Peachtree Road Race: Changes coming to 2010 event
Online registration for the 41st running of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 21, the Atlanta Track Club announced Jan. 28. Read the full story here.
Of even greater importance to Peachtree participants, however, may be this event change for 2010:
“For the first time, start assignments will be performance-based instead of randomly assigned, and the number of start waves will nearly double, allowing for smaller waves and better distribution of participants. The track club is hoping these steps will help ease congestion at the start line and along the course.”
YOU TELL US: What’s your opinion of the changes set to happen for the 2010 Peachtree? Do you think they’ll improve the race or is the event losing some of the “come one, come all” spirit that helped it grow in popularity over the years in an effort to appeal to today’s more serious runners?
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73 comments Add your comment
SCATL
January 28th, 2010
11:43 am
Good idea with start assignment changes, but I’m not thrilled with moving the Expo to downtown from Buckhead. I think we’ll have to PAY for parking, don’t you think? I also wasn’t thrilled with having to PAY more to register online last year. Shouldn’t the Internet ultimately make it cheaper?
Jason
January 28th, 2010
1:39 pm
I have not run in the Peachtree yet, planning to this year, but having ran the US 10K Classic in September, the starting line was a CLUSTER….people who intend to walk to race, should be in the back. There was not any type of organization like this for that event, and I think that was about 13,000 people. I just loved playing “frogger” with the walkers who thought they needed to be at the starting line in the beginning.
Peter
January 28th, 2010
4:39 pm
Without a doubt a great idea…… I have run 9 Peachtree’s, and early on when I had higher numbers it was ridicules running around folks with lower numbers that walked !
Anne
January 28th, 2010
4:42 pm
The article neglected to mention that according to the ATC website participants will HAVE TO pick up their race number at the Expo unless they want to pay an extra $5 to have it mailed. How will it be to have 55,000 people picking up packets? Is the registration fee going down? Probably not.
Joe
January 28th, 2010
4:45 pm
Finally. Now they actually have to step up enforcement of the groups. I’m not holding my breath on that one.
chipless
January 28th, 2010
4:47 pm
what if your chip was lost?
iRun
January 28th, 2010
4:48 pm
Well, as an avid runner with a decent pace (I can run a 10K in about 46 minutes +/- a minute), I am all for using race times to qualify for the different queues. But, like Joe, I think there’s little point if they don’t enforce them. When I ran the ING last year I was in the 3rd queue but there were people all around me who walked and I was dodging them for close to a mile.
John tackett
January 28th, 2010
4:55 pm
A number of big races require the runner to pick up in person.And those that will mail it to you, charge a fee. I like the changes I see and now I understand why they moved the expo to the AmericasMart, Packet pickup usually goes quickly in past races I have done (Boston Marathon, Bay to Breakers, ING Georgia) and these races have just as many runners, if not more, as the Peachtree.
Mike
January 28th, 2010
5:14 pm
This will be my fourth Peachtree – I am definitely in favor of the changes. But as others have said, will the time groups be enforced?
I’m not a fast runner, and I’ll be in one of the later time groups this year based on my official time from 2009. Last year I was in time group 2 by the luck of the draw – it was disgusting that when the time group 3 people were starting to pass me, there were 8s and 9s wandering down the road. If the time group hasn’t even started, there should be race officials confiscating numbers and timers.
Mike
January 28th, 2010
5:16 pm
And anyone who’s ever attended an event at the Intercontinental can attest, you PAY for parking!
Mike T
January 28th, 2010
5:49 pm
Awesome idea – finally runners will start in a graded fashion – ending all the nonsense of just throwing 50,000+ people out there in the space of an hour or so… absolutely outstanding!
Irishmafia
January 28th, 2010
6:16 pm
Here’s an idea let’s keep it open to RUNNER”S get those people taking a stroll out! Make a rule that you have to finish in a certain amount of time say 1 hour and ten minutes or your pulled like they do the last of the wheelchair racers. Can’t finish in that amount of time? Don’t enter or get in better shape! It’s called the Peachtree Road RACE and if you are strolling down Peachtree you aren’t racing!
Jeff
January 28th, 2010
6:33 pm
I ran a qualifying time in the US 10K classic — how will my time be validated when I attempt to register for this (my first) Peachtree?
