5 protesters arrested during Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race

ATLANTA - A group of demonstrators protested on the Peachtree Road Race route Saturday morning, leading to multiple arrests by Atlanta police.

What we know:

Five protesters entered the Peachtree Road Race route and blocked a portion of the street, according to the Atlanta Police Department. 

To hinder their removal from the area, the protesters utilized a tactic known as the "sleeping dragon" maneuver, which involves locking themselves together, the agency said. 

Atlanta Police Department units responded to clear the path and arrested all five individuals. The protesters face charges pending city ordinances and pedestrian traffic offenses, Atlanta police confirmed. 

What they're saying:

Posts on social media showed the five linking arms in the road along the race route. 

"Five Black Women were arrested during the Peachtree Road Race — one of many #America250 Celebrations today. Why? Because, as Black feminists, we refuse to endure another 250 of what the United States of America has done here in Atlanta and across the world," protest organizers wrote on Instagram. 

According to subsequent posts, the five arrested have been released from jail. 

Protest organizers sent the following statement to FOX 5:

"Early this morning, on the 250th birthday of a nation built on stolen land, slavery, war, and displacement, five Black women were arrested after carrying out a peaceful direct action at Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 10K.

The women entered the race route with their arms locked, displaying the message: "Not Another 250." The action was organized as a call to reject another 250 years of violence, displacement, militarism, poverty, and systemic neglect, while demanding Land Back, Reparations, and investment in the wellbeing of Black and Indigenous communities.

Despite participants remaining peaceful throughout the action, organizers say police moved in without issuing any warning or dispersal order before physically removing the women from the roadway. Witnesses reported that officers were unnecessarily rough and aggressive during the arrests, disregarding the women's physical safety and wellbeing. Throughout the action, organizers attempted to communicate with law enforcement, but officers repeatedly provided conflicting and misleading information about their intentions and next steps.

The action honored the lives of Black women including Margaret Swan, Breonna Taylor, and countless others whose deaths organizers say reflect the ongoing consequences of disinvestment and systemic violence.

"There cannot be another 250 years of U.S. domination," said local organizer Redd, one of the five women arrested. "Not in Atlanta. Not in Haiti. Not in Cuba. Not in Venezuela. Not in Palestine. We are drawing a line and saying enough."

Many runners and spectators expressed support for the action as it unfolded, particularly Black women who immediately understood the message and purpose behind the protest. Both Andre Dickens and Raphael Warnock passed the scene without stopping or acknowledging the act of civil disobedience by their constituents.

The five women were transported to the Atlanta City Detention Center, a jail that city leaders previously promised to close and convert for community use, but which continues to detain people despite years of public pressure and organizing efforts demanding its closure.

"As a Black woman, mother, and human being, my soul is shaken every day—not only by a government preparing to celebrate 250 years of domination and violence, but by the silence of those who have become bystanders to that violence," said Mary Hooks. "This action is a call to step out of fear, apathy, and isolation and into loving resistance. Today we call for Land Back and Reparations. We call for a new way of being. In this moment, resistance must become normal."

Organizers are calling on community members to gather tonight at 9:00 PM outside the Atlanta City Detention Center for a solidarity rally demanding the release of the arrested women and standing in support of all those impacted by criminalization and political repression. Supporters are encouraged to bring signs, noisemakers, and community members as the movement continues to demand justice, freedom, and a future rooted in care rather than punishment.

Additionally, organizers are calling on supporters to contribute to jail support efforts, donate to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, and joining local action and national resistance efforts connected to the Day One Movement at dayonemovement.org"

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet released the names or ages of the five individuals who were arrested. Additionally, the Atlanta Police Department did not state the specific location along the 6.2-mile course.