The 2025 Peachtree Road Race & Why I love Street Photography
The Peachtree Road Race — the largest 10k race in the world!
This year, around 53,000 runners took part on July 4th (with an average of 60,000 participants).
As a self-proclaimed “bad runner” (who is currently training to participate in the road race next year) and a street photography novice, I saw this as a great opportunity to continue honing my skills. Waking up at 4 a.m. in Athens to get to Piedmont Park by around 7 a.m. felt like a daunting task — and honestly, I almost didn’t go. But I’m so glad I did.
I’ve always been drawn to street photography. I’m constantly inspired by the incredible work of Paulie B and Joe Greer (who also happens to be an insanely good runner). The way they — and so many others — capture everyday moments most people would overlook is such a gift.
Since 2025 has been a slower year for me photography-wise, it’s also felt like the right time to explore this genre more deeply. And honestly, it’s become one of my favorite forms of photography. I love it so much.
To practice street photography is to spot something happening — something you feel is worth capturing. Maybe it’s someone passing by, maybe you walk right up to them. Click. You’ve frozen time. Maybe they noticed, maybe they didn’t. But you saw something worth remembering, and now it’s frozen in time.
It’s a scary way to photograph — vulnerable, raw — but that’s also the thrill. And the reward? Totally worth it.
To me, it feels like the truest form of photography. That’s why I love it so, so much.
Cameras used are a Leica M4-2 with a 35mm lens - A Canon EOS 3 with a 28mm lens
Film stocks used are Fuji 400 and Kentmere Pan 400