Nashville’s legendary marathon is singing a new tune after 16 years: now known as the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & Half Marathon and included within Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series global brand (with 30 destination events each year).
Competitor Group organizes this race, in which runners visit some of Music City’s iconic hotspots and attractions on a course lined by live bands.
Course
Attracting over 30,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants each year, the Country Music Marathon draws runners of all types for an event that combines entertainment and challenge. Boasting 28 stages featuring live bands performing various musical genres throughout its course – making for an event both engaging and challenging – no wonder marathon enthusiasts love participating!
Competitor Group Inc, which organizes the Nashville Marathon race, recently updated its name and branding to reflect the inclusion of a half marathon into their global Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series of 30 destination events. They stated that this change is intended to better integrate their Nashville Marathon into this global series.
runners in both the full and half marathon races enjoy seeing Nashville through its landmarks such as Broadway, Gulch, and Country Music Hall of Fame. Though some parts may be slightly hilly, most of its route remains fairly flattish throughout its route.
Over the years, live music has played a pivotal role in the Country Music Marathon. Artists such as Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Lady Antebellum have all performed at this race; additionally dozens of local and regional artists also perform. Furthermore, musicians volunteer their services as race entertainment.
The Country music marathon is an annual event hosted by Nashville, Tennessee during the first weekend in January and features a marathon, half marathon and 5K run among many other activities. As one of the premier road races in America and globally attracting thousands of participants annually.
This year’s marathon will offer a new course and set of events, expected to draw even more competitors. Finishers of the marathon can look forward to a free post-race concert at Nissan Stadium as an additional treat, while nonparticipants can still enjoy live music performances around Nashville.
Venues
The Country Music Marathon is one of Nashville’s most beloved marathons, part of the Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series and offering participants the choice between running a full marathon, half marathon, 5K or 10K distances. Additionally, over 25 bands will perform along the course and finish line at Nissan Stadium this year including Runaway June, Greg Pratt, Angie Rey among many others.
The marathon course traverses Nashville and its surrounding neighborhoods on an idyllic course that runs mostly flat with some hilly sections, passing many iconic landmarks including Ryman Auditorium – known as the Mother Church of Country Music! Though some runners may find the experience daunting, many find its rewards more than worth their while.
At this race, bands and high school cheerleaders provide entertainment along the course, offering performances to participants as they run. Participants also get the chance to visit many of Nashville’s famous attractions – from Broadway honky-tonks to Country Music Hall of Fame – all within its borders. Many spectators also show up to support these runners.
This year’s marathon marks Nashville’s inaugural participation in the Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series and is anticipated to draw over 25,000 participants from around the globe. Proceeds of this race will benefit St Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Nashville hopes to raise over $10 Million through proceeds.
Not only is the marathon course stunningly beautiful, but its post-race concert has attracted an array of musical artists such as Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, and Lady Antebellum – many are former marathon runners themselves!
Marathon Music Works is an ideal setting for weddings and other special events, providing historic open space and turn-of-the-century charm for your big day. Situated just five minutes away from Downtown Nashville in Marathon Village, guests can also take advantage of delicious meals served at Marathon Restaurant next door.
Accommodations
Visiting Nashville for the marathon? Make sure that you book your hotel as early as possible using Hotwire’s great hotel deals near the race. Select your amenities, dates, and price range before letting Hotwire handle everything – this way, you’ll save money while having extra funds available to spend elsewhere!
One of the best places to stay is in downtown Nashville near Nissan Stadium and Broadway Strip, filled with honky-tonks, restaurants and boutiques offering affordable shopping opportunities. Many runners choose this neighborhood to experience local culture.
Clarion Hotel Downtown Nashville – Stadium offers the ideal combination of comfort and convenience, being just 10 minutes from Nissan Stadium with modernized rooms that are kid-friendly – making this hotel perfect for families. In the evenings guests can experience its vibrant nightlife replete with cool country music songs being played from various bars on Broadway.
Food
Over 16 years, Nashville’s Country Music Marathon has drawn upwards of 30,000 participants each year to run, walk, or wheelchair through Nashville while 28 stages offer music. However, some bean counters from some corporate committee decided it might be more appealing for more people if the name were changed; something hipper such as Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon series with 30 destination events worldwide might draw more people in attendance.
Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum have been past participants of this marathon event; this year they will be joined by Atlas Genius, Flo Rida, Pitbull and other stars.