This is a fantastic tradition, the worlds largest 10k. The city of Atlanta goes above and beyond to accommodate this race and its participants. MARTA provides apecial shuttles from Lindbergh Station to the start line.
Water tables and water sprayers are located at just the right places to help keep runners cool, which is definitely a factor in July in the south.
You collect your medal at the expo and your T shirt at the finish. Which is backwards from other races, but its one of the things that makes this race unique.
Fair warning, this is a huge event. You'll be running with 60k other runners, but it doesn't get overly crowded until you get into the park at the finish. Still, this is a must do event if you like destination races.