The AJC Peachtree Road Race, hosted by The Kyle Pease Foundation, is taking place virtually this year, therefore eliminating its long-standing restrictions on the number of wheelchair athletes eligible to participate. As a result, a record number of 19 push-assist and wheelchair teams, featuring 21 athletes and 28 volunteers, will participate.
“Historically, the AJC Peachtree Road Race places a limit on the number of push-assist athletes who can compete and only approves athletes who meet certain qualifying standards.
“This year’s virtual format gives us the unique opportunity to sponsor significantly more athletes than ever before. Considering the difficult circumstances and obstacles 2020 has presented our Foundation, the Virtual Running of the Peachtree Road Race will truly be the highlight of our year.”
— Brent Pease, executive director of the Kyle Pease Foundation
Hometown Kids
The Foundation’s founders, Kyle and Brent Pease, grew up in Atlanta watching the race and for many years did not believe they would have the opportunity to participate together. The brothers made history in 2013 as the first push-assist duo granted access to compete in the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Since its inception, The Kyle Pease Foundation has supported 135 families across more than 1,000 finish lines and raised $3.5 million.
“The Kyle Pease Foundation has made a historical impact on the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Whether it’s Brent and Kyle crossing the finish line for the first time in 2013 or the steady stream of push-assist athletes crossing the finish line year after year, The Foundation is synonymous with what we do and who we are.
“We look forward to welcoming a record number of athletes from The Foundation this year as we celebrate the Peachtree’s legacy in a new virtual way.”
— Jay Holder, director of marketing and communications of Atlanta Track Club
The Inspiring Athletes and the Pandemic
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with disabilities are at a higher risk of infection or severe illness due to their underlying medical conditions. This year’s virtual race allows The Foundation athletes such as Pace Academy fifth-grader Marin Smith, who has cerebral palsy, to participate in the race safely.
“The pandemic may have halted Marin’s ability to compete in most races this year, but it has not touched her spirit and tenacity. She could not be more fired up for her first Peachtree Road Race.
“We would like to extend a huge thanks to The Kyle Pease Foundation and the Atlanta Track Club, which have both worked tirelessly to make the event a reality for us under incredibly difficult circumstances.”
— Greg Smith, Marin’s father, who will be virtually competing alongside his daughter
Runners can participate in the Virtual Running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race by completing a 10K and submitting their results between 12:01 am on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26 through 11:59 pm on Sunday, Nov. 29.
[Source(s): The Kyle Pease Foundation, Business Wire]
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