As the Fourth of July approaches, so does one of Atlanta’s most beloved events and traditions, the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Taking place on Independence Day every year since it began in 1970, the race has grown to be the largest 10K run in the world, now boasting a cap of 60,000 runners.

Due to the high demand for participation, registration is based on a lottery system. The lottery takes place in March prior to the race.

Organizers expect 150,000 people to line the streets to watch the race this year, so spectators are encouraged to arrive early and to take MARTA to their preferred spots along the route.

The starting line is on Peachtree Road between the Ritz Carlton and Lenox Square and extends back toward Phipps Plaza. Some viewing options for spectators can be found at peachtreeroadrace.org.

Among the recommended options are around Lenox Square, the Cathedral of St. Philip, the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, Piedmont Hospital, or near the end in Piedmont Park at a number of shaded areas or midtown restaurants.

A wheelchair race precedes the foot race and begins at 6:45 a.m. The women’s professional division begins at 7:17 a.m., and the men’s professional and first wave of the foot race begin at 7:30 a.m.

Runners are dispersed into start-wave groups and begin at intervals between 7:30 and 9:05 a.m.

Streets throughout the route will be closed the morning of the race. Streets around the start area will close at 5:30 a.m., and the rest will close shortly after in preparation for the runners.