Enjoyed my quick trip to Nashville to check off Tennessee. I drove from Atlanta on Friday which was a hair under four hours. I tried to get through the expo … MORE
Enjoyed my quick trip to Nashville to check off Tennessee. I drove from Atlanta on Friday which was a hair under four hours. I tried to get through the expo as quickly as possible which was a bit of a challenge given the a) volume of people and b) labyrinth the built to trap you with the vendors. I went straight to Bearded Iris which, while fun, was a mistake and definitely hindered my performance on Saturday.
Easy to get to the start: parked at Nissan and walked just over a mile to the line. Course was quite narrow at times but I just relaxed and enjoyed it, knowing I wasn’t breaking any records with this one. The other complication was, like many other big marathons, they released the half at the same time with was easily ~80% of the total “runners”. Between narrow roads and the absolute flood of people this one might be tough to PR unless you get in the first corral. Great race production with a band every mile and lots of volunteers with water / gatorade…always appreciated. Was a little weird at mile 16 where the half rejoined the full and it became a zoo again. Nashville was hillier than expected so it was a good fun challenge. All in all I would have performed better had i not had 6-7 beers the night before but honestly I wouldn’t have done it any different.
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Great production, entertaining course
Enjoyed my quick trip to Nashville to check off Tennessee. I drove from Atlanta on Friday which was a hair under four hours. I tried to get through the expo … MORE
Enjoyed my quick trip to Nashville to check off Tennessee. I drove from Atlanta on Friday which was a hair under four hours. I tried to get through the expo as quickly as possible which was a bit of a challenge given the a) volume of people and b) labyrinth the built to trap you with the vendors. I went straight to Bearded Iris which, while fun, was a mistake and definitely hindered my performance on Saturday.
Easy to get to the start: parked at Nissan and walked just over a mile to the line. Course was quite narrow at times but I just relaxed and enjoyed it, knowing I wasn’t breaking any records with this one. The other complication was, like many other big marathons, they released the half at the same time with was easily ~80% of the total “runners”. Between narrow roads and the absolute flood of people this one might be tough to PR unless you get in the first corral. Great race production with a band every mile and lots of volunteers with water / gatorade…always appreciated. Was a little weird at mile 16 where the half rejoined the full and it became a zoo again. Nashville was hillier than expected so it was a good fun challenge. All in all I would have performed better had i not had 6-7 beers the night before but honestly I wouldn’t have done it any different.
Nash-Hills Did Not Disappoint
I've now done 5 RnR races and this BY FAR has been the smoothest run, best supported of them. The Expo was well organized and flowed freely without feeling like … MORE
I’ve now done 5 RnR races and this BY FAR has been the smoothest run, best supported of them. The Expo was well organized and flowed freely without feeling like you were funneled out the door, and was equipped with the standard Runners fare. The free admission to Musician’s Hall of Fame was a nice added touch!
My only real complaint is the corral system RnR uses…ZERO accountability as walkers and slower runners got in where they wanted. I literally bumped into 3 walkers in the first quarter mile (avoided several others) and I was in Coral 6. The Hills were constant but not insurmountable, the race support from music to water to cheering crowds was fantastic! The downhill finish was great but all the turns once we got to Titan stadium were unnecessary.
Would highly recommend and definitely would do again!!!!
Scenery is awesome.
Confusing when at 16 mi full and half share the same road. You find yourself running quite faster than a crowd of runners running the half marathon. MORE
Confusing when at 16 mi full and half share the same road. You find yourself running quite faster than a crowd of runners running the half marathon.
Better than Vegas
The crowd participation was some of the best. Overall great race. Swag wasn’t too great. Nice shirts as usual. Medals are great. I found it easy to find my way … MORE
The crowd participation was some of the best. Overall great race. Swag wasn’t too great. Nice shirts as usual. Medals are great.
I found it easy to find my way on the course and the start went relatively smooth.
