America’s Greatest 10K, The U.S. 10K Classic is more than a 10K race. It is a Labor Day celebration and event designed to raise awareness and funds for children’s charities in Georgia and for the future development of The World’s Children’s Center. Wheelchair athletes, cyclists, in-line skaters, and world class runners participate in the race. There is a place in the race for all runners and walkers.
The U.S. 10K Classic boasts eight, race categories:
USCF licensed female cyclists. This is the newest category, in which racers compete for $10,000. If you are a USCF licensed cyclist you may register at
us10k.gobike1.com or call 770-432-0100. Race begins at 7:20 a.m.
100K Professional cyclists. Professional and top ranked cyclists only may participate. With $25,000 the U.S. 10K Classic offers the largest single day
race purse in Georgia. Race begins at 7:15 a.m.
10K In-line Skaters. Professional skaters line-up for the Official Inline National Championship. Due to the rigorous course, non-professional skaters are
discouraged from entering the skating division. Skaters should be able to complete the 10K, with lots of hills, within twenty-five minutes. Cash prizes will
be distributed to top male and female finishers. Race begins at 7:25 a.m.
10K Wheelchair Athletes. The 10K wheelchair race is held in accordance with the rules of Wheelchair Athletics U.S.A. Rules of Long Distance
Racing. This race requires competition chairs and helmets, and a pre-qualifying time on a 10K course. A cash purse is awarded to the winner. Race
begins at 7:30 a.m.
Team Challenge Divisions. Companies, schools, religious organizations, families, and friends may choose to enter the U.S. 10K Classic as a
team. There are three team divisions and an award will be given in each division.
.5K and 1K Kid’s Classic Races. Children’s races are held Saturday, September 1, 2007. The .5K is open to kids age six and under. The 1K is open to
children age eleven and under. Kid’s races begin at 11 a.m. at the Family Festival at the Galleria Gardens. Race day registration for Kid’s Classic is open
race day at 10 a.m. All participants receive a t-shirt. Medals are awarded to the top three male and female finishers.
10K Run/Walk. This is the U.S. Classic 10K category open to all runners and walkers age 12 and older. Competitors should know this is USATF and
RRCA sanctioned race. Everyone else, come run or walk at your own pace and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Elite athletes should see the U.S. 10K
Classic Race website for seeding information. Race begins at 7:45 a.m.
Phantom Racers. Would be racers who want to support the U.S. 10K Classic, but can’t be there may register as Phantom Racers. Registration is $38. A
t-shirt and hat will be mailed to them after the race.
This year’s race will be held September 3, 2007. Due to the number of racers and attendees, race day registration has become impossible. Early registrants should have already mailed in their application, but it is not too late to register. Late registrants may register during packet pick up at the Family Festival, September 1-2, at the Galleria Gardens.
The Family Festival is a fun pre-race gathering that is free and open to the public. The U.S. 10K Classic Family Festival is Saturday, September 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Galleria Gardens. Kid’s Classic races are at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The Family Festival is also open Sunday, September 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live music, race souvenirs, artist market, athlete and celebrity autograph signings, and special promotions and demonstrations from vendors. For the children there are pony rides, face painting, space walks, and more.
The U.S. 10K Classic course is a challenging run along U.S. Highway 41 (Cobb Parkway) from the Cobb/Galleria Center to White Water/American Adventures Theme Park. The Family Festival and race day staging is just inside I-285 northwest of Atlanta between the Cobb Galleria Center and Cumberland Mall.
The U.S 10K is one of the most challenging 10K’s in Georgia. The race follows a straight course, but is known as “the race with hills.” Runners will stay encouraged along the race course by live music. Plenty of water will be provided by Aquafina. Hundreds of fans cheer runners to the finish at White Water Theme Park.
Following the race medals will be awarded to 1000 runners, 50 cyclists, 50 in-line skaters, and all wheelchair participants. Everyone with a ChampionChip racing chip will have their official time recorded. Racing chips may be rented for $5. Finishers with ChampionChips will be mailed official race times. If an official race time isn’t important runners should register for the untimed 10K walk/run.
All finishers will enjoy free food and drinks provided by Publix. In the past, end of the race re-fueling included fresh bananas, cookies, oranges, juice, water, and more. Runners may also take advantage of free entrance into White Water and cool off in the wave pool, or on one of the towering water slides. Race numbers serve as a free entry ticket. Family members will receive a 50% discount into White Water Theme Park.
There will also be a free concert and door prizes at the finish line.
Sources:
*The following sources are all from the official U.S. 10K Classic, America’s Greatest 10K Race website.
“10K In-Line Skate.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=33
“10K Run/Walk.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=5
“10K Wheelchair Division.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=36
“10K Women’s Cycling.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=7
“100K Professional Cycling.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=27
“About the Race.” http://www.us10k.org/racedetails_details.asp?rid=4
“Course Description.” http://www.us10k.org/racedetails_details.asp?rid=11
“Family Festival.” http://www.us10k.org/racedetails_details.asp?rid=9
“Kid’s Classic Races.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=10
“Phantom Racers.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=30
“Seeding Info.” http://www.us10k.org/racedetails_details.asp?rid=8
“Team Challenge.” http://www.us10k.org/racecategories_details.asp?rcid=31
“The U.S. 10K Classic, America’s Greatest 10K: Registration.” http://www.us10k.org/registraion.asp#EntryInformation
