7 Bridges Marathon & 4 Bridges Half Marathon
Chattanooga, TN
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Enjoy Chattanooga’s largest and most loved marathon held this October. Live DJ, event shirts, medals, food, and so much more! Oh yes, 5 different races to choose from. The 7 Bridges Marathon starts at Coolidge Park near the Big Blue Rhino (and the Chattanooga Theatre) on Tremont Avenue. The new … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 25):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 73 | 83 | 79 | 77 | 77 |
| L (°F) | 47 | 50 | 47 | 50 | 57 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Scenic Race with Lots of Elevation Gain
The course was surprisingly good. You get to see a little bit of downtown Chattanooga (in the pre-dawn) and running over the Tennessee River never gets old. I really liked … MORE
The course was surprisingly good. You get to see a little bit of downtown Chattanooga (in the pre-dawn) and running over the Tennessee River never gets old. I really liked running along south Chickamunga creek. The rain made the course a little difficult and slippery, especially when running on wooden planks. The hills are plentiful, but they are gradual. The mile markers are small and I missed quite a few. My Garmin ended up at 27 miles and the race wasn’t big enough for that to be accounted for by weaving around people.
It’s a smaller race, so it doesn’t have some of the perks of larger races. Packet pickup is outside with a few tents set up with some merchandise. I wasn’t too impressed with the course finish. There was water and bananas, which is fine for a shorter race, but I usually want something more after a marathon.
Easy, relaxed race
First time running this race. Scenic views of downtown Chattanooga. Relatively flat but there were a few rolling hills. Definitely a good choice for someone running their first half marathon. … MORE
First time running this race. Scenic views of downtown Chattanooga. Relatively flat but there were a few rolling hills. Definitely a good choice for someone running their first half marathon. Plenty of aid and hydration stations along the way.
Good local race
I walked this race because I had broken my ankle exactly a month prior. And I dropped down from the HM to the 10k. I don't know if the 10k … MORE
I walked this race because I had broken my ankle exactly a month prior. And I dropped down from the HM to the 10k.
I don’t know if the 10k and the HM courses were the same, but at one point, when you come up under Veterans Bridge, runners should do a u-turn and immediately cross the bridge. But there were no volunteers and no markers. Myself and quite a few other runners didn’t make the u-turn and just kept going up the hill. We finally all had to stop and pull up the course PDF on our phones. Not a good look, Chattanooga.
This is my hometown and I’ve done this race multiple times. It’s a great town to run in, and the course is decent. It’s not going to make the top 50 most beautiful courses, by any stretch, but it’s a decent urban course.
Bathrooms, food, check-in, parking, all of this was good. I’ll be back to do this one again, but only because I am local. If you are within a few hours drive, it’s worth making the trip for this race, but it’s not a race you should probably travel halfway across the country for. The Chattanooga Marathon, on the other hand (in March), is a race worth traveling a bit further for.
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.