truthseekersjournal
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | July 4, 2025
The 56th running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race got off to a hot and hopeful start Friday morning, with 60,000 runners charging down Peachtree Street under a Code Yellow alert. With the temperature already at 79 degrees by the 6:50 a.m. start time, race organizers were mindful of the extreme heat that halted last year’s event midcourse. But this year, the race ran its full course—with speed, spirit, and star power.
Champions Crowned
In the men’s elite division, Kenya’s Patrick Kiprop made a stunning debut, pulling away early in a bold move that paid off. Kiprop, a five-time All-American distance runner for the Arkansas Razorbacks, left the field behind and never looked back.
The women’s elite division title went to Hellen Obiri, the two-time Boston Marathon champion and three-time Olympic medalist. Obiri surged ahead in the final stretch to secure the win in her Peachtree debut.
In the wheelchair divisions, American athletes once again dominated. Daniel Romanchuk claimed his eighth consecutive win in the men’s race, while Susannah Scaroni celebrated her fourth straight title in the women’s wheelchair race.
Among high schoolers, Bailey Brackett and Riley Comstock took top honors in the girls’ and boys’ divisions, continuing the race’s tradition of highlighting emerging local talent.
Leaders Run With the People
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, a participant himself, praised the event’s world-class atmosphere and strong turnout. “This is more than a race—it’s Atlanta’s Fourth of July tradition,” he said.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock also laced up his shoes for the fifth consecutive year. “This is my fifth Peachtree Road Race since the people of Georgia gave me the honor of representing them in the United States Senate,” he said. “It’s always a lot of fun. It’s the 4th of July, it’s the nation’s birthday, and this day reminds us that in spite of all our differences, we are one people. There is no better representation of that than the Peachtree in Atlanta.”
Warnock added, “One of the highlights for me in this race is just spending time with my neighbors, shaking the hands of the people of this state. I love this city.”
A Course with Heart
One of the race’s most iconic stretches—formerly known as Cardiac Hill—was officially renamed Hope Hill for 2025. The name change honors the Shepherd Center’s 50th anniversary and its legacy of providing hope to patients recovering from spinal cord and brain injuries.
Spectators lined the 6.2-mile route in classic Peachtree fashion, with designated viewing areas drawing thousands of spectators. From Colony Square to 10th and Peachtree, fans brought the noise—and the encouragement—with free thunder sticks and hand clappers distributed along the course.
More Than a Race
As always, the race was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the human spirit. It was a celebration of community. MARTA helped ease transportation for thousands of runners and fans. MarathonFoto’s photographers captured moments of joy and grit throughout the route., with free photo downloads offered to participants.
Atlanta Track Club also kept traditions alive with the beloved Top 1000 mugs, awarded to the top 500 men and 500 women finishers. Age group awards will be mailed out after official results are finalized in the coming weeks.
Athletes in the elite field competed not only for prestige but for serious prize money:
- 1st place: $12,500
- 2nd: $7,500
- 3rd: $5,000
- A $5,000 course record bonus was also up for grabs for anyone setting a new event record.
Looking Ahead
Despite the heat warning, 2025’s Peachtree was a complete and successful celebration, a testament to the resilience and determination of our runners, the love and support of our spectators, and the unwavering spirit of our city.
As always, the AJC Peachtree Road Race remains the world’s largest 10K—and one of Atlanta’s proudest traditions, a testament to the city’s spirit and resilience.
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