The Nashville Marathon, otherwise known as the Country Music Marathon, is a part of the Rock N Roll Marathon series. Other races in the series are spread across the country at different times of the year and celebrate different styles of music.
Nashville is of course the perfect city for the celebration of country music, since it is the heart of the country music industry.
The race includes a half marathon and marathon, with a minimum age limit of 18 years-old for the full marathon. The half marathon is open to racers as young as 12 years-old.
If you love country music, this will be the most exciting marathon you ever participated in. Since the course is a big celebration of country music, it could even be the right event for someone running their very first marathon.
You will have tons of encouragement and inspiration along the course and there will be an adequate supply of medical personnel throughout the course.
Registering for the Nashville Marathon
You can register for the Country Music Marathon online or through mail. The most cost effective way is to register online, since they charge an extra $15 if you register through mail.
Registration starts well in advance of the actual race and it does sell out fast most years. Since this is a part of the very popular Rock N Roll marathon series, you should plan to register at least three or four months in advance of the next race date.
The race is typically held in late April.
On the registration form you will be asked for your expected finish time. If you aren’t completely sure on this, avoid the temptation to just make something up. Give a good estimate according to where you are with your training at the time of registration.
There is a Health & Fitness Expo that coincides with the Nashville Marathon. Your entry into the Country Music Marathon also gives you a two-day pass into this Expo.
You will pick up your packet with race number and a complimentary swag bag at the expo. The swag bag can be used to put a change of clothing for after the race. There will be a check point to deposit the bag for safe keeping while you run.
Other marathons in the Rock N Roll Marathon Series include the San Diego Marathon.
Race Results
Are you wondering how fast you have to run to make it in the top 100? For a complete overview of the Nashville Race Results please take a look at MarathonGuide.com.
A short overview of last year’s results you can find here.
2011 Nashville Marathon, Results Men
1. David Kellum 2:17:40
2. Scott Wietecha 2:24:10
3. Edwin Romero 2:25:16
2011 Nashville Marathon, Results Women
1. Ruby Milena Riativa 2:49:59
2. Laura Portis 2:51:24
3. Bryson Smith 2:55:33
The last edition of Hal Higdon´s Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
Racing the Country Music Marathon
The course starts in Centennial Park and ends at LP Field, which is the stadium for Tennessee Titans NFL team.
You have to finish the race within 7 hours so the streets can be opened back up to vehicle traffic at a scheduled time.
Keep this in mind when training for the Nashville Marathon and when deciding whether it is the best marathon for you.
If you plan to walk the marathon, make sure you can go fast enough to make it within this time frame.
Once you reach the finish line, you will be contained in a racer-only area and given refreshments to refuel.
You can then go out to the reunion area where you can reclaim your checked items and meet up with family and friends there to support you. There will be large signs with letters to help you establish a meet-up point with supporters.
You can get a detailed run down of the course online so your loved ones can plan to cheer you on at different points in the race before settling in the reunion area for the final concert and festivities.
The Nashville Marathon is a well-organized event that is also tons of fun to race. Whether you are seasoned runner out to win or a first-time marathon runner, this could be the ideal race to get your sneakers dirty on the pavement.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
Return from Nashville Marathon to Marathon Guide
Return to Marathon Training Tips home