Iron Dawg
January 29th, 2010
12:01 am
Changes seem very good to me. I ran my first P’tree RR in ‘78 and overall love the event but if you’re any kind of runner it hasn’t been all that much fun for a number of years due to the ineffecient “mix” of abilities. This “seeding” is a great change. Heck we might even be able to run some. And don’t get me wrong, I’m not against the walkers, if they would stay to the right and let faster folks go by on the left – oh, wait, folks don’t do that when driving and it’s a state law. All kiding (and griping) aside, these changes should make for a more enjoyable race for all.
Ken
January 29th, 2010
7:01 am
I did the online registration last year and am glad to see they are bringing it back this year. But why do online registration on the same day as the ING marathon?
Betty
January 30th, 2010
7:37 am
But are they still going to be handing out groups of #s to sponsor companies’ employees so they can get in the timed groups? That was always something that I thought was unfair. I worked to get my time and be in a low numbered group.
Bobby Cox
January 30th, 2010
7:05 pm
it hurts for me to walk, much less run ,dammit.
Will someone help me?
tree rollins
February 1st, 2010
9:29 am
Trying to encourage more runners and less walkers is a good idea. I loved when I used to run this race and you had to finish in 55 minutes to get a shirt. We had no problem with walkers in those days – they knew there was no shirt for them! Now with the chips the Peachtree has a chance to fix the problem with a similar solution once again and the shirts would mean something once again. Meanwhile, it’s good to now see you can use your last year’s time for this year. For years this was the only race I would run and I run about a 50 minute pace and yet I would get a number in the back of the pack with the walkers as my “punishment” for not running other races. Their old system apparently had no way to recognize I had ever run the race before.
tree rollins
February 1st, 2010
9:38 am
Unfortunate as it is – all events like this are ALWAYS about the money! If the Peachtree were to require runners to complete the race in 1 hour now to get a shirt (via use of the newly available chips) it would make it once again a WONDERFUL event for people that are real runners which is what it was all about to begin with early on. Yes I know this would cut WAY back on the entered runners (thus the money angle) but the reality is this would go a long way towards enabling real runners to be able to get a number again instead of treating the registration as if you’re trying to get a ticket to the reunion of the Beatles! The arrogant Peachtree staff has lost the handle on the true theme of the race – it’s about runners and fitness – not making thousands of throngs of people line up to “buy a t-shirt”.
S. Mc
February 1st, 2010
5:06 pm
I think the peachtree should be a celebration of all fitness levels, it shouldn’t be about how fast u can run it but about the fact you can finish the race, I am proud to say I have finished it four times and I may not be the fastest out there but who cares, I think all you running snobs, including Irishmafia, need to shut the f up and run the race and get over your selves!!!
Sharon
February 2nd, 2010
11:25 am
It should be about fitness, which is why participants of all skill levels should continue to be included. With that said, speaking as one of the slowest around, I agree runners should be up front and those with faster times should lead the pack.
tree rollins
February 2nd, 2010
9:37 pm
I agree that anyone should be able to participate. Walkers in the back – runners in the front. Encourage fitness by rewarding a t-shirt if you reach a certain time. Doesn’t mean you can’t participate – just no t-shirt. Or if you need a t-shirt get a different one for not reaching the goal.
TallaDawg92
February 3rd, 2010
12:16 pm
Organize it however you choose, but just call it “The Peachtree,” not a run and not a race.
Carla
February 3rd, 2010
12:20 pm
I’m slow. I jog, but I don’t like being in back with the walkers. It make it tooo long a race. I train for 4 months, but I am 60, so I’m not going to be the fastest. I’m proud just to finish, but if I get placed in back with the walkers, this may be my last race. I had hoped to get 10 tees before I stopped, but this may be my 6th and last race. I do two 5K’s to jump start my training for the P’tree. I may continue with those. The P’tree used to be a much friendlier race. People would cheer you on, ask if you are okay. My first race, one guy said he was enviouse. I was jogging and not breaking a sweat. Another, as he passed, asked me if I had trained. I nodded yes and he gave me a thumbs up as he passed. This passed year, a guy came up next to me and said “I know you are hot in those” , meaning the tights I had on to hide my “thunder thighs! I just kept moving, but it put a damper on my run. I was not meant to be encouraging and it was not, though I finished in a reasonable time for a 60 year old. Anyway, I’m not happy about this. I think walkers should be in back. Joggers and serious runners should be closer to the front or at least middle.
