By Henry Bryant
“On the Double” takes on a new meaning to participants in the BATL Double Quick 5K Race. Double Quick is the march order given to soldiers during the Civil War (and now) if the desire was to cover some ground in a hurry. The Double Quick 5K, which is held in Kirkwood, is particularly appropriate way to commemorate the Battle of Atlanta since Union soldiers were being ordered in July of 1864 to move rapidly from Decatur to East Atlanta and the area around what is today’s Moreland Avenue. The route took them through the plantations and down the old roads that are part of today’s Kirkwood. The Race will begin this year on the old Trolley Line Trail that connects Leggitt’s Hill in East Atlanta with Decatur, at a new starting line.
The BATL Frontlines Experience is located across from Gilliam Park near the Trolley Line PATH Trail. Authentically attired soldiers from the Frontlines will fire the starting shots of the race. The runners will wind their way through the Kirkwood business district before circling back to the finish line across from the Frontlines to receive the Double Quick 2012 T-shirt prize.
Racers of all ages and speeds have enjoyed running in past years. Organizers of the race think that the reshuffled route of the race this year will provide improved conditions for the participants. They will be able to park their cars at Toomer Elementary School at 65 Rogers Street or along nearby streets and easily get their numbers and move on to the starting line.
Race numbers will be provided by race sponsors Big Peach Running Company. The East Lake Family YMCA is a major sponsor of the Double Quick and will assist with first aid at the race. The Spotted Trotter, a neighborhood purveyor of fine meats (not a track star with a rash) will also be a sponsor of this year’s race.
The race begins promptly at 8:00am. Registration can be handled online by following the link at www.batlevent.org. The registration entry fee ahead of time is $18. On the race day the entry fee is $22 and will begin as early as 7:00am. Advanced registration is urged to allow the organizers to stock rehydration supplies, race T-shirts, and be ready for a timely start.
The BATL Double Quick 5K is a fun way to experience the battlefield in a way that soldiers might have in 1864, only without the wool uniforms. It also will help fund the restoration of the only Battlefield Monuments in the City of Atlanta – one of them in East Atlanta.
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