race information

FAQs | Course Map | History of the Race | Picture Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

We are pleased to provide answers to our most frequently asked questions about the Charles Harris Run for Leukemia.  For specific answers to your questions, we invite you to contact us.

Q: When and where will the 2008 race event occur?
A: Date: Saturday, February 23rd
    Time: One-Mile Fun Run begins at 7:45 am at Shamrock Middle School             
               10 K Race begins at 7:45 am at Tucker High School

Q: How much does it cost to enter?
A: The pre-registration is $22 for adults and $10 for youth (12 years and under). Race day registration is $30.

Q: How can I register?
A: Runners can register online, by mail-in, or as a walk-in.

Online registration must be completed by February 21st by noon. The website address is www.active.com.

Walk-in registration is available at the following retail locations from February 5th - February 21st:

Big Peach Running Co.
Cherokee Plaza
3881 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA
404.816.8488

Big Peach Running Co.
1062 Johnson Ferry Road
Marietta, GA
770.579.0444

Mail-in applications must be postmarked by February 18th, 2008. Please make checks payable to the Charles Harris Run for Leukemia and sent to the following address:

Charles Harris Run for Leukemia
PO Box 468206
Atlanta, GA 31146-9998

On-site registration will begin at 6:00 a.m. at Tucker High School.

Q: Can teams compete?
A: Corporate and open teams may compete. Corporate teams do not have to pre-register. However, open teams must pre-register by sending a list of participating runners to P. O. Box 468206, Atlanta, GA 31146-9998 by [date].

Q: How will I receive my race packet?
A: All race numbers for online and mail-in orders are picked up on the day of the race at Tucker High School beginning at 6:00 am. No packets will be mailed. If registering in person, you may pick up your race packet from your official sign-up location when you register. 

Q: What are the directions to Race Parking/Shuttles?
A: North Dekalb Mall is located at the corner of Lawrenceville Hwy and North Druid Hills Road. Take I-285 to Lawrenceville Hwy (Hwy 29) exit. Proceed inside I-285 on Lawrenceville Hwy approximately 1.5 miles to the intersection with North Druid Hills Road. The mall is just past this intersection on the right.

Q: Where is Race Parking and Shuttles?
A: Arrive early to avoid the last minute rush. There is ample parking available at North Dekalb Mall. Buses will run every 10 minutes from 6:00 to 7:15 a.m. from the North Dekalb Mall parking lot on the corner of Lawrenceville Hwy. and North Druid Hills Rd. to Tucker.

Buses will return only to North Dekalb Mall after the race and there will be no shuttles back to Tucker High. No charge.

Q: Are entry fees tax-deductible?
A: The full entry fee is tax-deductible.

Q: Can I increase my donation?
A: You may increase your donation by adding any dollar amount you desire to your registration check. Registration forms provide a space to indicate the amount of your extra contribution.

Q: Can I collect pledges on behalf of the Charles Harris Run?
A: Organizers accept and appreciate pledges on behalf of the Charles Harris Run. Please make checks payable to the Charles Harris Run for Leukemia. We are pleased to award pledge prizes in the form of gift certificates. Please click here for a pledge form.

Q: What is the race course? Is it certified?
A:  The 10K race begins at Tucker High School, proceeds West on Highway 29, and concludes at Shamrock hHigh School. It is certified by the USATE. The relatively fast course is popular among runners who wish to qualify to be seeded for the Peachtree Road Race. The One-Mile Fun Run begins and ends at Shamrock Middle School.

Q: Do runners receive a t-shirt?
A: All pre-registered participants who finish will be guaranteed to receive a t-shirt—high-quality with a colorful, custom-designed Charles Harris race logo.  T-shirts in size XXL are available to pre-registered runners only for a fee of $2.

Q: When will I receive my race results?
A: All runners who qualify for Peachtree Road Race seeding will receive a postcard immediately following the race. Make certain your address on your application is legible. Results will also be posted on this website beginning on [Date].

Q: Are prizes awarded?
A: Prizes will be awarded beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Shamrock Middle School Gymnasium for the following categories:

• Top three overall open and masters competitors, male and female for separate age groups

• Male:14& under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, 70 & over. 
• Women: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, 70 & over.

• The top two men’s and women’s open and corporate Team Competitors will receive first and second place awards. First and second place women’s and men’s masters teams will also be awarded. The top three members of each team will be time-scored.  Team captains must turn in team names and times to scoring table at the end of the race.

• Pledge prizes in the form of gift certificates may be redeemed at the store of your choice. Gift Certificates will be awarded according to the following prize structure:

• All finishers will receive trophies or ribbons for the One-Mile Fun Run.

Q: Who sponsors the race?
A: In addition to proceeds from race entry fees and the extra contributions made by race participants, the Charles Harris Run for Leukemia greatly relies upon private and corporate support. Georgia Tech, Shamrock Middle School and Tucker High School further support our efforts in meaningful ways. Also, Channel 11 (WXIA) covers race results and, along with other local television stations, tapes the event. Local television stations further donate public service announcements.

Q: Do celebrated runners participate?
A: The Charles Harris Run for Leukemia is proud to name many champion runners as participants. Gayle Barron, 5-time Peachtree Road Race Winner and Boston Marathon Champion; Craig Virgin, 4-time Peachtree Road Race Winner; Irish Olympia Marty Flynn; former American Marathon Record-Holder Benji Durden; top ranked world master’s runner, John Tuttle; former Olympian, Jeff Galloway; national record-holder for the vision impaired and recipient of four metals in the 1996 Olympics, Tim Willis (holds numerous national records); and more than 2,000 of Atlanta’s top runners.

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Course Map and Elevation Information

Click here to view the course map and elevation.

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History of the Race

This annual 10K road race—the most popular pre-qualifier for Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race—originated 1981 in memory of Dr. Charles E. Harris. 

An all-star football player, Dr. Harris was awarded “unsung All American” honors at the University of Georgia before playing at the professional level. He returned to Georgia to teach history and coach football, and later became Principal of Shamrock High School. Respected by the community and devoted to his family, Dr. Harris lost his life to leukemia at the age of 49. 

While Dr. Harris could not defeat leukemia, he would be honored to know that the Charles Harris Run serves to help others win their battle against the disease.

Through the efforts of his oldest son, Chuck Harris, and dedicated running comrades, the Charles Harris Run now ranks as the 4th largest in participation among 500 annual 10K races throughout the State of Georgia.  Now 28 years old, the Charles Harris Run is also the third oldest road race in the State. 

Not only has this fast course created an incentive for seeded runners of the Peachtree, but its fundraising value also inspires all ages to enter. Since the race’s inception, the Charles Harris Run has raised over $850,000 for leukemia research at Emory University. 

We invite you to take part in this much-celebrated, meaningful event as a runner, sponsor or volunteer.

Simply register online or contact us for information.

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Photo Gallery

Click each photo for a larger view.

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