Atlanta ING Marathon registration rolling, Peachtree Road Race registration starts March 21 | Inside Access
February 3rd, 2010
12:26 pm
[...] in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on March 28. We’re already starting to hear about some changes to the 2010 Peachtree race, including the news that start assignments will be performance based. (And if you’re looking [...]
Don't cut
February 3rd, 2010
12:36 pm
It seems that most of the walkers and runners that get in the way cut in
line after the race starts. I’ve run in time group 1 for several years
and pass lower numbered and slower runners all morning. I would like to
see the racers have a color coded sticker placed on their number as they
enter the proper start gate and only those people receive tee shirts at
the end. The line cutters would go home empty handed and maybe line up
properly next time. As for walking, I encourage it , but get out of the
way of people who have trained to be there.
Mike
February 3rd, 2010
12:38 pm
I’m all in favor of the time groups that are aligned with the run time. However, no matter how hard they try there will still be those that decide to walk. One thing I am not in favor of is using anything less than a 10K as a time group placement time. According to the break down those than run a 5K can use that as a time. Bottom line for me…if those people really want to run a 10K then that’s what should be submitted for a time group placement.
Jim
February 3rd, 2010
12:40 pm
Something needs to be done about all the slow joggers and walkers.
Have one heat for the “runners” and another heat for the walkers and joggers. The “runners” heat should include about 2-3 thousand people and represent everything that a race is. Within that heat is the seeding/placement that they currently do.
They need to police it. Say maybe have a helicopter or bicycle security fine or suspend future entry to all the people who line up in the wrong area.
Examples of people that would be fined:
* Person lines up within 100 ft of the starting line and walks the course.
* Person that lines up in the front within the first 100-500 people and finishes well outside of 40 minutes.
* Anyone that starts with the “runners” and doesn’t finish the race within an hour and 15 minutes. (not counting somoene with handicap)
John Tackett
February 3rd, 2010
12:49 pm
Concerned about parking in downtown.. take MARTA.
@Don’t Cut.. I like your idea. I am a time group 1a runner and get frustrated when I see folks jumping into the race somewhere along the course. Slows me down and is not fair to those that train for teh race and start at the start line.
ROFLS
February 3rd, 2010
1:11 pm
Love how the “real runners” want to “run a real race”. Hate to break it to y’all, but – unless you are one of the top say 50 10k runners in the world this isn’t a race at all for you. The peachtree isn’t about breaking personal records or running a fast race.
Haywood Jablome
February 3rd, 2010
1:18 pm
WILL THE T-SHIRTS BE UNIMAGINATIVE AND UGLY AS USUAL? HOW ABOUT SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T RESEMBLE A T-SHIRT FROM 1981 BLACKFOOT CONCERT?
GOD FORBID SOMEONE HAS TO PAY FOR PARKING.
AND IF YOU THINK THE RACE IS TOO EXPENSIVE, JUST RUN DOWN PEACHTREE STREET ANY OTHER TIME – THAT’S FREE, D’BAG
Nikster
February 3rd, 2010
1:33 pm
Well,it’s about time. I ran the 1st 25 PRR. I was a daily runner until 10 years ago when my feet & knees said “no more running or else”! I ran in
Patrick
February 3rd, 2010
1:33 pm
1) The Peachtree is only a race for elite runners. Even excellent runners just a notch below the elites have no chance at winning because of the number of elite runners. Not all of them will have a bad day to allow a nonelite break the tape.
The race expo can be any where as long as I am not required to go there. It appears the ATC is enticing people to go to satisfy vendors. So the ATC charges $5 less if you pick up your no. Clever. I guess they’ll get my $5.
2) That being said it was designed to be a race for runners. But that ended long ago when the time to finish requirement was thrown out. Not that it was strictly followed but I do think most people believed they would have to try to run in order to get under the cutoff time.
3) I can understand the need to throw out the cutoff time. People will try to hard when they are not prepared. with high heat and poor preparation a cutoff time is inviting disaster. People have been through medical probs and have even died during the race. Who knows, if the person had known that they could slow down and still get the tshirt maybe some of that could have been avoided.
