We saw this article in the AJC.  Grady says it may not be able to work the Peachtree this year.  They go on to say this.

The overall cost of Peachtree coverage, not counting setup, is close to $20,000, Grady officials said. Grady does not bill the Atlanta Track Club, which furnishes some equipment to the bike teams. “It’s the hospital giving back to the community,” Davenport said.

Wow, whatever will the Road Race do?  We are guessing they will hire a private company to work the event.  Some quick arithmetic indicates that $20,000 is barely more than one percent of the amount of money brought in by entries alone.  Add sponsorship dollars and we are guessing this sum equates to less than one-half of one percent.

[Taking bids now!]

This is not a clever ploy.  Outside the city (and often within) Grady is seen as a money hemorrhaging, medicare/medicaid abusing, hospital for the poor.  The Peachtree Road Race is one of the hospitals best opportunities to show exurbanites all the good it does.  Remember, it is much easier to hate things you aren’t familiar with.