Bluegrass Half Marathon
Johnson City, TN
- Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Bluegrass Half Marathon start & finish will be located at or near the Farmer’s Market Pavilion at Founder’s Park. The parking area at the Pavilion will be closed for the staging of the finish area and post race celebration. Parking will be throughout the downtown area. Hand-Cycle will start … MORE
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Surprisingly good race!
This race was surprisingly nice! Although I've lived in WNC and Eastern TN for most of my life I don't recall spending any time in Johnson City, TN. It's a … MORE
This race was surprisingly nice! Although I’ve lived in WNC and Eastern TN for most of my life I don’t recall spending any time in Johnson City, TN. It’s a cute town and worth finding a place to eat at after the race. The race was organized well, parking was plentiful and close to the start line, and the course was very nice. The only part of the course I didn’t care for was maybe a mile or two along a divided four-lane, but the rest of the course was through nice old neighborhoods with folks sitting out on their porches cheering runners on, through the ETSU campus, and through the downtown area. A charming course in a charming town. It was a three hour drive for me but I’d definitely do this one again.
The post-race food came from Publix. It wasn’t fancy… basically your typical post-race snacks, and the aid stations had water and Powerade. Certainly adequate, with plenty of volunteers.
We drove in from Chattanooga so I’m not sure what the hotel situation is like near the start line but the course starts right downtown and so I’m certain there would be a few options within easy walking distance.
Excellent in Every Way
I was expecting a scenic run on a beautiful fall morning. Johnson City sits below Buffalo Mountain, the end of an impressive series of Appalachian crests, it was 52 at … MORE
I was expecting a scenic run on a beautiful fall morning. Johnson City sits below Buffalo Mountain, the end of an impressive series of Appalachian crests, it was 52 at race start and clear, leaves were just starting to turn on some trees. What added so much to that was an impeccable race production.
So many volunteers at intersections, with police support. Marked off lanes where needed (some roads thru neighborhoods were very low traffic). Well stocked and spaced water stations. Start and finish at the Farmers Market in the old city, with plenty of parking and easy access. Bluegrass bands at the 3 relay team places. Great swag – nice cotton poly blend shirt, 2 note books, Blue Lizard sunscreen samples and this year the medal was a guitar pick theme, with the distance and date on the ribbon.
The course was thoughtfully laid out and again, well marked, supported, and separated from traffic. Probably enough hairpin bends to take it out of the really fast category but the turns kept it in the old city area and university district. My watch had 486 ft of ascent due to a couple hills, nothing too steep.
There were 240 finishers so it was a nice sized race. Post race was a generous layout of water, gatorade, fruit, and carb type stuff. Definitely a recommendable half marathon.
Nice early fall race
Race is mostly on asphalt roads with a few cement trails. A few hills on the course. Enough water/gatorade stops. Polyester shirt and nice medal. Usual refreshments afterwards. Miles are … MORE
Race is mostly on asphalt roads with a few cement trails. A few hills on the course. Enough water/gatorade stops. Polyester shirt and nice medal. Usual refreshments afterwards. Miles are marked and several places had time clocks also. Results posted fast. Free photos.