On Saturday, Jan. 3, more than 9,000 runners and walkers will take on the second running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race.
With a sold-out field for the second year in a row and nearly double the number of participants from the inaugural event, the race reflects the growing popularity of this cold-weather counterpart to the iconic July 4 tradition, according to a press release.
Reversing the famed Peachtree course, participants will start in Piedmont Park at 8 a.m. and finish at Lenox Square in Buckhead, running the same 6.2-mile route — just in reverse and in the winter.
All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and an adidas crewneck sweatshirt, with the 2026 design revealed on race morning — echoing the Peachtree Road Race tradition of unveiling the finisher shirt on July 4.
In the lead-up to race day, Number Pickup will move to Phipps Plaza for the first time. The Buckhead destination and Simon property will host participants over three days in a newly activated space near the Food Hall. Runners can pick up race bibs, shop adidas merchandise and enjoy exclusive dining discounts throughout the space.
