More than 30,000 participants will make their way through the streets of Nashville on Saturday, April 26th for the 15th Annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and 5k.
The 7:00 a.m. race begins downtown on lower Broadway. The course leads runners through Music City, past Nashville landmarks and ultimately to the finish line at LP Field.
Cheer and dance squads will line the streets to motivate and encourage racers along the way. Live bands from various genres will also be stationed along every mile of the course.
“It’s almost like a street party,” said Brentwood racer David Haywood. “It’s like a parade, and you’re the float.”
Haywood, age 60, has run in the last ten Music City Marathons and coaches a marathon training program with Fleet Feet in Brentwood.
“To complete a marathon, even a half marathon, is really a pretty big thing. You’ve done something you’ve worked for and reached your goal,” Haywood said. “Usually the first time you finish a marathon, it’s an emotional experience because you have that awesome sense of accomplishment. I tell our runners, ‘You are now a marathoner, and no one can ever take that away from you.'”
Along with experiencing a tremendous sense of accomplishment, many are racing for a greater cause. Some participants, like “St. Jude Heroes,” are committing to fundraise set amounts for St. Judes Children’s Hospital. The money raised will go toward the hospital’s $1.9 million daily operating cost, which is primarily covered by public contributions.
After the race Saturday night is a headlining concert at Bridgestone Arena featuring Charles Esten and Clare Bowen from ABC’s “Nashville” along with country artist Chase Rice. Marathon participants get in for free with their race number, but non-participants may purchase tickets.
In the days leading up to the race, a free Health & Fitness Expo will take place at the Nashville Music City Center on Thursday, April 24th and Friday, April 25th. The expo is open to the public and will feature more than 80 exhibitors offering free samples, providing nutritional information and more.
For additional information, visit runrocknroll.competitor.com/nashville.
