Tim Singleton, Founder of AJC/Peachtree Road Race, Dies

Singleton got an early start in athletics, running track and playing football at Georgia Tech in the 1950’s.

About a decade later, he became Georgia State’s men’s dean and its cross country coach.

“He was very energetic, hard-working and extremely friendly and very much loved by the athletes and the students here at Georgia State,” says Bruce LaBudde, who was coached by Singleton for two years.

In 1970, Singleton helped put together the Peachtree Road Race.

Friends and family say he was proud to see the race become an Atlanta institution.

“It’s been proclaimed to be the largest 10K in the world.  It’s unbelievable that, you know, it started as just a seed of an idea back in 1970,” says LaBudde.

Singleton’s love of running never faded away.

“As he got a little bit older, he didn’t do as much outdoor running, but he would be at the Rec Center every morning, always came by with a positive comment and a word of encouragement,” says Mac McConnell, who worked with Singleton at the University of North Georgia.

Charlie Crawford, The Atlanta Track Club’s chairman of the board issued a written statement on Singleton’s death:

On behalf of the Atlanta Track Club board, staff, members and volunteers, we are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Peachtree founder, Tim Singleton.  Through the AJC Peachtree Road Race, Tim has not only made a significant impact on the health and fitness of the Atlanta community, but has also left an amazing legacy for future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim’s family during this very difficult time.

Singleton, a 2011 inductee of the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame, was 76 years old.

The GSU Sports website has a good history of the early days of the Peachtree Road Race.