| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 73 | 72 | 60 | 72 | 77 |
| L (°F) | 42 | 46 | 33 | 46 | 52 |
I am upset the course was not well marked. I was running with a pacer and we got lost. Adding a .5 mile to the course. The views were pretty … MORE
I am upset the course was not well marked. I was running with a pacer and we got lost. Adding a .5 mile to the course. The views were pretty with plenty of water stops, just not enough course directions. Swag was OK. Medal and shirt nothing super special.
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Running the bridges was enjoyable. My watch had 991' of elevation gain so be prepared. Train for hills. If you do you will be fine and have a successful race. … MORE
Running the bridges was enjoyable. My watch had 991′ of elevation gain so be prepared. Train for hills. If you do you will be fine and have a successful race. The only complainant is that close to the end of the race there wasn’t a course monitor near a turn that had some stairs and it was difficult to tell where the course was if we needed to run down the stairs or down the handicap ramp. The rhino on the race shirt & medal is awesome and makes it very unique .
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I did run with a pacer, who was exceptional. I expected hills but it was run along the river bottoms so the only hills was going up across the bridges. … MORE
I did run with a pacer, who was exceptional. I expected hills but it was run along the river bottoms so the only hills was going up across the bridges. Good production. Water stops were caught of guard & needed more volunteers. Race t-shirt was 100% poly, not my type.
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For a first marathon for a first-time marathoner, this was a really well done marathon for a beginner. There were hills and changing urban terrain. There were aid stations that … MORE
For a first marathon for a first-time marathoner, this was a really well done marathon for a beginner. There were hills and changing urban terrain. There were aid stations that were well stocked with water, Gatorade, GU gels, candy, and fruit. You ran over bridges and along the shoreline of the river. The weather was perfect race conditions. I would definitely do this race again.
There were some negatives, but very few. The course markings were not the best as I took a wrong turn before Mile 5. There was no indicator of a right or left; I was supposed to go left and went right. There were mile markers, but I would have appreciated K markers as I time my nutrition and hydration by K’s instead of miles. There were portopotties along the course, but I would argue that there should have been more as there was some waiting to use them. If you’re trying to run a PR and have some GI issues, then it’s good to know that you can find a place to go. There were long stretches of course that did not have potties and I was forced to use the woods as I could not hold it any longer. It’s not a big deal for me, but if you are not far enough back in the woods, someone could think you’re doing something you shouldn’t be doing.
This is a good race for beginners as well as BQers as it is a Boston Qualifier.
*Note:* your GPS might be off or the race needs to be USATF certified. My watch clocked 28.03 miles and I stopped it just after crossing the finish line.
UPDATE 11/03/2023: This race is certified. Here is the link: https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=m&id=2070. My GPS may have been unreliable in this instance as the distance is certified.
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Plenty of water stops alone the course , great volunteer support, course is clearly marked , plenty of portable bathrooms alone the course, at the water stops you have chips, … MORE
Plenty of water stops alone the course , great volunteer support, course is clearly marked , plenty of portable bathrooms alone the course, at the water stops you have chips, pickles, water and gatorade .
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This event was well organized, the course was well-marked and safe. Aid Stations were well stocked. Volunteers were helpful and joyful. The weather was perfect, nice and cool. The changing … MORE
This event was well organized, the course was well-marked and safe. Aid Stations were well stocked. Volunteers were helpful and joyful. The weather was perfect, nice and cool. The changing of leafs added an extra touch to the beauty of Chattanooga. Finisher medal is nice. Overall, I highly recommend this race!
Parking could be difficult to find on race day, suggest arriving early. Race day parking is free along the street. Theater parking is converted to VIP parking. Theater parking is available for the expo, be sure to pay at the kiosk or on ParkMobile App. Also, bathroom availability is challenging on race day, very long lines.
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This is a good race. Well organized, lots of fans, great course, and plenty of aid stations. The one thing that could be better, but which is outside the control … MORE
This is a good race. Well organized, lots of fans, great course, and plenty of aid stations. The one thing that could be better, but which is outside the control of the race directors, is parking.
I live in Chattanooga, but even if I didn’t live here this race would be one of my favorite half marathons. It’s just such a pretty place to run. Bridges, rivers, through downtown, and a start and finish in Coolidge Park. Nothing about this race to no like, and lots to like.
And what a view! The picture I uploaded is the view from the start line.
