DMC of RUN DMC to Perform July 3 Ahead of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race
Free Event for Registered Participants Concludes with Fireworks at Iconic Start Line
ATLANTA - April 21, 2026 - Darryl "DMC" McDaniels will deliver a special performance on Peachtree Road at the start line of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race on Friday, July 3, the eve of the Peachtree and the nation's 250th Independence Day, with a free celebration for registered Peachtree participants at Lenox Square.
Made possible through Atlanta Track Club's partnership with adidas, the appearance by a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group RUN DMC will serve as a featured moment in the lead-up to race day, blending music, culture and one of the most iconic brand relationships in hip-hop history. The set will begin at 8:30 p.m. and conclude with a fireworks display over Lenox Square in Buckhead.
This year's Peachtree will unfold amid a rare convergence of milestones— the 250th anniversary of the United States, Atlanta's spotlight on the global stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 57th Running of the world's largest 10K. Together, these moments reinforce the Peachtree's identity as a cherished hometown tradition with national and international appeal.
"The Peachtree has always been more than just the race," said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club and race director of the Peachtree. "Welcoming DMC—an artist whose influence on music, style and culture continues to resonate across generations—into this moment makes it especially meaningful. We are proud to add this experience to a once-in-a-lifetime weekend celebrating community, our city, our country and, of course, the World Cup."
DMC helped redefine music, fashion and culture through RUN DMC's groundbreaking partnership with adidas and its influence on generations of artists and fans. His appearance at the Peachtree reflects the continued connection between sport, music and culture that has helped shape the race's broader identity.
The July 3 performance and fireworks take place in the heart of Lenox Square, where Atlanta Track Club is creating a walkable, festival-like environment leading into race day. Peachtree Road from Lenox Parkway to Lenox Road will close beginning July 3 as the iconic start line is installed early, giving participants the chance to gather under the start truss, take photos and experience the energy of race weekend before the official start.
The celebration is part of a multi-day Peachtree experience centered around the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo presented by Publix, which will be held in climate-controlled tents in the Macy's parking lot at Lenox Square on July 2 and 3. The Expo is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, with early access for Atlanta Track Club members from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Northside Hospital Peachtree Junior is scheduled for 8 a.m. on July 3 in the same location.
The 57th Running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race will take place Saturday, July 4, starting at Lenox Square and finishing in Piedmont Park. Lottery registration is open until 11:59pm on April 21. Atlanta Track Club member registration is open through sell out.
For more
information, visit atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree.