Every year the people of Atlanta, Georgia celebrate the American Independence with a 4th of July 10K through downtown Atlanta, the AJC Atlanta Peachtree Road Race. With 59,000 participants, it is the largest 10k in the world. I had the fortunate opportunity to take part.
As well as the massive number of runners the Peachtree Road Race is known for its heat. Runners start, in waves, at 7.30 am, then every 5 minutes until 9.00 am. Being the height of summer in southern USA, it pays to be able to start near the front. Luckily I started in wave B, at 7.35.
The route is hilly and all downtown. Starting at Lenox Square Mall, we ran via a number of hills, to the finish line in Piedmont Park. The most notorious hill on the way is 'Cardiac Hill' at the 4-mile point, so-called because it is located next to Piedmont Hospital. Trust me, it's well-named. I was wrecked by the time I reached the top, but it was worth it, and the organisers had the good sense to lay on some water at the top of the hill. That done, the remaining 2 miles weren't too tough. After another (not-too-tough) hill the finish came into site. I reached the line and looked at my watch. 54:16, not too bad, especially in the heat.
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