Courtesy of AJC Peachtree Road Race Magazine
One hundred fifty thousand people cram the sidewalks of Peachtree Road to enjoy the world’s largest 10K. If you’re going to be one of them, you’ll need to pick your spot and pick it early. Our recommendations: Find a place where you can obtain refreshments, shade and, of course, a good view of the course. Here’s where to start:
Mile One
The place where it all starts—the center of Buckhead shopping. If you’re watching the race in this part of town, you’ll get to see the monstrous start crowds. Cool off while your friends line up at the start by having a bagel and an iced java at a local coffee house, or scope out all the luxury shopping you can do later.
Mile Two
Top recommendations for getting the true crowd feel are watching the race where West Paces Ferry, Peachtree and Roswell roads meet. Further down mile two, you’ll find The Cathedral of St. Philip, known for hosting race-day events and for being the site where Dean Sam Candler sprinkles Peachtree runners with holy water.
Mile Three
Shop and watch. Good locations for watching mile three of the race are at the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center and Piedmont Hospital, where music is playing while runners conquer “Cardiac Hill.”
Mile Four
In mile four, it’s all about the business of getting down the course toward the finish line and recovering from the workout of “Cardiac Hill.” This section attracts spectators from the surrounding residential areas and from the local dining and drinking establishments.
Mile Five
The race really becomes a spectator sport thronged by massive crowds after Peachtree crosses I-85 heading south toward the Woodruff Arts Center and the restaurants of Colony Square and Midtown.
Mile Six (and the .2)
Positioned here, you can watch all the race excitement and still walk
to the family meeting area in the meadow at Piedmont Park to congratulate family and friends on their accomplishment. The corner of Peachtree and 10th streets is a popular area for race watching and festivities. As you head to the park, there are a number of shaded areas for watching the runners, as well as numerous trendy Midtown restaurants where you can sit and enjoy the race.