The AJC Peachtree Road Race is a celebration for Atlanta Council Leader Doug Shipman

What does the Peach tree mean for the city?

It’s such a celebration to race in Atlanta. You see older people, younger people, fast runners, slow runners, walkers, families, people doing their first Peachtree, people doing their 40th. Then you have all the people lined up on the course, playing music, ringing bells and holding signs. It’s really a celebration.

Credit: Miguel Martínez

Credit: Miguel Martínez

Do you have a favorite part of the race?

I so enjoy running in front of the “Runners’ Blessing” (by Dean Sam Candler of St. Philip’s Cathedral about 2 miles into the course). It’s such a wonderful moment where all these other things come together. The other best part is walking up the steep hill with all the patients lined up in front of the Shepherd Center cheering you on – even though the truth is you’re cheering them on. And it’s great to see people thanking the police, firefighters and public works people, praising them for their service.

You’re trying to convince me to run Peachtree for the first time. What do you say?

The special thing about Peachtree is that there is a place for everyone. People who are running it for the 15th time are just as involved in the race as the elite athletes at the front. Whoever you are, you will find your rhythm and you will find your people.