3K kids participate in 2025 Chick-fil-A Peachtree Junior
Young runners participate in Peachtree Junior
More than 3,000 children participated in the annual Chick-fil-A Peachtree Junior race on Thursday morning ahead of the 55th annual AJC Peachtree Road Race.
ATLANTA - The youngest athletes hit the streets of Buckhead on Thursday morning for the Chick-fil-A Peachtree Junior, kicking off Independence Day festivities and building excitement ahead of the 55th annual Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
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What we know:
This year marked the largest turnout yet for the youth event, with more than 3,000 children participating in the mile run and 50-meter dash. Kids ages 6 to 14 ran the mile, while children 6 and under took part in the shorter sprint—many cheered on by parents and siblings who have long made the Peachtree Road Race a Fourth of July tradition.
"It’s beautiful," said one parent. "I used to bring him before this little one here, and we’d go to the finish line stage and let them stand around and get on the mic a little bit. So now to see him participating in the activities is amazing."
The family-focused event offered more than just a warm-up for Friday’s main race—it served as a way for generations to celebrate fitness, fun, and tradition together.
What's next:
While roads reopened temporarily after Thursday’s race, much of the Peachtree corridor—from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park—will remain blocked off through the end of Friday’s race. Organizers recommend using MARTA for those trying to navigate the area.
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