Before tens of thousands of runners take to Peachtree Road this July 4, the public now has two ways to get involved — helping select the design of the adidas finisher’s shirt and securing a spot on the start line.
Voting opened today for the 2026 Peachtree T-Shirt Design Contest, giving the public the opportunity to select the official finisher’s shirt for the 57th Running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race. As the official media partner for the Peachtree, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s website and mobile app will be the exclusive home for voting on the designs of the shirt.
The public will ultimately decide which design more than 50,000 finishers will wear across the finish line in Piedmont Park on July 4, making the contest one of the most visible artistic traditions connected to the race.
Voting runs through April 10, and users may cast one vote per day.
“The Peachtree finisher’s shirt has become one of the most recognizable symbols in running,” said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club and race director of the Peachtree. “Each year, this contest gives artists the opportunity to leave their mark on a tradition that stretches across generations of runners. We’re excited to see the community once again help decide which design will define the 57th Running.”
This year’s contest received 531 submissions, with a panel of judges from Atlanta Track Club and Northside Hospital selecting five finalists. The winner will receive $5,700 in honor of the 57th Running of the Peachtree. The runner-up will receive $2,000, and third place will receive $1,000.
The five finalists are:
- Grace Cho, 22, Atlanta, Ga.
- Jose Hadathy, 34, Marietta, Ga.
- Dyan Szall, 26, Sandy Springs, Ga.
- Lydia Sweeney, 30, Opelika, Ala.
- Russ Vann, 39, Atlanta, Ga.
To preview the designs and vote, download the AJC News app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store here, or visit ajc.com/peachtree. Once inside the app, look for the 2026 Peachtree Road Race icon.
Registration for the 57th Running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race is now underway. Beginning March 18, participants can secure guaranteed entry here through the Fuel the Future Peachtree Charity Waves, which supports Atlanta Track Club Foundation and its Kilometer Kids youth running program, as well as through select sponsor entries.
General registration and the public lottery will open April 1. Atlanta Track Club members receive guaranteed entry at the lowest price and placement in start waves A–M. Non-members may enter the lottery for a chance to participate and will be notified of their status in late April.
The 57th Running of the Peachtree will take place Saturday, July 4, starting at Lenox Square and finishing in Piedmont Park. For more information, visit atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree.
About the designs:
Artist: Grace Cho
Occupation: Creative Marketing Specialist
Design title: Atlanta at Heart
About the design: My design reimagines the peach, Atlanta’s most recognizable symbol, as a heart formed by a winding road that begins in the heart of the city. For me, the Peachtree Road Race isn’t just a route on pavement, it’s a pulse. It starts in Atlanta and radiates through every neighborhood, every runner, every volunteer and every cheering spectator.
The heart-shaped road represents how deeply this race is woven into the spirit of the city. On race day, miles turn into memories. Strangers become encouragers. The streets transform into a celebration of resilience, unity and pride.
Artist: Jose Hadathy
Occupation: Manager, Creative Design at Atlanta United FC
Design title: Look Closer, Atlanta
About the design: In this design, Atlanta’s landmarks spell out "Peachtree," challenging viewers to look closer at the skyline they think they know. This year’s race is also a personal milestone for me. After a recent knee injury sidelined my lifelong passion for playing soccer, I am using my first-ever Peachtree Road Race as the finish line for my recovery. Professionally, I design retail collections for Atlanta United, and having the opportunity to design the Peachtree Road Race T-shirt during a World Cup year would truly be a dream come true.
Artist: Lydia Sweeney
Occupation: Design Director, Ampersand
Design title: It’s Always Peachy in Atlanta
About the design: The Peachtree has been a Sweeney tradition since the early 80s. As both a runner and a spectator, I am always inspired by the joy and community the race brings. I commute into ATL sometimes and illustrated the moment I see the city skyline, still surrounded by trees. There’s a lot of positive energy on race day (even on the 6 a.m. MARTA) which influenced the colors, movement and texture in my design.
Artist: Dyan Szall
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Design title: We the Peaches
Artist: Russ Vann
Occupation: Creative Director
Design title: Big Peach Classic
About the design: My design, “Big Peach Classic”, celebrates Atlanta’s most iconic race with elements inspired by one of the city’s nicknames and the patriotic energy of July 4th. As a runner who has participated in the race for many years, I wanted to create something that felt classic and simple. The big peach gives a nod to the nickname, while the other colors, stars, and stripes honor the July 4th race tradition and the upcoming America 250 celebration.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ATLANTA TRACK CLUB.
Pictured, top: 2025 Peachtree Road Race T-shirt winning design from Matthew Demarko.
