The Peachtree City Running Club is accepting applications for the 26th Peachtree City Classic Road Race. This annual race is being held on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City. This race is unique in its use of paved cart paths and is a scenic event run through green belt areas and by lakes in the Peachtree City community.

This event is actually three separate races run on separate USATF certified courses; a Men’s 5K starting at 8:50 a.m, a Women’s 5K at 9 a.m, and a 15K Open event at 9:10 a.m. Walkers are welcome in both 5K events and all finishers will receive a Peachtree Classic sweatshirt for their participation. Awards will go to the top three overall male and female finishers in each event, open and masters.

In addition, the top three finishers in each age group, male and female, will receive awards for their achievements.

The 15K race is also the Road Runners Club of America’s Southern Regional Championship Race, and RRCA awards will go to the top three male and female winners in that event for open and master’s.

“Fayette Fitness Challenge” Corporate Team Awards will also be awarded. If you have a business or school that would like to participate as a group, call Patrick Staples at 770-486-9534 for more information.

Applications for the Peachtree City Classic are available in several ways. All local World Gym, Publix and Chick-fil-A stores have applications available, in addition to recreation departments, libraries, and sports and fitness stores. You may also register online through the Peachtree City Running Club website at www.ptcrc.com or download a copy of the application for use later. All applications may be photocopied.

There are several benefits to early registration. This race is limited to the first 800 in each of the 5K events and the first 1500 in the 15K. These limits ensure the safety of our runners on the cart paths, so early registration assures you a place in your chosen event. Another benefit to early registration is a personalized race number with your name printed in bold letters so spectators can cheer you along. This number also makes a nice momento of your race, especially if this is your first racing event. The entry fee also is lowered for early registration. If you register by September 30th, the 5K fee is $22, 15K is $25. An additional $5 fee is added to all applications received after that date.

This race has no race day registration, so be sure to register early. Once the limits are met, no further applications will be accepted.
All participants in this event will be timed with professional timing chips to assure accuracy. Timing chips and race numbers will not be mailed and must be picked up on Friday night or Saturday morning at the Expo held at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. Times for the Expo are Friday night from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from 7-11 a.m..

This Expo will also include health and fitness products from sponsors and selected vendors. If you are interested in being a vendor at the Expo, contact Dick Allis at www.ptcexpo@juno.com.

The revenue from this event is the basis for the Peachtree City Running Club’s community support budget for the year. The club promotes and supports running through many activities throughout the year. They sponsor a free Kid’s Fun Run each May where each child receives a finisher ribbon, treats, and prizes. Most recently, they hosted a free Summer Track Classic Series culminating in a two-day Championship Series with medals for all winners.

Each year, they give scholarships to senior runners in all Fayette County high schools. The Running Club also donates money to local track teams and helps to sponsor youth running. They host a running event in the elementary schools that concludes at the Classic with all runners receiving shirts and awards for their efforts. Many water fountains on the running paths of Peachtree City were donated by the club and dedicated to local runners. In addition, they support the local police and EMTs with needed equipment. They supply assistance and equipment to most local running events in their effort to encourage running. These are examples of the many community service events the Running Club sponsors each year. With your support of the Classic Race, these services can continue and expand.

If you have additional questions about this event, call the Peachtree City Classic phone line at 770-632-9025 or email questions to ptcclassic@bellsouth.net.

login to post comments