The Fourth of July means a great many things. It’s a day celebrating Liberty, the birth of a nation and throwing off the shackles of imperialism so a country could march to the beat of its own drum. There are a great many things you’ll see today that will show you what America is all about, but perhaps none that started earlier than the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.
The Peachtree Road Race is America, and it’s wonderful
Atlanta’s 10K is a microcosm for what makes this country great.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
It’s a 10K run but with a strictly American twist. Yes, there are the hardcore runners setting times and looking to place, but there are also a great many average Joes looking to get their America started early. Here’s why the race is great:
1. There’s a GIANT American flag suspended by a crane over the start line.
The big American flag flies over the starting line of the Peachtree Road Race. #July4On2 pic.twitter.com/opbfTLLSy7
— Jason Durden (@JasonDurdenWSB) July 4, 2014 2. It’s a race where you’re free to eat doughnuts while jogging.
Sadly every once in awhile we lose one #PeachtreeRoadRace pic.twitter.com/gkKmNBHWHb
— Amy Richter (@amyrichter) July 4, 2014 3. There’s free beer everywhere and people are encouraged to drink WHILE running.
Free Red Hare's for Peachtree Roadrace runners! Chase the Rabbit! pic.twitter.com/D7LTfeUKu9
— Red Hare Brewing (@RedHareBrewing) July 4, 2014 4. There’s free beer AND pizza everywhere and people are encouraged to eat and drink WHILE running.
Yes, they are handing out beer and pizza mid-race. Memo to @NASCAR: do this. pic.twitter.com/5dq9tg0Glq
— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) July 4, 2014 It’s about getting out with your friends and meeting strangers to tackle a common goal, all while being cheered on from the sidelines by folks you’ve never met and are likely to never see again. It’s about being seriously dedicated towards a feat, or wanting to be relaxed and treat it like a party. No one approach is more valid than another.
Cynicism towards events like this is easy. Appreciating that this isn’t common everywhere it’s slightly more difficult.
Have an amazing Fourth of July.
See More:
More in: AMERICA
