[11:35 a.m.]: And that's all folks. If you're feeling nostalgic for the 50th AJC Peachtree Road Race, continue to scroll down, but we won't be posting anymore updates here. For the very latest today and always, head to www.ajc.com/peachtree.
Thanks so much for following along. Have an enjoyable (and safe) Independence Day.
If you want to find your race result, click here.
[11:06 a.m.]: Even though the temperature is only 87 degrees, the "real feel" has topped 90 degrees Thursday, according to Channel 2 Action News. Any straggling racers need to make sure they drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
[11 a.m.]: The finished line at the 50th annual AJC Peachtree Road Race has officially been closed, according to a tweet by AJC reporter Amanda C. Coyne. However, there's a steady trickle of participants still completing the home stretch of the race.
[10:57 a.m.]: If you need that last boost of motivation to finish the race, just think about this guy who carried a woman on crutches across the finish line.
[10:22 a.m.]: Cleanup efforts have begun at the starting line and along the first few miles of the course. From all the plastic cups, it looks like racers should be well hydrated.
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
[10:03 a.m.]: The temperature has shot up to 84 degrees, and it's expected to continue increasing to a predicted high of 92 degrees Thursday afternoon, according to the latest Channel 2 Action News forecast. Coupled with the high humidity, it already feels like it's 88 degrees outside, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
[9:45 a.m.]: The Atlanta Track Club has issued a red alert warning due to the increasing heat and humidity. That means it's advised for racers to drink water at every hydration station, slow down their pace and consider walking to avoid dehydration.
[9:28 a.m.]: Shortly after finishing the race, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms thanked everyone involved in making the AJC Peachtree Road Race possible.
“Nothing speaks to the diversity of Atlanta more than the AJC Peachtree Road Race, and it really is a reflection of who we are as a city,” she said. “I'll be celebrating 50 in January, so it's great to celebrate this milestone with this great road race. I'm glad to be here.”
Credit: Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com
Credit: Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com
[9:10 a.m.]: Did you just finish the race? That means it's time to celebrate and post your victory pose on social media with #AJCPRR to make sure everyone sees it.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer / alyssa.pointer@ajc.com
Credit: Alyssa Pointer / alyssa.pointer@ajc.com
[8:58 a.m.]: Temperatures have climbed into the low 80s Thursday morning, and the weather will only get warmer (and wetter) this afternoon. Whether you've finished the race, are still running it or are spectating, make sure to stay hydrated.
[8:45 a.m.]: And just like that, the last wave of runners has left the starting line. Only a short 10 kilometers (or 6.21 miles) to the finish line.
Don’t worry, there’s plenty of people to keep you company.
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
[8:30 a.m.]: Forrest Gump, who knows a thing or two about running, has also made his appearance at the AJC Peachtree Road Road.
A couple is also putting an old fable to the test by dressing up as the tortoise and the hare.
If you’re still battling to finish the race, stayed focused and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. If you decided to juggle at the same time — good luck.
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
[8 a.m.]: While the elite runners didn't mess around, breaking records in all four categories, many racers had fun dressing up for the occasion.
Some racers have printed helpful instructions to others on their backs.
Others are enjoying beverages other than water — please stay hydrated.
Several people decided the best outfit is their birthday suit — or close to it. There’s also no shortage of American flags.
Credit: Bob Andres / Robert.Andres@ajc.com
Credit: Bob Andres / Robert.Andres@ajc.com
A chicken was also spotted completing the race, which begs the question: why did the chicken cross the finish line?
[7:47 a.m.]: The previous record holder for the women's elite race, Lornah Kiplagat, tweeted her congratulations to Brigid Kosgei for shaving 10 seconds off her record.
[7:27 a.m.]: Racers aren't playing today. Every race has ended in a broken record, and Rhonex Kipruto has made it four for four. His unofficial time of 27:01 broke the men's elite record, and it was the fastest time a 10K was ever run on American soil.
As you can see in this photo snapped by AJC photographer Alyssa Pointer, Kipruto was all smiles while approaching the finish line.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer/alyssa.pointer@ajc.com
Credit: Alyssa Pointer/alyssa.pointer@ajc.com
[7:23 a.m.]: Brigid Kosgei has toppled the third record of the day, breaking the elite women's record with her unofficial time of 30:22.
Check out this action shot AJC photographer Alyssa Pointer captured of Kosgei earlier in the race.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer/alyssa.pointer@ajc.com
Credit: Alyssa Pointer/alyssa.pointer@ajc.com
UPDATE [7:10 a.m.]: That didn't take long. Two AJC Peachtree Road Race records have already been shattered.
For his third win in a row, Daniel Romanchuk’s unofficial time of 18:11 in the men’s wheelchair division breaks the record, winning him $50,000.
With an unofficial time of 21:28, Manuela Schar also broke the women’s wheelchair division record, netting her $50,000 as well.
ORIGINAL STORY: And for the 50th year, they're off! The main AJC Peachtree Road Race has begun. (Check here throughout the day for the latest information and photos.)
Elite woman hit the pavement at 6:50 a.m. The elite men and those who are seeded went at 7 a.m. Those doing the race in wheelchairs began at 6:25 a.m.
But running isn’t all participants need to focus on, since it’s muggy Thursday morning in Atlanta. While temperatures are in the upper 70s, the humidity means the air feels dense. Rain isn’t a concern though.
MORE: Fourth of July holiday to heat up quickly, fueling afternoon storms
Credit: Hyosub Shin
Credit: Hyosub Shin
“It’s going to be warm and humid this morning, but at least there won’t be storms impacting the race as we have in years past,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls said.
The last start time is 8:40 a.m.
Credit: Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
Credit: Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
READ | Check out how to get to the race using MARTA
WATCH | See the race in real time through this live steam
EAT | Grab some grub while you watch the race
To check the race results as they come in, click here.
Here’s a map of the course:
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