2018 Peachtree Junior | Run, Throw, Jump with Atlanta Track Club

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Peachtree Junior is May 5 at Piedmont Park and we can’t wait to get in on the fun this year. Here are some reasons why we love this kid-friendly race and decathlon:

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About the Event

Thousands of children will descend upon Piedmont Park for their own version of the AJC Peachtree Road Race on May 5. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Peachtree Junior offers a 3K, 1/2K and 50m Dash in addition to a kid-friendly decathlon, giving kids ages 14 and younger the chance to experience the joy of running and trying new events.

Creating Healthy Habits

This year marks the 32nd edition of the event, which started with 660 children running the 3K in 1987. Since then, Atlanta Track Club has added two more distances, along with post-race festivities for the kids. Peachtree Junior also serves as the culminating event for the spring season of Kilometer Kids Youth Running Series, which offers 19 free races throughout the year.

Run, Throw and Jump

For the past four years, participants have been able to try out kid-friendly track and field events as part of the post-race festivities. “By expanding the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Peachtree Junior to 10 events, we hoped to provide a morning of fun for families that will inspire children for years to come,” says Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club’s executive director. Kids can try out the high jump, long jump, shot put, discus, javelin and hurdles with assistance from Atlanta Track Club Elite team members and a special Olympic guest.

Meet an Olympic Gold Medalist

This year, participants will have the chance to receive guidance from three-time Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers. Devers won gold in 1996 in both the 100 meters and 4×100-meter relay, and now she’s back to coach and inspire the next generation of young runners with Atlanta Track Club.