000. It stayed that way through the 80's and the race was having to close its registration earlier and earlier each year. Finally, they reorganized the race in 1990 with staggered time groups, and opened the field to 40000. In 1998, 55000 runners were admitted.

This Peachtree 10K page has some interesting facts about this race: The men's course record is 27:04 set in 1996. The women's course record was also set that year with a time of 30:52. As you would expect, the temperatures are always warm. The coolest starting temperatures on race day was 62°F in 1986 and 1989. The warmest was 80°F in 6 of the past 35 races.

I'll be posting many more facts and stats about this race in the coming days.