ATLANTA -- May 20, 2022 -- This year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road
Race returns to normal. One day. In person. No COVID-detecting dogs at the Expo.
But very little, anywhere, has resumed exactly as it was
before the pandemic struck - that's why it's called the "new normal".
Falling under that category, Peachtree registration
re-opened on May 20, weeks after what has always been the last chance to be
part of the world's largest 10K.
"We've been reminding runners, walkers and all Atlantans
this year that the Peachtree is for everyone," said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta
Track Club and race director of the Peachtree. "This is us doubling down on
that promise."
When the Club's customer service team continued to receive a
steady stream of requests to participate in the July 4 race even after lottery registration
closed on March 31, it began to wonder: Was the early deadline still serving
the citizens of Running City USA?
"What we learned is that thanks to COVID, people wait to
make plans," said Kenah. "We want to be able to accommodate those people and
welcome them back to Peachtree so they can keep their Fourth of July tradition
alive, or maybe experience this iconic event for the first time."
Registration will remain open until June 4, one month before
the Peachtree. There is no lottery and anyone who registers will be entered.
However, membership in Atlanta Track Club still has its benefits. Members will
pay $42 throughout the registration period. Non-member registration will start
at $50, and the price will increase throughout the 15-day period. Registration is underway now at ajc.com/peachtree.
The Club has also begun to discuss 2023, when it expects to
implement a bigger registration window.
Kenah understands that a May-June registration for the
Peachtree is a radical shift. "Our general philosophy is not to change
Peachtree traditions," he said. "But this change will allow us to introduce the
event to a new audience, which of course allows the Peachtree to continue to grow
for years to come."