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This is a beautiful, well put together race. This was my first time running a marathon and it was a great experience. A majority of the course has great scenic … MORE
This is a beautiful, well put together race. This was my first time running a marathon and it was a great experience. A majority of the course has great scenic views, with long stretches along the river. There are very few spots where the scenery is “boring”. Aide stations were amazing and will stocked, even for those, like me, with a slow time, mile 20ish station had water, gatorade, oranges, and bananas. This course is HILLY with a lovely incline towards the tail-end of the race, but if any is familiar with the Chattanooga area, you know the entire city is hills. Don’t let the keep you from running this race, though! Marathons are not my favorite distances to run but 7 bridges will be my marathon of choice to run every year.
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This as always was a great race, the course changed this time and we crossed the Walnut street bridge and the O.Jo. Bridge leading throught the park running by the … MORE
This as always was a great race, the course changed this time and we crossed the Walnut street bridge and the O.Jo. Bridge leading throught the park running by the river, plenty of water stops and the volunteers were excellent, plenty of portal potties
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Although it wasn’t in TN (because of Covid19), and there were no physical Bridges however, they did make virtual Bridges named for the Bridges in the actual race(loved it). Great … MORE
Although it wasn’t in TN (because of Covid19), and there were no physical Bridges however, they did make virtual Bridges named for the Bridges in the actual race(loved it). Great race!!
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Due to restrictions in Tennessee, course was held in Georgia this time. No bridges, but they made signs that daid Virtual bridge. Asphalt roads, plenty of water stops, miles marked, … MORE
Due to restrictions in Tennessee, course was held in Georgia this time. No bridges, but they made signs that daid Virtual bridge. Asphalt roads, plenty of water stops, miles marked, portapots on course. Nice shirt, huge medal, water bottle, mask. Hot food after race. Results posted fast.
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Fun half marathon winding along the Tennessee river in downtown Chattanooga. Starts in a nice park - plenty of room for all runners. The course was pretty flat, my watch … MORE
Fun half marathon winding along the Tennessee river in downtown Chattanooga. Starts in a nice park – plenty of room for all runners. The course was pretty flat, my watch had 449 ft. It was 59 degrees average and overcast on 10/20/2019. This was my first half, I have good memories of it.
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My first marathon In my city. It was a great time to be able to run places, Bridges that I won’t be able to run without racing. The pasta after … MORE
My first marathon In my city. It was a great time to be able to run places, Bridges that I won’t be able to run without racing. The pasta after the race was good, there were sticky buns, tea and colas if you like.
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Overall, this is a great race. There were aid stations almost every mile towards the end of the course, which was a lifesaver for me. There was also some really … MORE
Overall, this is a great race. There were aid stations almost every mile towards the end of the course, which was a lifesaver for me. There was also some really beautiful scenery along the greenways, but it does get a little lonely, as in there were long stretches when I was literally by myself without anyone else in sight. The hills weren’t overly challenging for East TN, and running along the bridges was worth the climb. The race director and volunteers did a fantastic job before, during, and after the race and it was a great experience.
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5k, Half Marathon , Marathon and Relay, if you run any of these runs, you will get to. Run Chattannoga’s beautiful Bridges . 5k runs 2 bridges, half runs 4 … MORE
5k, Half Marathon , Marathon and Relay, if you run any of these runs, you will get to. Run Chattannoga’s beautiful Bridges . 5k runs 2 bridges, half runs 4 bridges and marathon runs all 7 bridges. There is plenty of water stops and bathrooms throughout the course. Some of the course routes through the park. There is plenty of cold and hot food at the end of race and also on the water stops toward the middle of the course you will get pretzels, bananas , pickles and gu. This is a great race
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getting to race walk over the 4 bridges was pretty amazing. It wasn't my best finish time, and still felt lake i did. i really enjoyed the race and a … MORE
getting to race walk over the 4 bridges was pretty amazing. It wasn’t my best finish time, and still felt lake i did. i really enjoyed the race and a good time. the medal is super cool. Great on course support and crowd support
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Oh my... So many things. For starters, this race was chosen by my fitness group -- #workaddict(s) -- to be our fall marathon. Fourteen of us (plus some family) traveled … MORE
Oh my… So many things. For starters, this race was chosen by my fitness group — #workaddict(s) — to be our fall marathon. Fourteen of us (plus some family) traveled from Florida to Chattanooga for the event. Eleven marathoners (3 rookies), a half marathoner, and a half marathon relay team later, we collected our rhino bling (and water bottle and finisher towel).