Great City for a Run Vacation
This is more than jus a race. It is a weekend party. The city of nashville can best be described as party central. so may restaurants and bars to visit … MORE
This is more than jus a race. It is a weekend party. The city of nashville can best be described as party central. so may restaurants and bars to visit before and after the race. The event itself is very well organized. Plenty of water stations, gels, 2 biofreeze stations. Plus plenty of local residents giving water, beer, fruit, shots to runners as they pass bye. Route definitely had more hills than most runners anticipated. It was a nice challenge
Great event and fun course - Bad Corals
This is an excellent event and race. The course was amazing. The shirts were really nice. #1 VERY BAD thing about ALL of the Rock N Roll races is the … MORE
This is an excellent event and race. The course was amazing. The shirts were really nice.
#1 VERY BAD thing about ALL of the Rock N Roll races is the START!
– They assign corrals that are 100% FALSE and not true.
– Walkers are in the 1st corral, and then runners run into them or have to stop and wait until an opening appears.
– Why have corrals if they do not start the corrals 30 to 45 seconds apart???
– These guys do such a nice job on everything else, and then they DROP the ball when it comes to starting the races. Start the runners in waves. 1 minute apart, depending on the size of the wave.
– Assign the corrals according to speed, NOT when a person signs up for the race. They need to take a lesson from Hot Chocolate events.
Such a good event, and they need to get runners up front, and the walkers need to be in the rear, not upfront. So many people were running into walkers at the start of the race and falling down.
Oh Nash HILLS
The race over was fantastic! Just like most marathons the first half is always full of enthusiasm and excitement to keep you going while the back half is quiet and … MORE
The race over was fantastic! Just like most marathons the first half is always full of enthusiasm and excitement to keep you going while the back half is quiet and dead. Don’t underestimate the hills on this marathon. They definitely took their toll on my legs and slowed me down a lot.
This race is a party!!!!
This is by far the best race i have ever ran it’s a party from the start until way after the finish. The crowds are out cheering you on and … MORE
This is by far the best race i have ever ran it’s a party from the start until way after the finish. The crowds are out cheering you on and you have so much support from people you don’t even know. The downtown bars offer shots of rum if you have your if bracelet on. I absolutely loved everything about this race..
Interesting marathon course for RnR
The Rock n Roll Nashville marathon was (like all Rock n Roll events) a well-organized race. Bib and t-shirt pick up were a breeze. The expo had the usual vendors … MORE
The Rock n Roll Nashville marathon was (like all Rock n Roll events) a well-organized race. Bib and t-shirt pick up were a breeze. The expo had the usual vendors selling whatever you might have forgotten to pack. There were lots of porta potties en route. There were lots of musicians and good music along the course. Mile markers were clearly marked (though Rock n Roll miles seem to be longer than what my Garmin records which can be agonizing as the race goes on). The split-offs between the half and full marathoners were not well marked however; fortunately I saw them all and didn’t make any mistakes but wondered at the time how many people might have missed them…Seeing reports here, unfortunately a few did.
The marathon route was also one of the more interesting ones for Rock n Roll in the US. It was much more interesting than the Rock n Roll Arizona and San Antonio marathons. The marathon and half marathon started on Broadway and 8th Ave South. We ran a few blocks west and then south past Belmont University, north past the Tennessee State Capitol. We got to run around the outer field of the First Horizon Park which is the official stadium of the Nashville Sounds Baseball Club and got to see our image projected on the guitar-shaped scoreboard. The kicker was during miles 20 to almost 24 we ran two loops around Sevier Lake which had a long hill to run up twice, and at that point I wanted it to be over. We finished at Nissan Stadium, the home field of the Tennessee Titans.
For someone who trains in Northern California and on moderate hills with some regularity, the Nashville course should have seemed flat and fast. The race director warned about the first 8 miles; “take it easy on the first 8”. So while running I didn’t think the hills were terribly challenging. But the heat quickly rose and by mile 11 it was already 73 degrees with 38% humidity. I was starting to perspire at mile 1 and I don’t perspire normally that quickly. By mile 14 I knew this was not going to be a PR; in fact I was reframing the race in terms of just finishing. About mile 10, I started taking a water for me and pouring a water over my head. I took ice cold wet rags 3 times over the last half. I drank whenever water was offered and I took both offerings of pickle juice. It was all about trying to keep my body temperature down as much as possible. By the end, the temperature was 83 degrees, and I think we were within a couple degrees of the race director having to close the race. Fortunately, I don’t think anyone suffered any serious heat related ramifications (at least I checked online afterwards and I saw none reported).