4) Still with 55,000 participants, using waves, it still is logistically impossible to run a good race. People may complain about people being in the wrong groups or jumping in later but the amount of volunteers needed to keep it manageable would be more than the ATC could get. The amount of cheating is negligble. People with the right nos. still run at different paces and the road is not wide enough for 5,000 people in a group to occupy it. I’ve never seen a race of 5,000 start without people all running smoothly with each other. I doesn’t happen.
6)As long as you want an event to accomodate 55,000 or more you will have problems with slow being in front of fast and mucking things up. When it is an event that is seen as much as a party as a fitness event you are setting it up to not be a race. People dress up in costume, march in army boots, eat and drink along the way and in general try to make it into a party. Peachtree is an event not a race.
7) Now that it is an event, times don’t matter, what is wrong with having walkers? I’ve run some very fast races and had to do a little walking. Galloway teaches walking/running. It’s a foot race. Runners need to get over it.
9) Finally change has been a part of this race since it began. How many ran the first race? 175? I’m not sure but it was tiny compared to now. You can’t do the race the same way for 55K as for 555. The ATC puts on one of the biggest races in the world. There aren’t many good templates to use to put on this race. That being said it has put this race on for over 30 years. You would hope the kinks have been worked out by now but apparently not. I’ve never been a big fan of the race itself. I run it most of the time. Some years I miss. I do it because I get to see running friends. I’m going to sign up this year however they put this race on. I really doubt the powers that be at the ATC care what I or any of the other responders to this survey have to say. I’ll show up comment on how it is; run the “race” with my wife and friends; party after; then go home and train for the Atlanta Marathon. Now if you want my opinion on that…
C'mon People
February 3rd, 2010
1:37 pm
C;mon people. The Peachtree is about having fun, celebrating the 4th of July, fitness and yes, the prized t-shirt. I’ve run the race for atleast 5 years and I plan on being out there 8 weeks after having a baby, which is probably a lofty goal but it does mean I’ll have to walk some. Walkers or joggers should stay to the left to be courteous and all of you “racers” can run on the right. We’ve all experienced weeding through the crowd early on and eventually finding some space to run. As far as the cheaters go, something should be done about those who truly have no intentions of going the distance. It can be fun for everyone, so just go out and enjoy it and have a safe and happy 4th of July!
Nikster
February 3rd, 2010
1:39 pm
I need to finish my comments. I ran every day for over 30 years & I couldn’t get a decent PRR number !
I ran in atleast 1 5K or 10K every month. I sent in a TAC certified 10K time with my PRR entry for years. I get in the “start running a week before or maybe I’ll walk group” every year. Plus it has gotten too large for real runners to enjoy.
Realist
February 3rd, 2010
2:07 pm
I agree with those who feel the PRR is more of an event, than a race; if you are looking for a personal record in the 10K, you won’t get it there. I am somewhat dubious about going to pick up the number at the expo with 50,000 of my closest and most personal fiends, and adding $5 for delivery is a slap in the face. The ATC is sitting on a big heaping pile of cash, and I don’t think they need any more money, IMO.
Jessica
February 3rd, 2010
2:13 pm
Here’s an idea- start the race just a little earlier.
The sweltering July heat is tough for the joggers/walkers who get stuck in the later time groups.
I’m a jogger, but prefer to be in the earlier groups so it isn’t 95 degrees by the time I finish the race!
Sure, its necessary to put the “serious runners” first…but don’t forget about the rest of us who are a part of the best 10k in the nation.
BTW, all the running snobs need to chill out. The race is about having fun and celebrating Independence Day.
Nikita
February 3rd, 2010
2:13 pm
I’m a slowish runner, and I won’t run if I get placed below group 7. Luckily, for the last 4 or so races I’ve ended up in Group 3. I can handle being seeded a little lower, because I am slowish (around 60 mins for the 10k), but there are a lot of reasons why people like me don’t belong in the back:
1. The “just for fun” group isn’t even speed walking.
2. By the looks of it, there are several tens of thousands of people who are not running. Which means that they can compose several time groups behind those of us that are.
3. The later you start, the hotter it is and the more people you have to dodge. Which isn’t fair if you’re dodging because people who are slower are in front of you.
Also, cheaters need to be pulled out. They can finish, if they want, but they should have already been grabbed and had their numbers slashed such that they don’t get a shirt. It’s not that hard to catch them, either — just look for all the jackoffs stepping off the curb with 8 or 9 numbers at group 2.
