Considering the essay's formality, audience, and purpose, which phrase would best describe the purpose of this essay? a) to persuade a potential runner to join the race b) to narrate a history of the event for the sake of entertainment c) to inform the media of this year’s elite international competition d) to persuade a world-class runner to participate in the peachtree road race

In the article titled The Peachtree Road Race: A Race Like No Other by David Matherne, the author covers the history of the Peachtree Road Race, what sets it apart from other similar races, and how "The Peachtree Road Race is unique as a road race in three distinctive ways: it is run on the 4th of July, it has a rich tradition, and it is the most competitive 10K in the world."

The article starts by saying that one of the facts that makes this race great is that it gives everyone, novice and advanced joggers, the opportunity to run alongside world-class runners. Taking this into consideration, we can rule out option D. The article ends by saying "... and you have the recipe for the world’s best 10K road race." Because of the use of this type of persuasive appeal, we can conclude that this article is meant to persuade potential runners to join the race.

Therefore, your best answer is option A.