Photo credit: Joaquin Lara
In First of its Kind Initiative, Kids’ Race Entry Fees Covered by Microsoft
ATLANTA — March 28, 2024 — In a groundbreaking initiative to make the Microsoft Peachtree Junior available to any child wishing to participate, all entry fees for the 2024 event will be covered by Microsoft, Atlanta Track Club announced today.
This will be the first time in its 38-year history that the Peachtree Junior will be free to every child who registers.
“At Atlanta Track Club, we are focused on making running and walking, cross country and track and field accessible to everyone,” said Rich Kenah, CEO. “Cost can be a barrier for some, which is why our Kilometer Kids program is free to all. We – and the children of Atlanta – thank Microsoft for joining us in our mission and taking it one step further at Peachtree Junior.”
Registration for the 2024 Microsoft Peachtree Junior is available here.
In 2022, Microsoft became the Official Technology Partner of Atlanta Track Club, focusing on youth programs and events, and began integrating STEM activities into the Club’s Kilometer Kids program as well as the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo presented by Publix and the Microsoft Peachtree Junior.
At Peachtree Junior, participants have had the opportunity to code a running-themed video game, use a micro:bit device to create their own personal step counters, and develop an arcade game starring Atlanta Track Club mascot Pete the Peach. STEM activities will again be offered this year at both the race and Expo.
“We’ve been teaming up with Atlanta Track Club and their Kilometer Kids program for the past few years to foster opportunities for youth to learn and grow through technology and physical activity,” said Monica Robbins, director of sports partnerships at Microsoft. “The positive impact we have seen through the program has made us passionate about making running and STEM fun and accessible to every curious kid, so we’re thrilled to sponsor all kids to run free at this year’s Peachtree Junior.”
The Microsoft Peachtree Junior will be held on July 3, with participants crossing the same 10th Street finish line at Piedmont Park that will be used for the 55th Running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race the next day. The Junior features a series of Mile races for children ages 6-14, a Dash for children 6 and under, and a heptathlon in the Track & Field Zone offering the chance for kids to try out the shot put, mini-hurdles, standing broad jump and more.
A medal and T-shirt will be guaranteed to the first 3,000 registrants.
About Atlanta Track Club
Atlanta Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
With more than 30,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second-largest running organization in the United States. In addition to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race (ajc.com/peachtree) – largest 10K running event in the world – the Publix Atlanta Marathon, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler and Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year. Through the support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta youth, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes through its All-Metro Banquets and supporting the Grady Bicycle EMT program. For more information on Atlanta Track Club, visit atlantatrackclub.org.