TechMom
February 3rd, 2010
2:30 pm
Ken, I’m with you- why in the world is registration on the same day as the ING? At least it doesn’t open until 1pm this year. I guess I’ll be using my iPhone to register.
Kristin
February 3rd, 2010
2:43 pm
My pet peeve has been and always will be the losers who jump in near the end just so they can get a t shirt. At least the slow walkers complete the 6.2 miles to earn her t-shirt.
melissai
February 3rd, 2010
2:54 pm
Proper etiquette is for slower traffic to keep right, just like the interstate. I have participated in several PRR. What always astounds me is not necessarily the number of walkers, but the fact that they have to make a line going across the road and get pissy with folks trying to pass them. WTH is wrong with people!
sladersaan
February 3rd, 2010
2:56 pm
I am just glad I don’t have to run one of the horrible PRR “qualifiers” this year to get a super seeded number. Thank you for allowing me to use a time from a different distance. The PRR “qualifiers” have gotten to be expensive compared to the experience.
melissai
February 3rd, 2010
2:56 pm
P.S. – even had someone say, “you’re not going to win!” to which I replied, “no, but I would like to do my personal best!”
jennifer
February 3rd, 2010
3:27 pm
I like the changes! Are the corporate walkers going to be put in higher groups too? Really dislike running around people walking 4-5 abreast in their corporate t-shirts. But why do online registration on the same day as the ING marathon? Is this some passive agressive behavior?
Jim
February 3rd, 2010
3:30 pm
One year, I ran the peachtree, placed in the top 35 (that year, there were about 5-10 elite and then about another 20-50 a big cut below).
After the race, I hung around and BS’d with fellow runners, got the t-shirt, hung out getting hydrated for about 30 minutes, watch a few friends finish about 30 minutes later. I BS’d with them when they got done. Then I was chick watching for a while. Then I decided to run back to the starting line with one of my friends where my car was still parked. I ran at a slow pace as I had to dodge all the spectators and walkers. It wasn’t until about 1 mile into the race that I stopped passing people going the other way. For the most part, about every person I passed was going so slow, if they were in line to purchase something in a store, you’d complain that they were walking to the register too slow.
Hugh Scott
February 3rd, 2010
3:50 pm
I do think that putting people in correct start times is the best way to avoid the confusion at both the start and finish. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Labor Day U.S. 10K Classic Race?
The t-shirts are ugly
February 3rd, 2010
4:07 pm
The t-shirts are ugly and unimaginative. How about making an effort for a little more inspired design.
jennifer
February 3rd, 2010
4:08 pm
Hugh Schott – Thought for the Labor Day U.S. 10K Classic Race – see the comments on this forum and use some effective race day crowd management techniques.
Nora
February 3rd, 2010
4:22 pm
First of all I don’t get the big deal over the “prized” and “coveted” shirt. I have several Peachtree shirts stuffed in a drawer. I never wear them except to bed or bumming around the house. Prized they are not! Any yahoo who walked the race in 2+ hours got the same shirt I got for running it in an hour.
Thad
February 3rd, 2010
9:10 pm
Such a shame that the ATC had taken over one of the best Atlanta traditions ever. The reason we have to wait until 1pm for online registration, is to allow ATC members to early register for the event before the general public. Just received an invitation via email to early register for an additional $35 membership fee to ATC. Perhaps the City of Atlanta should consider limiting this type of financial gain for ATC. It’s nothing but greed. The City belongs to the taxpayers, not ATC.
Ataru
February 6th, 2010
11:01 am
For crying out loud, people, yes, the race isn’t perfect, but the amount of whining in these comments is truly gag-inducing. If you don’t like walkers or joggers or non-Kenyans, stay home! If you don’t like the T-shirt or it doesn’t boost your ego enough wearing it, stay home! If you think it costs too much or you hate the qualifiers or you’re such a delicate flower that random snide comments make you hate the whole race, STAY HOME!
Nora
February 7th, 2010
1:20 pm
Actually, I do intend to “stay home”. I have run several PTRRs but really have no desire to do it again this year so I’m gonna pass.
Happy now?
Rene Brown
February 8th, 2010
3:35 pm
Can’t we all just get along?