This was my fifth marathon, and I was excited at the prospect when it was chosen. Leading up to race day, I talked with several runners who had participated in previous years and encountered course issues (the half was short; the full was long). Those discussions made me a little leery, but the race more than made up for it and measured correctly this year.
The race starts near the blue rhino in Coolidge Park and hits the first bridge within the first mile. After a quick turn through downtown, we ran along the river walk (Tennessee River) and then back onto city streets before hitting the highway for bridge #2. We returned to the river walk (and spent a large portion of the race there overall). The course wound along the river, crossing several times, including over the Chickamauga Dam and the spectacular Walnut Street Bridge (pedestrian bridge) to the finish — back by the rhino. All told, the full marathon ran over 8 bridges, though there were several areas that I probably would’ve defined as a bridge that didn’t seem to be… Maybe that’s just me and the people I was near during the race.
Other than most people we talked with in town apparently not knowing there was a race going on soon, it was what you expect in a small race. Low-key expo, new friendly faces, plenty of space to run in on race day. Crowd support was lacking in places, though on par with smaller races. Crowds typically gathered around aid stations, though many were on the pedestrian bridge and by the start/finish.
Post-race goodies included the usual suspects, plus there was a pasta meal…though I did not partake. Apparently, there have been waffles in previous years.
Everything considered, this was a great race with lovely scenery. Chattanooga is a lovely city that welcomed me and my group and allowed us to explore one step at a time, both during the race and throughout the weekend. The downtown area is very walkable, which is good because you have to pay to park almost everywhere (most of the parking around the start/finish was VIP). Still, it was a great weekend and a great experience.
* Make yourself visible for the shuttle bus. We missed the first shuttle at our hotel because we were all huddled in the lobby from the cold/wind. The bus then took off early when no one was outside. Thankfully, there was another, which we didn’t let get away.
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I'm going to preface this review by saying that I hadn't planned to run this race. I generally do one or two marathons a year, and I'd gotten a BQ … MORE
I’m going to preface this review by saying that I hadn’t planned to run this race. I generally do one or two marathons a year, and I’d gotten a BQ just five weeks earlier at a race in Washington state, so I was ready to rest. I did have another race (deferred from the previous year when I was injured) on my docket for December, and decided that if I did one between the two, I’d qualify for Marathon Maniac-hood. So I looked up all the races between the two within a half-day’s drive from my home and encountered Seven Bridges. Once I settled on this event, I decided that I’d treat it as a long run, and whenever I hit the wall at 20, or 22, or whatever, I’d just walk in to the finish, not caring at all about finish time. The best laid plans… got better. Great running temperatures, easy pace, a nice course, and a pleasant run companion all came together such that when I got into those last six miles, I was still running easily, and never found the wall — after sixteen 26.2 mile races, this was the first where I didn’t feel the need to take walk intervals approaching the end.
Mid-October conditions are a crapshoot, but I lucked out this year. Race temperature was in the low 40s for the duration and skies were clear; the only downside was a 10-15 MPH wind out of the north that threatened to take my hat at each of the six bridges over the Tennessee river. Fortunately, that wind was at my back for most of the final ten miles of the course. The indoor VIP host area was open to runners to keep warm and out of the wind before the race start, which was a few minutes later than the appointed time.
Chattanooga could be a hilly place, but this course was more forgiving. The course ran through the flat of the Tennessee river valley, with the only real grade changes provided by the approaches to the river bridges – and the bulk of those were in the first few miles so they could be attacked with fresh legs.
This is a fairly small race, with 308 marathon finishers, and around 800 in the half marathon. Until the final mile, spectator support was almost nonexistant, but the aid stations were worthy of the Marathon Majors — located nearly every mile, and staffed with throngs of enthusiastic volunteers. All had water, most had varied flavors of Gatorade (tho I had expected all to have sports drink and was disappointed that wasn’t the case), and stops with Gu, gummies, fruit, chips, and other treats were frequent. Also abundant were toilets, accompanying the frequent hydration stops and plentiful at the start/finish line. For the many miles of the route along the concrete-paved Chattanooga Riverwalk, the majority of the toilet facilities were permanent, plumbed, porcelain, and there was never a wait.
