HF#11988

Looking for a race to burn off some calories before you eat and drink yourself in a holiday coma? Said to be one of the best 4th of July races, the Music City July 4th 5K/10K is a challenging course for the time of year but the race management team puts on a good event that can be the start of a fun and patriotic day for you and your family in downtown Nashville. The course is timed and you get a race tech shirt with entry as well as a handful of other vendors come out such as Wounded Warrior Foundation, Ragnar, and Nissan to offer freebies, future race information, and giveaways. The course is not an easy route and weather in Nashville is hot and humid in July which does not make the hills any easier. The 5K course is one lap and the 10K course is the same loop twice. Two aids stations on the course that offer water and Gatorade which was a blessing for me with the humidity. Parking is on your own but there are a handful of parking garages near the start of the course that you do have to pay for (The courthouse lot on Jefferson street is typically the cheapest and the elevator takes you right to the courthouse plaza for race festivities). If you want to get an extra mile in before the start, you can always park for free at the stadium.

Coolest thing about this race has nothing to do about the race but the events offered around Nashville. This race is perfect for vacationing runners who want to log some miles in a new city before they start to celebrate their 4th. The fireworks in the evening are said to be one of the best displays in the country.