Who care what time you start? Who cares if people are walking and jogging slow? It is a tradition
in Atlanta to Run the Peachtree Road Race on Fourth of July. If you do not like the way this race is being handled find a marathon to run where people train and will not run you over and will not care if there are joggers in the packed. When did we all become Olympian Winners? Let me know if the Peachtree begins to pay the non winners and Nike or Reebok offer you a million dollar contract. Then you can bitch about the race.
tree rollins
February 11th, 2010
12:32 pm
I don’t want to be classified as a whiner so I’m going to make the following suggestions instead of bitching:
1) Now that the electronics exist to track runners from beginning to end bring back the 55 minute cutoff for t-shirts so it’s clear to all this is not a “walk for charity”. There IS no charity. Reward people for coming to run and make it a fitness event again.
2) Let everyone participate that wants to – runners and walkers. This way it can be an “event” for the walkers also. If they want to participate – great – but no t-shirt just for showing up. They can buy one at the end that’s different if they want. This will allow people that really wanted to run to once again be able to register.
3) Quit paying these Kenyan runners to come over and participate. Nobody cares anymore except the Kenyans that get the money. There are no Craig Virgins or Bill Rodgers or Frank Shorters out there so give up the facad!! Nobody cares or pays the slightest attention any more.
4) And finally, allow the runner to use their prior year’s PRR time as their qualifier for seeding in the subsequent year so people don’t have to run qualifiers just to make the Peachtree a pleasant experience to get out in front of the walkers.
Do these things and it will be fun for all once again and you won’t have to change the name of this spectacle to the Peachtree Road “Event” instead of the Peachtree Road “Race”. No whining!!
walked_it_last_year
February 11th, 2010
2:20 pm
As a person who walked the race for the first time last year while being out of shape and with no training, I am disheartened to see the comments from the seasoned PRRers. I started waaaay in the back so it was hot and it took me close to 2 hours to finish it. I was not there for the tee-shirt…I did not even register for the race. I was there bc I was my mom, who has walked/jogged it for several years, had asked me each year to do it with her and I was finally making good on it. For me the race was eye-opening, such a fun positive vibe…older folks, young kids (my daughter did it too and she was 10), folks in wheelchairs, super fit people and even people out there bigger than me… everyone so friendly and encouraging. It was a health/fitness celebration to me. I was so uplifted that I finished.
I have now subsequently lost over 70lbs and I am training now for this year’s race. (My goal is to do it in an hour but now I feel like that is not enough after reading these comments…yikes!) And I am inviting my overweight and out of shape husband, friends and family to do it with us. The tshirt is not motivation at all, just a tangible reminder of an accomplishment.
I understand that people who train seriously and are fit and enjoy running want a race more tailored to true athletes. And I understand that perhaps the thoughts of someone who is able to complete the race in under 55 minutes are that they do the hard work of preparing themselves and so everyone else could make the same choice and come prepared as well.
Our nation is in the grip of mutiple health epidemics — diabetes, childhood obesity, heart disease, and so on — where consistent exercise such as walking could prevent so many deaths and sicknesses and save so much money. Perhaps the runners could allow that for some this race may be a beginning to make progress in their personal health and fitness. I personally think that helping to usher in our nation’s future by encouraging all to become active (even if just for one day) is a most excellent way to celebrate our independance.
Peyton
February 11th, 2010
5:11 pm
this will be my 20th.. and I’ve hated every change so far.. so I doubt I’ll like these… (and of course wish I was still capable of running it in 47 minutes)
what about people who didn’t run last year? how will their time group be determined?
I wish it was back at 20,000 people.. or 25,000
55,000 is just too much.. for marta.. for everything
Peyton
February 11th, 2010
8:15 pm
as for the ’slower runners staying right’.. it’s been y ears since I was a left hand runner.. but now… how about the runners staying to the left of the joggers… i come home black and blue from the elbows of having people knock the crap out of me as they fly by in areas where there’s not enough room to pass..
it’s the faster guys that need to stay on the left side imo.. the slow ones are having no problem on the right
first timer
February 12th, 2010
12:45 pm
This will be my first PRR but my third 10K. I’m glad they will have the seeded option to get folks grouped but I doubt people will actually be in their perspective groups. I guess I’m an average runner I completed my 10K in about an hours. Professional runners don’t be so hard on the walkers or less experienced folks. But for safety purposes I like the Idea of walkers or very slow runners to be in the back .
