For some, the Fourth of July means backyard cookouts, days at the beach, or finding respite from the summer heat by lounging in the lake. For 60,000 others, America’s Independence Day means running, walking and celebrating down Atlanta’s main thoroughfare at the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Each of these participants (including many Mizuno staff and family members) cross the same start and finish line. However, each member of the country’s largest road race has a different motivation for heading to Atlanta, Georgia on July 4th.
What motivates them?
Sean started running to lose weight so he could safely donate his kidney to his brother. They now run Peachtree together.
Bridget, a native Atlantan and University of Georgia Bulldog, toes the line in the Elite field, competing for Atlanta Track Club Elite and the USATF 10K Championships.
Jean-Luc was allured to the city because of the race. After searching the Southeast for his next new home, the dream of finishing the world’s largest 10K cemented his decision to move to Atlanta.
Metty ran her first AJC Peachtree Road Race at 75, determined to finish despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014.
Kathleen reunites with friends each year at the AJC Peachtree Road Race because it’s the coolest race of the year and a great kick-off for the holiday.
Cal continues the tradition or participating with his dad and siblings. Plus it’s the best, happiest, and sometimes fastest way to take a tour through the heart of Atlanta.
Stella and Alec run because Independence Day is about being free. Running allows them to exercise this freedom while also feeling united with 60,000 others making the same trip down Peachtree.
These participants have shared their stories. What’s yours?
Join Mizuno, Atlanta Track Club and 60,000 of your closest friends this Fourth of July for the World’s Largest 10K. Lottery registration for the AJC Peachtree Road Race is open March 15-22 at AJC.com/peachtree.