Patrick Kiprop Repeats, Tsigie Gebreselama Wins 57th Running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race

The 57th Running of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race ushered in a new era as more than 56,000 runners and walkers celebrated Independence Day at the first running under title partner Northside Hospital. Participants from all 50 states and more than 30 countries took to the streets of Atlanta for the world's largest 10K, continuing one of the city's most enduring Fourth of July traditions during the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.

From elite competition and Georgia's top high school distance runners to more than 3,300 children participating in the Northside Hospital Peachtree Junior, race weekend showcased the power of running to unite communities. More than 4,500 volunteers helped bring the event to life, while thousands of spectators lined Peachtree Road to cheer participants from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park.

Repeating as winner of the men's footrace was Patrick Kiprop, who became the first man to successfully defend his Peachtree title since Khalid Khannouchi in 1999.

This was Kiprop's third major victory this season after taking the honors at the recent Bolder Boulder 10K and B.A.A. 10K. In 2025, however, Peachtree was his first race at the distance after an All-American career after the University of Arkansas.

"I knew I was strong this year," said the 26-year-old Kenyan, who broke the tape in 27:37. "Last year, I wasn't expecting much, but this year I knew I had to do something." Plus, he added: "Knowing the course is always nice."

Finishing second and third, respectively, were fellow Kenyans Nicholas Kipkorir (27:41) and Raphael Dapash (27:43). Top American was Wesley Kiptoo (12th, 28:40).

Winning the women's race in 31:02 after a spirited duel down 10th Street was Tsigie Gebreselama, currently ranked the #4 road racer in the world. The 25-year-old Ethiopian was passed, seemingly for good, by 21-year-old compatriot Melknat Wudu as they neared the finish line, only to put in one last surge to retake the lead in the final strides.

Wudu, fifth here last year, would finish one second back (31:03), with Kenya's Irine Cheptai placing third (31:11) after being dropped during the dramatic sprint.

"I knew her, she's so strong," said Gebreselama, aware she would need her kick against Wudu but confident nonetheless. "When I was coming from Ethiopia, my mind was to win, so I wasn't nervous."

Sydney Vaught, in her first processional season after an All-American career at the University of Arkansas, finished as the top American (9th, 32:18).

In the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division, it was business as usual for Americans Daniel Romanchuk and Tatyana McFadden, who extended their reigns as the winningest athletes in Peachtree history with their ninth victories. Neither was seriously challenged.

McFadden, racing Peachtree for the 13th time, crossed the line in 23:02, her fastest victory here.

"This race is so unique," she said. "I love the partnership of the two hospitals, the Shepherd Center and Northside - I think it's so important to show patients what's possible."

For Romanchuk, it was another milestone after his return to racing this spring following a crash in the Sydney Marathon last August.

"I'm really taking the season one race a time, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to be on the start line," he said. "It doesn't feel like the Fourth of July without being here."

All four took home $12,500 for their victories.

Returning for its third year, the Elite High School Division once again showcased Georgia's top distance runners on one of the biggest stages in road racing. The boys race featured one of the closest finishes in division history as Carson Dobur edged defending champion Riley Comstock by just 0.03 seconds, with both athletes officially recording a time of 31:11. Dash Brackin rounded out the podium in 32:07.

Defending champion Bailey Brackett appeared on her way to a second consecutive title before collapsing just before the finish line. Brackett was initially announced as the winner during the post-race awards ceremony before later being disqualified for being unable to compete following a review. Liliana Beemer was subsequently named the 2026 Elite High School Division champion after crossing the line in 37:06, followed by Paige Comstock in 37:57 and Cadee Benz in third.

Race weekend officially began July 3 with the Northside Hospital Peachtree Junior, where more than 3,300 children participated in the Mile and Dash at Lenox Square. Young runners raced beneath the iconic Peachtree start truss before enjoying live entertainment from Atlanta's 8-year-old DJ sensation DJ Tandamonious, performances by NOD Percussion, appearances from past Peachtree champions and Georgia's top high school runners, and the fan-favorite Mascot Dash featuring Pete the Peach, Freddie Falcon, Blooper, Sammy the Stork, Courageous the Lion, Becks the Bee and Banana Man.

More than 45,000 participants and guests also visited the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo presented by Publix over two days at Lenox Square. Held in climate-controlled tents for the second consecutive year, the Expo welcomed participants for race number pickup, sponsor activations, live programming and athlete appearances. Following temporary weather-related closures, Atlanta Track Club extended Expo hours to ensure participants had the opportunity to prepare for race day.

On the evening of July 3, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of RUN DMC set the tone for race weekend with a high-energy performance that celebrated culture and community, mirroring the spirit felt across the course on race day. Sharing the story of his historic partnership with adidas, he brought it full circle through adidas' partnership with the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race, connecting past and present for the hundreds gathered.

He engaged the crowd with fan-favorite hits including "My Adidas," "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way," while offering the backstory behind "My Adidas" and the moments that shaped one of the most influential collaborations in sport and music. The performance followed the official shakeout run with adidas Runners, Atlanta Track Club, Motion Run Club, Baseline Run Club and the Kyle Pease Foundation, before Lenox Square capped off the night with a fireworks display over Buckhead.

Other notable participants included Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, who joined thousands of runners from across the country and around the world in celebrating Atlanta's signature Fourth of July tradition. "The Peachtree has always been about bringing people together," said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club and race director of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race.

"This weekend was a celebration of everything the race represents. From Olympians chasing victory to children running beneath the start truss for the first time, from longtime Atlanta families to participants visiting from around the world, the Peachtree once again united our community through movement. As we celebrated our nation's 250th anniversary and the first Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race, it was inspiring to see tens of thousands of people create new memories while continuing a tradition that has defined Atlanta for nearly six decades."