For all who are complaining about parking you can park free at most marta stations and the ride on MARTA is only a couple of bucks so unless you’re totoing the whole family down there MARTA is Smarta
See ya at the race!!!!!!!!
Nora
February 14th, 2010
5:50 pm
@tree rollins, thank you. Great ideas and comments!
tree rollins
February 17th, 2010
12:40 pm
One final suggestion for the PRR:
Please take the money we save from the thousands of $’s paid to the Kenyans as an “appearance fee” and use it to pay the fee for mailing the race packet out to the entrants (like the old days). That way – instead of driving an hour into town and paying a $10 parking fee to get into a long to pick up your runner’s packet – those of us that simply want to run are not “penalized” for not wanting to dedicate a half day to pick up the packet. No whining – just good solid smart suggestions to make this race more fun for everyone (except the handful of Kenyan runners that don’t care about Peachtree anyway).
kurt martin
February 19th, 2010
10:41 pm
If you don’t allow walkers in the Peachtree, a lot of runners won’t be there either. Because they won’t want to go if their spouse or best friend isn’t welcome, but that person isn’t in shape for 6 miles of running nonstop.
On the other hand, I think it would be great if the first several groups of runners were organized according to documented performance in other 10K races. Then after a certain point, maybe all those who ran 10Ks in more than an hour, you let them mix in with the walkers and half-walkers-half-joggers.
P.S. I slowly ran the whole thing a couple years ago, only walking when I got cups of water, but it still took me like an hour and 15 minutes. So not everybody who takes longer than an hour is a walker. Could be a slow runner too.
DarenW
February 22nd, 2010
6:07 pm
I don’t understand all the elite runners complaining about walkers and slow folks. It’s the Peachtree, Of course there are walkers, and slow runners. If you want to run without a bunch of folks having a six mile party, can’t you find another race? There’s a dozen every weekend in this town. Why do you have to run a race that has 55,000 people, and then complain about the number of people. That just seems silly.
I’m running the Charles Harris 10k this weekend (if the weather doesn’t suck). Come run that. I don’t expect to see that many walkers there, and it looks like a good course. Why do you choose the Peachtree, and then complain about everything that makes it the Peachtree?.
I don’t understand. I ran the PRR in 1:45, and a couple years later I ran it in half that time. Both times meant something very different to me, but I enjoyed both. And when I ran it under 55, I was happy to pass all the strolling folks. Good for them! Maybe they’ll be running it in under an hour next year.
Rod
February 23rd, 2010
11:14 am
It’d be easy to stop all the folks that jump in the race a mile down the road. Just use the chip and in order to get a tshirt, the chip must have gone through the start line at the time your group went (or later) and it must go through the finish line.
Simple.
NativeAtlantan
March 3rd, 2010
10:15 am
I’ve never seen so many whiners. The PRR is an Atlanta tradition, so naturally it’s undergone a lot of growth and changes over 30+ years.
The start wave time limits are a great idea because they allow everyone who participates to submit a time. Historically you had to run a 10K in under 55 minutes, now you can run any race (5K – Half Marathon) in any time and be placed accordingly.
Online registration isn’t pushed to 1pm to let ATC members sign up early…ATC members can sign up beginning in early March. Maybe it’s pushed to 1pm to accommodate those running the ING that morning? Having registration on the day of the ING does hint of ’sibling rivalry’…the ATC could move it to the weekend before or after.
Moving the EXPO downtown I doubt many people will like, I know I don’t. Buckhead is more centrally located and easier to get to for number pickup, but there’s probably not a location that could accommodate such a large number of people in Buckhead.
@TreeRollins – arrogant ATC staff? Obviously you’ve never actually encountered actual ATC staffmembers. How a handful of individuals run one of the largest running clubs in the world is amazing. And they depend on thousands of volunteers. And the PRR IS all about fitness and running. You’d rather limit the field to 25,000 sub-55 minute runners than encourage all 55,000 to enjoy the morning at their own pace? Talk about arrogant!
@Patrick – you make some silly comments: only a race for elite runners…since when do you have to have a chance to win for it to be called a race? So the Olympians in Vancouver shouldn’t have been allowed to participate if they weren’t a medal favorite? If one has a goal to meet, then it’s a race for that person, whether it’s to finish a 10K in 45 minutes or 90 minutes. It’s not logistically impossible to run a good race either. I’ve run several good races the last couple of years out of TG1-A.