Post race had hot pasta and sauce (with or without meat) in addition to the usual sports drinks, bananas, soft drinks, etc. There were also massage services (5 min free, additional time for $1/minute ), that might have been what I needed most, but had an extended wait that was out of keeping with my experience for the rest of the race.
Swag included a nice short sleeved shirt, unique metal and “stained glass” finisher’s medal, reusable water bottle and printed towel handed out at the finish line. There was a bag drop available that was mostly trouble-free, but the drop bags were only provided by request – something I didn’t know when I went through packet pickup on the previous day.
There are abundant free photos and finish line video for download, but I appear to have fallen through the cracks on most of these. There was also a free shuttle bus that transported runners between downtown hotels and the start/finish area, both before and after the race. (I and several other runners at my hotel missed the bus before the race because it departed several minutes early. It was a 20 minute walk instead, which probably did me good.)
Overall, it was a great little race that was satisfying on many levels. I highly recommend it.
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Nice somewhat hiily course. Mostly asphalt roads, cement trails, a few brick areas, various types of bridges and boardwalks, little bit of running on grass. Mile markers and plenty of … MORE
Nice somewhat hiily course. Mostly asphalt roads, cement trails, a few brick areas, various types of bridges and boardwalks, little bit of running on grass. Mile markers and plenty of water/gatorade stops. Nice short sleeve techical shirt, towel, and medal (see attached) Good hot food after race.
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This is a small race, but well put-on. The most lacking pieces are spectators (out in the tough marathon miles it is pretty desolate) and the year I ran, they … MORE
This is a small race, but well put-on. The most lacking pieces are spectators (out in the tough marathon miles it is pretty desolate) and the year I ran, they had an issue with shirts so we all ended up with a generic cotton-which is just unfortunate. The course is pretty smooth! From someone who lives here, the sights are okay, but nothing crazy scenic. The bridges are nice, but the routes stay away from most of downtown. The outer section is not necessarily great to look at.
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Beautiful views, poor directions
I am upset the course was not well marked. I was running with a pacer and we got lost. Adding a .5 mile to the course. The views were pretty … MORE
I am upset the course was not well marked. I was running with a pacer and we got lost. Adding a .5 mile to the course. The views were pretty with plenty of water stops, just not enough course directions. Swag was OK. Medal and shirt nothing super special.
Good Race
Running the bridges was enjoyable. My watch had 991' of elevation gain so be prepared. Train for hills. If you do you will be fine and have a successful race. … MORE
Running the bridges was enjoyable. My watch had 991′ of elevation gain so be prepared. Train for hills. If you do you will be fine and have a successful race. The only complainant is that close to the end of the race there wasn’t a course monitor near a turn that had some stairs and it was difficult to tell where the course was if we needed to run down the stairs or down the handicap ramp. The rhino on the race shirt & medal is awesome and makes it very unique .
4 Bridges is a most excellent course
I did run with a pacer, who was exceptional. I expected hills but it was run along the river bottoms so the only hills was going up across the bridges. … MORE
I did run with a pacer, who was exceptional. I expected hills but it was run along the river bottoms so the only hills was going up across the bridges. Good production. Water stops were caught of guard & needed more volunteers. Race t-shirt was 100% poly, not my type.
First marathon and what not to do
For a first marathon for a first-time marathoner, this was a really well done marathon for a beginner. There were hills and changing urban terrain. There were aid stations that … MORE
For a first marathon for a first-time marathoner, this was a really well done marathon for a beginner. There were hills and changing urban terrain. There were aid stations that were well stocked with water, Gatorade, GU gels, candy, and fruit. You ran over bridges and along the shoreline of the river. The weather was perfect race conditions. I would definitely do this race again.
There were some negatives, but very few. The course markings were not the best as I took a wrong turn before Mile 5. There was no indicator of a right or left; I was supposed to go left and went right. There were mile markers, but I would have appreciated K markers as I time my nutrition and hydration by K’s instead of miles. There were portopotties along the course, but I would argue that there should have been more as there was some waiting to use them. If you’re trying to run a PR and have some GI issues, then it’s good to know that you can find a place to go. There were long stretches of course that did not have potties and I was forced to use the woods as I could not hold it any longer. It’s not a big deal for me, but if you are not far enough back in the woods, someone could think you’re doing something you shouldn’t be doing.
