Thousands gather for Atlanta's annual Peachtree Road Race

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Thousands of runners made their way through Atlanta Tuesday morning for the 48th annual AJC Peachtree Road Race.

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The world's largest 10K kicked off in Buckhead near Lenox Square Mall around 6:45 Tuesday morning with Shepherd Center's Wheelchair Division, followed by the Elite Women's Footrace Division and the Elite Men. 

The main race began at 7:30 a.m. and waves of runners continued throughout the morning. 

Leonard Korir, Colorado Springs, CO, placed first in the men's race with a finishing time of 28:16. For the women’s championship, Aliphine Tuliamuk, of Santa Fe, NM, earned her sixth U.S. title, and Tatyana McFadden, of Clarksville, MD, snagged first place in the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division. 

This year, more than 60,000 people participated in the 6.2-mile race. The course took runners through Buckhead to the finish line in Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.

The race course officially closed at noon. 

Ahead of the race, a "red alert" was issued due to the dangerous weather conditions. Organizers issued the alert given the risks associated with undergoing strenuous exercises in hot and humid temperatures. Fire officials said one runner is recovering in the hospital after collapsing near the finish line. 

MORE: Runner recovering after collapsing during Peachtree Road Race

Runners were urged to familiarize themselves with the five water stops along the route and consider changing their pace or stopping during the race.

MORE: 'Red alert' issued for Tuesday's Peachtree Road Race

New strategies were established this year to ensure a safer race. For the first time, there were checkpoints for spectators going into Piedmont Park to meet athletes after the race. Their bags were searched and any items they brought with them had to be placed in clear plastic bags.

MORE: New security measures for Peachtree Road Race