ATLANTA
- March 1, 2022 -- One of the designs below will be
seen on shirts across Atlanta and around the world this summer. Atlanta Track
Club, organizers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race,
revealed the five finalists for this year's T-shirt contest today. The winning
design will appear on the shirt given to all 60,000 finishers of the Peachtree
after they cross the finish line on July 4.
More than 100 designs were submitted for this
year's contest. A panel of judges from the Club and the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution narrowed it down to five. Starting today, the public can
vote on their favorite design by visiting ajc.com/peachtree.
Voting will remain open until March 31. The winning design and the color of the
shirt will remain a closely guarded secret until the first finisher arrives in
Piedmont Park on Independence Day. The winning designer of the contest will
receive a $1,000 prize.
"There is only one Peachtree," said Rich Kenah, race
director of the Peachtree and CEO of Atlanta Track Club. "And there is only one
shirt. Nothing matches what this race means to the city of Atlanta, and I look
forward to seeing which of these great designs gets runners and walkers most
excited for the Fourth of July."
While
the identity of the artists is not known to the panel during the selection
process, this year marks a Peachtree first. One artist, Russ Vann of Atlanta,
had two submissions selected. Additionally, Shay Harbaugh, who won the contest
in 2016, was also selected as a finalist.
The T-shirt contest has been a Peachtree
tradition since 1995. This year, for the first time, the Club and its footwear
and apparel partner, adidas, have committed to creating a shirt with no virgin
materials as both organizations work to make the Peachtree a more sustainable
event.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road
Race returns to its traditional format for the first time since 2019 this year.
Due to COVID-19, it was held virtually in 2020 and then spread over two days in
2021. Registration for the event is open March 15 - March 31. Members of
Atlanta Track Club are guaranteed entry. Everyone else will enter a lottery for
a chance to receive one of the remaining spots.
Finalist
Design Name: Burst of Energy
Artist: Shay Harbaugh
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Inspiration:
"I've attended the
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race as a spectator and the energy
the runners bring and how the crowd amplifies that energy inspired my design.
From the fun costumes worn by some runners to the roars and cheers of the
spectators, the Peachtree is an exciting and exhilarating experience. With
bright colors and fun, bold fonts - along with the ribbon and geometric shapes
to add movement - this design captures the energy and excitement of race day."
Design
Name: Sweet Americana
Artist:
Tony
Lombardo
Hometown:
Tallahassee,
FL (Johns Creek, GA transplant)
Inspiration: "My design was inspired by the return of
in-person races. A lot of us have been cooped up for the past two years, and
the AJC Peachtree Road Race is our coming out party. This event has always been
an opportunity to build community and celebrate our unique city on our nation's
birthday. This year, we will also be celebrating our return to normalcy. And we
get to finish the day with a new shirt!"
Artist:
Kara
Moreno
Hometown:
Monroe,
GA
Design
Name: Peachscape
Artist:
Russ
Vann
Hometown:
Atlanta,
GA
Inspiration: "I wanted to focus
this design on all the fun aspects that showcase the personality of the race.
From the participants to the iconic peach in the Atlanta skyline this 6.2 mile
adventure is a beloved tradition for Atlanta."
Design
Name: Peachtree Stars
Artist:
Russ
Vann
Hometown:
Atlanta,
GA
Inspiration: "I wanted to create a
design that included the essential elements of the race focusing on keeping it
simple with traditional Fourth of July colors."