This is a good race for beginners as well as BQers as it is a Boston Qualifier.
*Note:* your GPS might be off or the race needs to be USATF certified. My watch clocked 28.03 miles and I stopped it just after crossing the finish line.
UPDATE 11/03/2023: This race is certified. Here is the link: https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=m&id=2070. My GPS may have been unreliable in this instance as the distance is certified.
Great race to run, 5k, Half & Full
Plenty of water stops alone the course , great volunteer support, course is clearly marked , plenty of portable bathrooms alone the course, at the water stops you have chips, … MORE
Plenty of water stops alone the course , great volunteer support, course is clearly marked , plenty of portable bathrooms alone the course, at the water stops you have chips, pickles, water and gatorade .
Well Organized, Perfect Weather!!!
This event was well organized, the course was well-marked and safe. Aid Stations were well stocked. Volunteers were helpful and joyful. The weather was perfect, nice and cool. The changing … MORE
This event was well organized, the course was well-marked and safe. Aid Stations were well stocked. Volunteers were helpful and joyful. The weather was perfect, nice and cool. The changing of leafs added an extra touch to the beauty of Chattanooga. Finisher medal is nice. Overall, I highly recommend this race!
Parking could be difficult to find on race day, suggest arriving early. Race day parking is free along the street. Theater parking is converted to VIP parking. Theater parking is available for the expo, be sure to pay at the kiosk or on ParkMobile App. Also, bathroom availability is challenging on race day, very long lines.
Great race, as usual.
This is a good race. Well organized, lots of fans, great course, and plenty of aid stations. The one thing that could be better, but which is outside the control … MORE
This is a good race. Well organized, lots of fans, great course, and plenty of aid stations. The one thing that could be better, but which is outside the control of the race directors, is parking.
I live in Chattanooga, but even if I didn’t live here this race would be one of my favorite half marathons. It’s just such a pretty place to run. Bridges, rivers, through downtown, and a start and finish in Coolidge Park. Nothing about this race to no like, and lots to like.
And what a view! The picture I uploaded is the view from the start line.
I'll run this every year
This is a beautiful, well put together race. This was my first time running a marathon and it was a great experience. A majority of the course has great scenic … MORE
This is a beautiful, well put together race. This was my first time running a marathon and it was a great experience. A majority of the course has great scenic views, with long stretches along the river. There are very few spots where the scenery is “boring”. Aide stations were amazing and will stocked, even for those, like me, with a slow time, mile 20ish station had water, gatorade, oranges, and bananas. This course is HILLY with a lovely incline towards the tail-end of the race, but if any is familiar with the Chattanooga area, you know the entire city is hills. Don’t let the keep you from running this race, though! Marathons are not my favorite distances to run but 7 bridges will be my marathon of choice to run every year.
This Race was Great
This as always was a great race, the course changed this time and we crossed the Walnut street bridge and the O.Jo. Bridge leading throught the park running by the … MORE
This as always was a great race, the course changed this time and we crossed the Walnut street bridge and the O.Jo. Bridge leading throught the park running by the river, plenty of water stops and the volunteers were excellent, plenty of portal potties
Great race, my first since Covid19
Although it wasn’t in TN (because of Covid19), and there were no physical Bridges however, they did make virtual Bridges named for the Bridges in the actual race(loved it). Great … MORE
Although it wasn’t in TN (because of Covid19), and there were no physical Bridges however, they did make virtual Bridges named for the Bridges in the actual race(loved it). Great race!!
Nice scenic race - different course
Due to restrictions in Tennessee, course was held in Georgia this time. No bridges, but they made signs that daid Virtual bridge. Asphalt roads, plenty of water stops, miles marked, … MORE
Due to restrictions in Tennessee, course was held in Georgia this time. No bridges, but they made signs that daid Virtual bridge. Asphalt roads, plenty of water stops, miles marked, portapots on course. Nice shirt, huge medal, water bottle, mask. Hot food after race. Results posted fast.
Scenic loop through Chattanooga
Fun half marathon winding along the Tennessee river in downtown Chattanooga. Starts in a nice park - plenty of room for all runners. The course was pretty flat, my watch … MORE
Fun half marathon winding along the Tennessee river in downtown Chattanooga. Starts in a nice park – plenty of room for all runners. The course was pretty flat, my watch had 449 ft. It was 59 degrees average and overcast on 10/20/2019. This was my first half, I have good memories of it.
