HF#11988

This is a local favorite for runners in Murfreesboro, TN. As a runner, we all know our passion is more than just for us, we use it everytime we race to raise funds for and bring awareness to an organization in need. That is exactly what the Special Kids Race is, proceeds go toward a local organization that helps special needs kids that do not have anywhere else to turn because their needs are too many, too expensive, or too time consuming for the big hospitals.

Packet pickup is at a local church the afternoon before the race but unfortunately if you are not familiar with the church, you might have a difficult time finding where at. Hopefully next year they will have more signage to help direct people or have an easier location in general. Course is timed and your timing chip is on you bib and the race shirt is a cotton tri-blend t-shirt. Not really anything else as far as the expo goes, there are a couple organizations there with booths setup but nothing other than awareness, other races to take part in, and donations.

Race day parking is really easy as multiple locations in the area offer free parking. If you do not get their in time to park at the start/finish line, they shuttle people from nearby lots on donated school buses or you can get a nice warm-up run in instead of riding a shuttle. The course is pretty awesome I think, too often we find ourselves running through town or out in the middle of nowhere but this course takes you through and around the Stones River Battlefield so it is scenic but also within the city limits. Also, the route is really flat, maybe a rolling hill here and there but nothing anyone should worry about. Aid stations are every mile and a half or sooner and the post race festivities offer a lot of goodies from your typically bananas, energy bars, and water to some donated items from local businesses and even homemade items. The hit this year was a massive home made rice krispies "brick" made and donated by a local church, I believe.

Not exactly worth traveling a great distance to run this race but worth it if you are within a couple hrs and want to help a good organization and see some new scenery.