My time should have been under 5 hours for this race, but the heat was a killer. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the experience (as much as one can while undergoing the pain of a marathon) and enjoyed visiting Nashville. Beside the obvious tourist draws like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum, check out the Tennessee State Museum; it’s free and worth a visit.
Not Easy to Get in to a Rhythm
Pre race communication was adequate. Expo was a decent size and easy to navigate. For a race of this size, I thought the pre-race port-o-toilet availability was really inadequate. The … MORE
Pre race communication was adequate.
Expo was a decent size and easy to navigate.
For a race of this size, I thought the pre-race port-o-toilet availability was really inadequate. The lines were really long for the few that they had.
Crowd support was AWESOME!
The St. Jude section was amazing to see.
The course was a constant downhill or uphill with a lot of turns and no real flat sections. There were multiple places where runners stacked up.
Don’t run this race looking for a PR.
Overall, I would recommend the race.
Fun, but really hard race
Completed the Nashville Marathon for the first time in 22 after completing the half in previous years. You start on Nashville Broadway in downtown. The first 10 miles or so … MORE
Completed the Nashville Marathon for the first time in 22 after completing the half in previous years. You start on Nashville Broadway in downtown. The first 10 miles or so the half and full are together. You basically run from downtown to Belmont University and back. Once you do that the half and full split off a for a little bit. The half crosses the bridge and goes to the finish line at Nissan Stadium. While full goes another 3-4 miles or so including my personal favorite part of running on the minor league baseball stadium of the Nashville sounds. You actually get to run around the field and get placed on the big board. Then you briefly join up with the half again across the bridge. When you cross it the half finishes at Nissan while the full keeps going to Shelby Park were you do two loops in back to finish at Nissan.
At the time of writing this was my 4th marathon (also done 3 half). This was by far the hardest race for me. 1) The Heat. Lot of years you could get lucky and this is not a factor for you. However, it was in the 80s the last ten miles or so and it was hot. I personally think if it was 10-15 degree cooler then I would of done about 15-30 minutes better. Second it is very very hilly. The first part was not to bad for me. Yes downtown Nashville hilly, but I bet other cities can be just as bad. The worst part is Shelby Park. There was a hill there that was insane. It was the worst. You had to do it twice witch made it extra bad. The hills and heat were not a good combination for me personally.
However, the rest of it was great. They had a lot of live music on the course. The volunteers at the aid station were great. Water, Gatorade, Gel, and even this Febreze they sprayed you that i have never done before that was great. The race day pick up was Thursday and Friday before the race in the huge conference center in downtown Nashville. It was extremely well organized. Additionally there was a lot of fun vendors at it too. Selling all sorts of stuff. I really liked the Tshirt and the Medal is usually always sin the shape of a Guitar.
Overall it was a good marathon. I wish it was in early April Vs late April to avoid the risk of really hot days like I did in 2022. However, hopefully most years it will be better. Would recommend it. Just watch out for some crazy hills the last 5 miles of the race.
Poor Directional Guidance/HOT HILLS
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 … MORE
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.
Tough as hell course!
Heat, Hills and Winds - You have the trifecta in abundance at this race. While the race was well organized, it's a very tough race. There is a 2-mile repeat … MORE
Heat, Hills and Winds – You have the trifecta in abundance at this race. While the race was well organized, it’s a very tough race.
There is a 2-mile repeat loop that has to be run between. 20 and 24. Heart-breaking for the faint hearted.
Nashville's trash hills
My first Rock n Roll race. They definitely brought a great party atmosphere to Nashville. We started near Broadway in downtown, and ended next to the Titans stadium. I can … MORE
My first Rock n Roll race. They definitely brought a great party atmosphere to Nashville. We started near Broadway in downtown, and ended next to the Titans stadium. I can handle hills, and to a lesser extent the heat, but the combo of heat (up to 80 F) and hills today was too much for me to handle. I slowed down at mile 21 and walked most of the rest of the way. And I had never slowed down to walk in a marathon before (this was my 10th).
