Ahead of 57th Running of the Road Race
ATLANTA – Jan. 16, 2026 – Atlanta Track Club is inviting artists to shape one of the city’s most iconic traditions: the unveiling of the Peachtree Road Race finisher’s shirt. Submissions are now open for the 2026 Peachtree T-Shirt Design Contest, with the winning artwork featured on the shirt worn by more than 50,000 finishers of the world’s largest 10K on July 4.
Artists may submit up to three original designs via the Club’s website here by February 20 at 11:59 p.m.
The contest includes an $8,700 prize purse, with $5,700 awarded to the winning design in honor of the 57th Running of the Peachtree. Second- and third-place finalists will receive $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
“The Peachtree finisher’s shirt is more than fabric and ink, it’s a memory you wear and a story you keep,” said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club. “By designing, you become part of Atlanta’s Fourth of July tradition and shape a moment that thousands will carry with them long after the race ends.”
Last year’s contest drew nearly 400 entries from 16 states, setting a new record.
New for 2026: All designs must be entirely human-created. Artwork made with or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) is ineligible. Full guidelines are available in the contest rules and requirements.
Designers are also encouraged, not required, to acknowledge the 250th anniversary of the United States in their submissions. Atlanta Track Club will celebrate this historic milestone throughout the year, telling the story of how running unites people, across Atlanta, Georgia, the nation and the world as the city prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
A panel of judges from Atlanta Track Club and the local running community will select five finalists based on creativity, contest rules and how well the design reflects the race’s legacy. From March 9 to April 10, the public will vote for their favorite via the AJC News App. As tradition dictates, the winning design will remain a secret until the first finisher crosses the line in Piedmont Park.
The 57th Running of the Peachtree Road Race takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Kilometer Kids Charity Entry registration will open March 18, while Atlanta Track Club member and lottery registration will open on April 1. Lottery entrants will be notified of their status in early May.
Photos by Matthew Demarko and Paul Ward
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About Atlanta Track Club
Atlanta Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
With 40,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest running organization in the United States. In addition to the AJC Peachtree Road Race – the largest 10K running event in the world, the AJC Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race, the Publix Atlanta Marathon, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler and Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year. Through the support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta youth, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes through Atlanta Track Club’s All-Metro Banquets. For more information on Atlanta Track Club, visit atlantatrackclub.org.
2025 Peachtree T-Shirt Design Contest Winner by Paul Ward.jpg
2025 Peachtree Road Race finishers by Matthew Demarko.jpg
