Experts advise Peachtree Road Race runners to adjust sleep, diet, and core training ahead of 2027 event
With 230 days remaining until the race, specialists in Atlanta and Clemson University outline strategies for managing autumn chores, holiday eating, and strength conditioning.
By Fernando Rojas ·
Runners preparing for the 2027 Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race should prioritize sleep hygiene, mindful holiday eating, and core stability over the next seven months. The event is scheduled to take place in early 2027, and organizers are using the current autumn season to encourage athletes to build healthy habits before race day.
Dr. Aaron Bailey, a physician featured in the race’s preparation guide, noted that repetitive motions from yard work such as raking leaves can strain the back, shoulders, and joints. He recommended that racers use proper technique to avoid injury during this time of year. The guide, produced by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, serves as a recurring resource for the community leading up to the race.
Sleep quality remains a primary concern for many runners, particularly following the recent shift in daylight saving time. Dr. Ana Casas, founder of Atlanta Age Management Medicine in Alpharetta, identified inconsistent schedules, screen use before bed, and late caffeine consumption as common disruptors. Data from the Apple Health Study indicates that the average sleep score in Georgia is 74.15, a figure slightly below the national average of 74.7.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 60 obtain at least seven hours of sleep per night. However, CDC data from 2024 shows that 30.5 percent of U.S. adults received less than the recommended amount. Casas advised runners to establish consistent bedtimes and reduce electronic device usage to help regulate their internal biological clocks.
In the realm of physical conditioning, Mark Kovacs, an exercise physiologist and former professional tennis player, emphasized that abdominal exercises alone do not reduce fat. Kovacs, who leads the Kovacs Institute in Atlanta, stated that a comprehensive core workout is necessary for runners to build stability. He noted that the belief that sit-ups melt stubborn fat is a persistent misconception in the fitness industry.
Jodi Woodward, a fitness instructor in Lawrenceville, recommended two specific exercises for runners to strengthen their core without requiring equipment. The first is the plank, which should be held for 20 to 60 seconds for two to three sets. This position engages the abdominals, back, shoulders, and glutes. The second is the hip dip, performed in a side plank position for 10 to 12 repetitions per side. Woodward noted that this movement targets the obliques while sparing the wrists, making it suitable for runners with wrist sensitivities.
Nutrition strategies are also a focus for runners facing the upcoming holiday season. Hannah Wilson, an assistant professor of community nutrition at Clemson University, warned against adopting an all-or-nothing approach to dieting during the holidays. She suggested that runners bring vegetable options to gatherings, eat a meal before attending social events, and maintain consistent water intake to manage hunger and digestion.
The Atlanta Track Club Foundation is running an annual giving drive from Saturday through December 14. The foundation supports youth programs and community initiatives aimed at expanding access to running and walking. Upcoming events for runners in the area include the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon on November 26, the Eastside Beltline 12K on December 5, and the Singleton Relay and Grand Prix Awards Finale on December 12.
