Registration for 29th annual PTC Classic has begun

By Bob Dalton
Special to The Citizen

Plans are underway by the Peachtree City Running Club for the 29th running of their annual Peachtree City Classic. It is one of the most popular runs not only in the state of Georgia, but in the southeast as well. In fact, this year’s 15K will serve once again as the Road Runner’s Club of America’s Regional Championship and also part of the USATF Grand Prix Series. The “Classic” actually consists of three different races: a Women’s 5K, a Men’s 5K and the 15K open. All races are run on separate TAC certified courses. The Classic takes place this year on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Race Director Marino Fuentes is the master planner behind the scenes. He manages a myriad of people who are in turn responsible for a multitude of tasks and functions to ensure another successful event from start to finish. The 5K races for men and women are open to the first 800 entrants in each category. The ever-popular 15K is open to the first 1500 entrants. However, Marino urges everyone to get their applications in as soon as possible, as it usually closes out early.

The 15K was voted the best 15K course in Georgia by Georgia Athlete Magazine. The courses are run mostly on paved golf cart paths that take the runners through the green belt areas, by lakes and ponds, through woods and small tunnels, across bridges and on scenic routes through the planned community of Peachtree City.

In a never ending effort to keep the race fresh and new, Race Director Marino is offering a technical vest to all registrants this year. This sharp looking blue vest has the race logo on the left breast and is sure to be a collector’s item among the runners and walkers. In fact, the Classic has become renowned for its sweatshirts, high-tech running shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, and light-weight jackets awarded in the past. Many participants enter because for the wonderful garment they receive and wear them for years. This year will be no exception.

Another new addition to the race this year is major sponsorship by Heritage Volkswagen of Union City. General Manager Amr Hallaba says he looks at it as a way to get involved with and give back to the Fayette County community. Actually, many of his customers over the years have been from the area and he believes a good way to strengthen their relationship is through mutual support of events like the Classic which is one of the biggest sporting events in the southern arc of Atlanta. 100% of all sponsorship funds are used to support various community activities, including local school and youth programs, scholarship money to local high school runners, equipment for the police and EMS, and more.

Applications are available at most Fayette County sporting good stores and fitness facilities such as World Gym, Ultimate Fitness, and Maximum Output. Runners can also register online at the running club website, www.ptcrc.com or www.active.com