CHANCEY: ‘Run To Jesus’ tops Peachtree Road Race highlights

Published 10:43 am Thursday, July 10, 2025

NDL

What do you get when you blend high energy, enthusiasm, determination, patriotism, persistence, tight security, and a ton of fun in the summer heat? The 56^th running of the Atlanta July 4^th Peachtree Road Race. 

I joined over 52,000 of my best running buddies to participate in my 19th  Peachtree Road Race. I look forward to this special event filled with red, white and blue, great music, interesting characters, and a challenging course. The turnout was the highest since 2019.

What’s special about the world’s largest 10K?

The personal accomplishment. Simply finishing is an accomplishment, especially in the heat and humidity. My personal goal each year is to finish under an hour. Last year I did. This year, I ran it in 61:29, still a good showing considering the heat and the large number of walkers I had to navigate around (walkers are supposed to move to the right, but multitudes clogged the running lanes). At least they were out there.

Crossing the finish line brings great satisfaction.

The sense of community and comradery. As you join runners at the MARTA station in the early darkness and ride the train together, you sense a contagious spirit of “we’re all in this together.” 

The cheers of the crowd. Approximately 150,000 spectators line the course on both sides and cheer us on. I heard “You can do it!” “Good job!” “You’re halfway there!” Reaching mile four begins the ascent up “Hope Hill,” formerly named “Cardiac Hill” in front of the Shepherd Center, where numerous patients line that side of the street, sitting in their wheelchairs shouting encouragement to runners. They inspire us!

The celebratory Independence Day vibe. That 2700-square-foot American flag hangs over the start line and waves in the morning breeze. We begin with the national anthem. A C-130 Hercules from Dobbins Air Reserve Base flew over. Flags dot the course. Many runners sport costumes featuring patriotic themes.

The T-shirt reveal. The winning design stays under wraps until the first runners cross the finish line. The public voted on five finalists, and the winning shirt was “Atlanta Runs Deep” by Russ Vann. An iconic peach with a road running through it rests on a red shirt. I wear it proudly all year.

The spirit of triumph. The race is filled with stories of triumph over adversity. For instance, in 2014, Ivy Asmus was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). What she initially thought was back pain resulting from a fall turned into 10 years, seven spinal surgeries including fusions, a long, tedious recovery, and a tenacious desire to return to running. In 2017, she scribbled on her bucket list, “Run the Peachtree Road Race at least once post-op.”

Seven years later, in 2024, she crossed the finish line. 

“I wanted to take on the race to prove that my disease didn’t win,” she shared last year. This year, her time was 1:13:48!

And what about Willie Hatchett? Three years ago, Hatchett suffered cardiac arrest while running the first mile. Thankfully, two doctors running the race together came upon him shortly after he collapsed. An Atlanta police officer joined them. They administered CPR until the ambulance came and took him away.

They thought they’d never see him again. In 2024, the doctors accompanied Hatchett on his return to the Peachtree. This year, Hatchett walked the 6.2 miles. He was determined not to miss it.

The Gospel witness. Somewhere deep into the first mile, we came upon a street preacher. I heard him before I spotted him. He stood on the sidewalk, using an amplified bullhorn and surrounded by supporters holding posters. 

The young, well-dressed man clearly proclaimed, “Runners, run to Jesus. He’s the only One who can save you.” He called for repentance and quoted scripture after scripture. You couldn’t help but hear him. He was sincere and urgent as he politely admonished runners. 

I admire his boldness and willingness to stand in the heat and plant seeds of the gospel. He took advantage of a great opportunity to impact thousands with the power of the gospel. More than likely, runners were present who needed to heed that call to salvation. 

Some runners wore T-shirts with scriptures on the front or statements bearing gospel witness. I pray God uses these words to influence runners and other onlookers to turn to Jesus.

—Milledgeville native David L. Chancey lives in Fayetteville, Georgia, and serves as transitional pastor of Eagles Landing at Griffin, Griffin, Georgia. He loves to write, preach, and spend time with family. Contact him at davidlchancey@gmail.com.