What a great tour of Nashville, though. The course did a great job of touring the city, hitting up Broadway, the State Capitol, the riverside, Belmont/Vanderbilt, and finally the Titans stadium. Plenty of DJs and a fair amount of live music, and the volunteers did their best with water/gatorade/iced sponges/water-soaked towels. Just beware, we run into a park around a lake called Shelby Park from miles 20-23, and this park CLAIMS LIVES. Specifically, there is a hill we must run up twice that is like a 30 degree angle. Please save some energy for this park.
Parking is first-come first serve in the Titans stadium parking lot. Marathon started at 7:20 am and you could still find a spot almost up to start time. There were about 23,000 total runners across the races, I believe.
Nashville Charmer
Rock’n’Roll Nashville is a charmer. Always puts on a great race. It is hilly, but you get an amazing tour of the city. Add this race to your bucket list! … MORE
Rock’n’Roll Nashville is a charmer. Always puts on a great race. It is hilly, but you get an amazing tour of the city. Add this race to your bucket list!
The #1 Party City Did Not Disappoint
Nashville has taken over Las Vegas as the city for bachelor and bachelorette parties. And this city knows how to throw a party, even for marathon runners. High energy in … MORE
Nashville has taken over Las Vegas as the city for bachelor and bachelorette parties. And this city knows how to throw a party, even for marathon runners. High energy in the air with music entertainment along the course, which includes many iconic landmarks on the course, including Broadway’s honky-tonks, Dolly Parton’s recording studio, Country Music Hall of Fame. A little too hilly for most runners to PR on this course. Expo and Finish line is at the Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans! The bling was super tiny and nothing fancy.
Check out my YouTube video below.
Great Race
The scenery was amazing! The atmosphere was amazing! The rolling hills were the only thing that really wasn’t ready for. They even call one point “the summit”! Either way! I … MORE
The scenery was amazing! The atmosphere was amazing! The rolling hills were the only thing that really wasn’t ready for. They even call one point “the summit”! Either way! I loved the race. It will be even better in 5 mo the when the weather is better
Don’t skip any hill training
This was by far the hardest race I’ve ever participated in. I trained for the hills I’ve heard all about and I still struggled. My Garmin read that there was … MORE
This was by far the hardest race I’ve ever participated in. I trained for the hills I’ve heard all about and I still struggled. My Garmin read that there was over 1,000 feet of elevation gained throughout this course. Honestly, pretty disappointed with the swag. One of the most expensive races and the only swag we received was a drawstring bag and a tee shirt, the medals were tiny. the expo was kind of a joke. I needed to stock up on fuel and there was nothing available at all. The volunteers gave out gels at some of the mile stops but it was a brand I’ve never heard of and didnt want to chance anything new. There were some stages set up throughout the course which was pretty cool though! If considering this specific race, I’d suggest doing the half first.
2019 had Dirks Bentley
I have only run this race in 2019 which was the year the NFL draft coincided with the race. That was great for me because I got to see Dirks … MORE
I have only run this race in 2019 which was the year the NFL draft coincided with the race. That was great for me because I got to see Dirks Bentley perform live for free.
Besides that the expo for the race was pretty big and had a variety of running essentials. The course was challenging as Nashville is a hilly area. One thing to note about this race was that we ended at the football stadium which was a noticeable distance from the start line. I don’t recall if the race provided any transportation post race because we walked back. The finish area had typical snacks and beer.
My shirt ran very large and was Super Bowl themed. I would have preferred something else but it was an atypical year to have both events on the same weekend.
Great Half - Full - not so much
Let me start out - the people of Nashville are great and friendly. However during the second half of this race - it was a virtual ghost town in terms … MORE
Let me start out – the people of Nashville are great and friendly. However during the second half of this race – it was a virtual ghost town in terms of spectators as we wound past (great) bandstands through an empty office park and then down through a dodgy section close to the stadium and out and back through a pretty park. For the first half – winding through historic neighborhoods – it was awesome.
The course was a lot hillier than I expected – especially coming out of the park at around mile 23.
The expo was pretty large and had a lot of freebies and other giveaways. Everything was very well organized – check-in was a snap.
The party at the end was nice – great food and drink options. The medal was small but cool (it lit up!). The shirt was nice as well.
I would definitely do another RnR event – but probably the half only.