Greetings from Running City USA: A Conversation with 2024 T-Shirt Design Winner Nick Benson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race finisher's T-shirt is more than just apparel—it's a badge of honor, a collector's item, and a piece of Atlanta history. In 2024, artist Nick "Turbo" Benson made his mark on this tradition by winning the Peachtree T-Shirt Design Contest with his "Peach Planet ATL" design, a vibrant illustration of the city's skyline emerging from a peach.

An Atlanta-based illustrator, muralist, and graphic designer, Benson has worked on projects with Run the Jewels, Mellow Mushroom, and even designed a special Atlanta-themed Pabst Blue Ribbon can. But nothing compared to seeing thousands of runners cross the Peachtree finish line wearing his artwork.

Benson's design received a record number of public votes, and he took home the contest's largest-ever prize of $5,500. As the 2025 contest remains open through February 26, we caught up with him to hear about his inspiration, race-day experience and what it felt like to become part of Peachtree tradition.

You ran the Peachtree before winning the contest. How many times have you done it?
Twice! My first Peachtree was in 2023, right before I submitted my design. I had such a great time that it immediately became a tradition. Before, I might have spent the night of July 3 out at the bars, but now I love waking up early, running and celebrating the holiday in a whole new way.

What made you enter the contest?
I actually came across it on Instagram. The race was already on my mind because I knew we'd be running it again that year, and my imagination just kind of ran with it. The concept popped into my head, and I quickly sketched a five-minute scribble that, surprisingly, ended up looking a lot like the final design.

What inspired your winning design?
I wanted to capture the essence of Peachtree, how the race takes you through the heart of Atlanta and makes you feel like you've seen the whole city in just 10K. As an Atlanta-based artist, I joke with my friends that every client wants a skyline in their design. So, I challenged myself to present it in a unique, unexpected way. That's how I landed on the spherical, planet-like perspective. It was both a fun technical challenge and a fresh take on the city's skyline.

Did you think you had a chance at winning?
I try not to count my chickens before they hatch, but I spent nearly a month on the design. So yeah, I was really hoping it would pay off.

Race day must have been exciting for you. What was it like?
It was surreal. Someone actually texted me right at the start and spoiled the surprise, so I knew before crossing the finish line that I had won. But running in that crazy July heat, knowing my shirt was waiting for me at the end? That was an experience I'll never forget.

What did it feel like to see thousands of people wearing your artwork?
It was cathartic. Finishing the race wasn't just about running, it was also the culmination of months of work and the big push to get people to vote. The moment I crossed the line, it all hit me. Then my phone started blowing up—friends, family, even people I hadn't heard from in years were messaging me saying they saw my shirt on the news. It was an amazing day.

You also won the largest prize in contest history. Did that factor into your decision to enter?
Every artist loves seeing their work out in the world, but let's be honest—the prize money didn't hurt either!

Will you be running Peachtree again this year?
Oh, absolutely. It's a tradition now.

What advice do you have for artists considering entering the contest?
Don't try to mimic past winners. Design something you'd want to wear and trust that other people will love it too.

Any final thoughts?
Just a heads-up for the next winner—Natalie will be waiting for you at the finish line, microphone in hand, ready to ask questions while you're still sweaty and out of breath. Be prepared!

Submit Your Design for the 2025 Peachtree T-Shirt Contest
The 2025 Peachtree T-Shirt Design Contest is open for submissions through Wednesday, February 26. Artists can submit up to three designs for a chance to leave their mark on Atlanta's biggest running tradition. The winning artist will receive $5,600, with additional cash prizes for second and third place.

For more details or to enter, visit atlantatrackclub.org/t-shirt-contest