HF#11988

Like Rock 'n' Roll Nashville but wish it was less crowded? The Nashville 1/2 Marathon might just tickle your fancy! You start where the infamous Broadway t-bones into the Cumberland River with Nissan Stadium just across the river and run up and around Music Row then down to The Gulch, around the capital and Nissan Stadium before heading out to Shelby Park and then back to the stadium and Broadway for the finish. If you are familiar with Nashville, it is not a flat course but luckily, the hills are at the beginning 5K and the very last mile. Only complaint about the course would be running down the industrial section of Division St on your way to and from Shelby Park. Complaints about the race in general; packet pickup is not setup very well for locals outside of downtown Nashville, parking is on your own and nothing is free (including the free event lot at Nissan Stadium), and the post race area is rather small and thus crowded.

Overall, a nice race in the beginning of November to experience downtown Nashville running.

HF#11988

Also known as The Middle Half, this is smaller race that starts and finishes at MTSU and runs through and around historic downtown Murfreesboro. The course is flat and fast for Middle Tennessee and is very popular for local runners. So popular that registration sells out a few days it opens in the spring. Plenty of parking available all around the university. Only complaint I have is the packet pickup was handled by a group of retirees and the process took a little long for such a smaller event.

HF#11988

Nothing much to this race, just a simple 5K around Murfreesboro's square and The Oaklands Mansion. Tennessee in August can be unbearable as a runner but this August morning was perfect for a flat, fast 5K. Two aid stations on the course to get you through the constant battle with humidity. Best part of this race aside from benefits going toward helping local illiteracy and kids; General Mills/Pillsbury sends you home with a massive bag full of products made in the local Pillsbury facility on top of a race specific tech shirt. Parking is on your own but if you are familiar with the area, you know there is plenty available around the square and race management directs people to the library parking garage if you are unfamiliar.

HF#11988

Fun little race for a great cause that you can enjoy with the entire family. A little too warm in Tennessee for half marathons in August so this 10K is great to check your summer training progress. No tech shirt for this race but a nice tri-blend shirt and magnet for your car to show your support for the cause. You can also purchase other items during the packet pickup. Course is simple and flat so very good to get yourself a new 5K or 10K PR. Two aid stations on the course with enthusiast crowds to give you that extra push you needed. In fact, the entire course is lined with support from families, church members, and foundation supporters. No medal for finishing but the race is timed. Post-race refreshments are a plenty from your typical fruit, energy bars, water, and chocolate milk to some tasty homemade goodies in appreciation for your support of the foundation.

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.