And for those of you fed up with cheaters? Get over it. They’re inevitable in any event of this magnitude. I hate seeing people hop in past the start, but that’s their loss, not mine.
@Thad – it’s a shame the ATC has taken over? Please…don’t you mean it’s amazing how the ATC helped create, and has maintained and tried to improve upon?
@tree rollins (again) – you’re an idiot. Your suggestion is to allow the runner to use the prior year’s PRR time as a qualifier? YOU CAN!
@walked_it_last_year – bravo! congrats! If you can finish in under an hour you’ll be ahead of thousands upon thousands of Peachtree particpants. Good luck!
It’s an event folks. Make it what you want to make it. But stop the complaining and just don’t sign up, because there are thousands who try each year but don’t get in.
Nao_run4life
March 3rd, 2010
10:24 pm
I am very pleased to the most of chages on P’tree Road Race 2010. However, I am not happy at all about the start time of on line registration. ‘1pm on March 21′, I will be running ING Atlanta Marathon and it might be too late to resister on line by the time I get back home from the race based on the fact last year’s on line resistration was full and closed in few hrs. I hate paper resistration. It took me until end of June to receive race packet and made me so nervous! I am sure I am not the only one who is not happy about the date and time of online resistration date!! Please change or at least consider to start resistration at early morning time like 3-4am.
Lucas
March 4th, 2010
2:32 pm
Question: I seem to remember that in years past, if you ran a certain qualifying time you were able to enter as long as you applied before a certain deadline (i.e. you did not have to be one of the first to register or win the lottery). Is that the case this year? Thanks if anyone can answer.
Runnin with the wind
March 5th, 2010
11:31 am
I think you all should just complain a little more. Jeez.
Bill age 64
March 10th, 2010
12:18 pm
I like the staggered start based on demonstrated recent past times. I have run close to 20 Peachtree’s and usually start near the front. (I’m slowing down with age). To me the biggest problem is the thousands of ‘participants’ who stand during the first 3 miles of the race and jump in at their pleasure.
I am concerned more about the rising costs of this event. $33.00 plus $3.00 online fee plus $5.00 mail fee (which is probably cheaper than parking will be for the expo).
Proud Walker
March 16th, 2010
7:00 pm
For all of you that have attitudes about walkers in the PRR…..get over yourselves. The Peachtree is for everybody and everyone who finishes should get a T-Shirt. If you don’t want to run with others who walk, take a chill pill and go find another 10K. I’ve walked the PRR for 5 yrs and have walked 5Ks, 10Ks, Half-Marathons & a Marathon and I am proud of finishing them all (and of getting a shirt from them all). Lighten up and have some fun!
walking is fine
March 17th, 2010
3:46 pm
Just stay to the right? Happy to be seeded in Group 1 this year – my fault for not providing qualifiers years past and random bad luck of the draw staring in 8 or 9 but have normally found it is an incremental 2 minutes per mile over the first 2 while avoiding the walkers spread across 10 feet in waves randomly placed across the road. I do find it hard to believe “I didn’t know” I should stay right is the reality. People rarely think about the whole beyond their wants – this is not just at PTRR. Walk on.
BehindEnemyLines
March 19th, 2010
1:04 am
Fascinating thread. I don’t think I ever realized that “runners” were at least equally obnoxious as cyclists. Reinforces my desire to remain, as ever, someone who will only be spotted running if something extremely dangerous is chasing me.
Frank
March 19th, 2010
11:28 pm
After reading numerous comments, I am still confused. I ran the PRR for 5 years straight back in 80-84. When I sent the application in, I had to report my average 10K time. Then, I received a number, either color coded or with a designated letter or both. I then reported to the designated spot on the start line, corresponding to the color or letter my number reflected. This race must have changed a bit during the 90’s. Yes, I passed some slower people with a letter that preceeded mine, and some folks with a later letter passed me. When you jam 50K people together on one street, you should expect some delays. If you have been on River Street in Savannah on St. Patrick’s day, you can attest to that!
Marty
March 31st, 2010
9:08 am
I would like to see people that start ahead of everyone else stopped…there were runners that came out ahead of the runners with numbers under 50 and there was no way they were faster than those folks. Hopefully that will be curbed and people forfeit their chips if they are caught doing it…