Great race
My first marathon In my city. It was a great time to be able to run places, Bridges that I won’t be able to run without racing. The pasta after … MORE
My first marathon In my city. It was a great time to be able to run places, Bridges that I won’t be able to run without racing. The pasta after the race was good, there were sticky buns, tea and colas if you like.
Small, but Great Race
Overall, this is a great race. There were aid stations almost every mile towards the end of the course, which was a lifesaver for me. There was also some really … MORE
Overall, this is a great race. There were aid stations almost every mile towards the end of the course, which was a lifesaver for me. There was also some really beautiful scenery along the greenways, but it does get a little lonely, as in there were long stretches when I was literally by myself without anyone else in sight. The hills weren’t overly challenging for East TN, and running along the bridges was worth the climb. The race director and volunteers did a fantastic job before, during, and after the race and it was a great experience.
Super great race running the Bridges
5k, Half Marathon , Marathon and Relay, if you run any of these runs, you will get to. Run Chattannoga’s beautiful Bridges . 5k runs 2 bridges, half runs 4 … MORE
5k, Half Marathon , Marathon and Relay, if you run any of these runs, you will get to. Run Chattannoga’s beautiful Bridges . 5k runs 2 bridges, half runs 4 bridges and marathon runs all 7 bridges. There is plenty of water stops and bathrooms throughout the course. Some of the course routes through the park. There is plenty of cold and hot food at the end of race and also on the water stops toward the middle of the course you will get pretzels, bananas , pickles and gu. This is a great race
my overall race expeirence
getting to race walk over the 4 bridges was pretty amazing. It wasn't my best finish time, and still felt lake i did. i really enjoyed the race and a … MORE
getting to race walk over the 4 bridges was pretty amazing. It wasn’t my best finish time, and still felt lake i did. i really enjoyed the race and a good time. the medal is super cool. Great on course support and crowd support
A Lovely Race & A Bonus Bridge
Oh my... So many things. For starters, this race was chosen by my fitness group -- #workaddict(s) -- to be our fall marathon. Fourteen of us (plus some family) traveled … MORE
Oh my… So many things. For starters, this race was chosen by my fitness group — #workaddict(s) — to be our fall marathon. Fourteen of us (plus some family) traveled from Florida to Chattanooga for the event. Eleven marathoners (3 rookies), a half marathoner, and a half marathon relay team later, we collected our rhino bling (and water bottle and finisher towel).
This was my fifth marathon, and I was excited at the prospect when it was chosen. Leading up to race day, I talked with several runners who had participated in previous years and encountered course issues (the half was short; the full was long). Those discussions made me a little leery, but the race more than made up for it and measured correctly this year.
The race starts near the blue rhino in Coolidge Park and hits the first bridge within the first mile. After a quick turn through downtown, we ran along the river walk (Tennessee River) and then back onto city streets before hitting the highway for bridge #2. We returned to the river walk (and spent a large portion of the race there overall). The course wound along the river, crossing several times, including over the Chickamauga Dam and the spectacular Walnut Street Bridge (pedestrian bridge) to the finish — back by the rhino. All told, the full marathon ran over 8 bridges, though there were several areas that I probably would’ve defined as a bridge that didn’t seem to be… Maybe that’s just me and the people I was near during the race.
Other than most people we talked with in town apparently not knowing there was a race going on soon, it was what you expect in a small race. Low-key expo, new friendly faces, plenty of space to run in on race day. Crowd support was lacking in places, though on par with smaller races. Crowds typically gathered around aid stations, though many were on the pedestrian bridge and by the start/finish.
Post-race goodies included the usual suspects, plus there was a pasta meal…though I did not partake. Apparently, there have been waffles in previous years.
Everything considered, this was a great race with lovely scenery. Chattanooga is a lovely city that welcomed me and my group and allowed us to explore one step at a time, both during the race and throughout the weekend. The downtown area is very walkable, which is good because you have to pay to park almost everywhere (most of the parking around the start/finish was VIP). Still, it was a great weekend and a great experience.
* Make yourself visible for the shuttle bus. We missed the first shuttle at our hotel because we were all huddled in the lobby from the cold/wind. The bus then took off early when no one was outside. Thankfully, there was another, which we didn’t let get away.
