LINDA GATES-TUCKER's Staging Area

We ran by so many amazing sites. I’d read reviews so I trained for hills but, as another reviewer put it, they were “relentless.” I had STUDIED the map but expected signage and course marshals would help because the Halfs and Fulls split several times. I missed the third split, ran back, and found I’d missed the second split. I was now off course, they were running out of supplies, and had been told the six hour limit was firm. Mid 80s heat and concern that I’d be running over 28 miles to finish and could easily get lost in a park with possibly no support, I stopped at 15.05 and enjoyed the music – which was GREAT. The volunteers did their best, can’t do much about the heat, but they really needed better directional signage and more course marshals. This is one where you can’t just follow and the pre-race maps were poor. It was four pages after I guessed at the map in PlotaRoute. If I’d been faster I would have had other Full runners to follow but at the back of the pack you had to rely on signs blocked by Half runners and course marshals who apparently couldn’t pick out a handfull of back of the pack Full runners mixed in with thousands running the Half. UPDATE: After running the Columbus Cap City Half Marathon the following week, I realized how RNR Nashville had TRULY FALLEN SHORT. I learned that they had run out of water and ice (in 83 degree heat) and that the experience was not a good one for other runners as well. Race officials in Columbus YELLED, had bright orange signs, and made sure that no one could miss the turn-offs for different races, UNLIKE AT NASHVILLE. This is my third RNR race that let me down so I’m done with them. I can’t recommend this race.