Atlanta Track Club

Atlanta Track Club. Founded in 1964, it is one of the largest and most influential running organizations in the United States. The club is dedicated to promoting health and fitness through running and walking for all ages and abilities. It organizes world-class events, supports elite athletes, and fosters a vibrant community of runners across the Southeastern United States.

History

The organization was established by a group of avid runners, including Julia Emmons who later became a long-serving executive director. Initially focused on supporting competitive track and field athletes, the club's scope expanded significantly after successfully hosting the Peachtree Road Race for the first time in 1970. This event, conceived by member Tim Singleton, became a cornerstone for its growth and community engagement. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the club solidified its role as a key promoter of the Running boom of the 1970s in the American South. A major milestone was reached when it was selected to serve as the local organizing committee for the 1996 Summer Olympics track and field events, held at Centennial Olympic Stadium. This involvement elevated its profile on the international stage and cemented its operational expertise in managing large-scale athletic competitions.

Events and programs

Its flagship event is the Peachtree Road Race, a 10-kilometer race held every Fourth of July that attracts over 60,000 participants, making it the world's largest 10K. Other major races organized include the Atlanta Marathon, the Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon, and the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. The club also directs the AJC Peachtree Road Race and manages the PNC Atlanta 10 Miler. Beyond road races, it oversees a comprehensive youth running initiative known as the Kennesaw State All-Metro Cross Country Team and the Atlanta Public Schools track meet. Its year-round training programs, such as the In-Training for Peachtree series, cater to runners of all levels, from beginners to those aiming for the Boston Marathon qualifying standards.

Notable athletes

The club has a storied history of supporting elite competitors who have excelled on national and international stages. Among its most distinguished alumni is Jeff Galloway, a member of the 1972 Olympic team and a renowned running author and coach. Champion marathoner and 1984 Olympian Anne Audain also trained with the club during her career. It has fostered contemporary stars such as Annie Bersagel, a top American marathoner, and Willie Gault, the NFL wide receiver and world-class sprinter. The organization's elite team, supported through its Elite Development Program, includes athletes like Molly Seidel, an Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon, and Abbey Cooper, a standout in long-distance running events. These athletes frequently compete in events like the USATF Championships and the IAAF World Athletics Championships.

Community impact

Through its foundational mission of "inspiring and supporting the activity of running," the organization implements extensive outreach across the Metro Atlanta region. Its community programs include the Kilometer Kids youth running initiative, which partners with over 100 schools and community centers to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The club actively promotes diversity and inclusion in running through partnerships with organizations like Black Girls RUN! and by hosting events such as the Atlanta Pride Run. It also engages in charitable fundraising through its races, generating significant support for partners like the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Furthermore, the organization maintains and advocates for the improvement of public running spaces, including the Atlanta BeltLine trails and Piedmont Park.

Organization and leadership

The club operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Day-to-day operations are led by Executive Director Rich Kenah, a former world championship medalist in the 800 meters. Its headquarters are located in the Atlantic Station district of Atlanta. The organization employs a full-time professional staff and relies on the support of thousands of volunteers to execute its extensive calendar of events. Key operational partners include title sponsors like Publix and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as well as athletic brands such as New Balance. Membership is open to the public, offering benefits that include race discounts, training programs, and subscription to its magazine, *Wingfoot*.

Category:Sports clubs in Atlanta Category:Running organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1964