Chattanooga exceeded expectations
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I hadn't planned to run this race. I generally do one or two marathons a year, and I'd gotten a BQ … MORE
I’m going to preface this review by saying that I hadn’t planned to run this race. I generally do one or two marathons a year, and I’d gotten a BQ just five weeks earlier at a race in Washington state, so I was ready to rest. I did have another race (deferred from the previous year when I was injured) on my docket for December, and decided that if I did one between the two, I’d qualify for Marathon Maniac-hood. So I looked up all the races between the two within a half-day’s drive from my home and encountered Seven Bridges. Once I settled on this event, I decided that I’d treat it as a long run, and whenever I hit the wall at 20, or 22, or whatever, I’d just walk in to the finish, not caring at all about finish time. The best laid plans… got better. Great running temperatures, easy pace, a nice course, and a pleasant run companion all came together such that when I got into those last six miles, I was still running easily, and never found the wall — after sixteen 26.2 mile races, this was the first where I didn’t feel the need to take walk intervals approaching the end.
Mid-October conditions are a crapshoot, but I lucked out this year. Race temperature was in the low 40s for the duration and skies were clear; the only downside was a 10-15 MPH wind out of the north that threatened to take my hat at each of the six bridges over the Tennessee river. Fortunately, that wind was at my back for most of the final ten miles of the course. The indoor VIP host area was open to runners to keep warm and out of the wind before the race start, which was a few minutes later than the appointed time.
Chattanooga could be a hilly place, but this course was more forgiving. The course ran through the flat of the Tennessee river valley, with the only real grade changes provided by the approaches to the river bridges – and the bulk of those were in the first few miles so they could be attacked with fresh legs.
This is a fairly small race, with 308 marathon finishers, and around 800 in the half marathon. Until the final mile, spectator support was almost nonexistant, but the aid stations were worthy of the Marathon Majors — located nearly every mile, and staffed with throngs of enthusiastic volunteers. All had water, most had varied flavors of Gatorade (tho I had expected all to have sports drink and was disappointed that wasn’t the case), and stops with Gu, gummies, fruit, chips, and other treats were frequent. Also abundant were toilets, accompanying the frequent hydration stops and plentiful at the start/finish line. For the many miles of the route along the concrete-paved Chattanooga Riverwalk, the majority of the toilet facilities were permanent, plumbed, porcelain, and there was never a wait.
Post race had hot pasta and sauce (with or without meat) in addition to the usual sports drinks, bananas, soft drinks, etc. There were also massage services (5 min free, additional time for $1/minute ), that might have been what I needed most, but had an extended wait that was out of keeping with my experience for the rest of the race.
Swag included a nice short sleeved shirt, unique metal and “stained glass” finisher’s medal, reusable water bottle and printed towel handed out at the finish line. There was a bag drop available that was mostly trouble-free, but the drop bags were only provided by request – something I didn’t know when I went through packet pickup on the previous day.
There are abundant free photos and finish line video for download, but I appear to have fallen through the cracks on most of these. There was also a free shuttle bus that transported runners between downtown hotels and the start/finish area, both before and after the race. (I and several other runners at my hotel missed the bus before the race because it departed several minutes early. It was a 20 minute walk instead, which probably did me good.)
Overall, it was a great little race that was satisfying on many levels. I highly recommend it.
Nice race, some big hills
Nice somewhat hiily course. Mostly asphalt roads, cement trails, a few brick areas, various types of bridges and boardwalks, little bit of running on grass. Mile markers and plenty of … MORE
Nice somewhat hiily course. Mostly asphalt roads, cement trails, a few brick areas, various types of bridges and boardwalks, little bit of running on grass. Mile markers and plenty of water/gatorade stops. Nice short sleeve techical shirt, towel, and medal (see attached) Good hot food after race.
Good starter race
This is a small race, but well put-on. The most lacking pieces are spectators (out in the tough marathon miles it is pretty desolate) and the year I ran, they … MORE
This is a small race, but well put-on. The most lacking pieces are spectators (out in the tough marathon miles it is pretty desolate) and the year I ran, they had an issue with shirts so we all ended up with a generic cotton-which is just unfortunate. The course is pretty smooth! From someone who lives here, the sights are okay, but nothing crazy scenic. The bridges are nice, but the routes stay away from most of downtown. The outer section is not necessarily great to look at.