Powering Peachtree: Inside Atlanta’s Volunteer Tradition

They don't wear bibs. They don't cross the finish line. But without them, no one would.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race may be known for its 50,000 participants, but it's the volunteers, thousands of them, who bring it to life.

Before the sun rises over Atlanta on July 4, they're already in motion: setting up water stations, directing crowds and making sure every participant's journey goes smoothly.

From early planning to final cleanup, volunteers are the engine behind the world's largest 10K. Nearly 3,500 people power the event each year, many of them returning every July 4.

One of them is Dennis Burgess, a fixture at the same water station for more than three decades. Since 1990, he's returned every year, always managing one of the race's many hydration points. A former runner, Burgess knew the event well before ever putting on a volunteer shirt.

"I really started walking and running a few Peachtrees, switched to volunteering, and they got me hooked," he said.

It's not glamorous work. It starts before sunrise, requires staying organized in the middle of what can feel like race-day chaos, and means braving Atlanta's summer heat.

But Burgess comes back every year, not just for the race, but for the runners and the people beside him.

"I've made great friends through the race," he said. "And since then, I've continued to volunteer for other Atlanta Track Club events."

He's one of the many who return each July. Every year, hundreds of experienced volunteers help bring the Peachtree to life. In the weeks leading up to the race, they're busy working on major projects that help make the event possible.

"Many of our volunteers are deeply involved in the setup process," said Korri Palmer, coordinator of volunteer services at Atlanta Track Club. "They've seen the city change year after year from the same station or area, and they take pride in being part of something that big."

There's a reason they keep coming back. They're connected to the experience.

And on race day, that energy is everywhere.

While tens of thousands of runners move toward the finish, it's the volunteers who keep them going—cheering, encouraging, and helping them stay hydrated, just like at Burgess' water station.

"We all show up with a smile on our face because we really are that excited to be there—like a kid waiting for Christmas," Burgess said.

That joy spreads.

It's not only longtime volunteers like Dennis who return each year. New faces regularly join the team—friends, family members, first-time volunteers and others interested in contributing to the event.

Brantley Sherrer, senior manager of event operations, has worked with Atlanta Track Club and helped organize the Peachtree for 34 years. He noted that Burgess' experience has made him a reliable leader among other volunteers.

"Dennis has been doing this for so long that he knows exactly what needs to be done," said Sherrer. "He takes initiative, understands the flow of the day, and helps guide newer volunteers."

Sherrer also emphasized the critical role volunteers play in the event's overall success.

"The volunteers really are an important factor," he said. "Between police, course monitors, and hydration, we just couldn't put on the Peachtree without them."

Burgess said he hopes to support and motivate newer volunteers.

"I take care of my fellow volunteers," he said. "When people volunteer with me, they know I've got their back, no matter what."

As the Peachtree continues to grow and evolve, a core group of returning volunteers brings consistency and knowledge to the event each year.

Many start with logistics roles like managing gear or hydration, but often become more deeply involved in operations over time. Their work spans weeks of preparation, race-day support, and post-race tasks—all contributing to the experience of nearly 50,000 participants.

Burgess may not cross the finish line himself, but his role, and that of thousands of others, helps make it possible for so many to do so.

It takes over 3,500 volunteers to make the Peachtree happen each year. Volunteer positions are still available here.