Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

jennifer b.
oakland, CA

  (08-03-2009)

"This was my first half-marathon ever (2008) and since I have just run my second, I feel I have something to compare it to. I lived in Nashville at the time, so the course to me was OK but not spectacular.

I am also very much NOT a country music fan, so I was not really enjoying about 50% of the music along the course. Since Nashville has so much talent, however, there were singers/bands along the course that were great and not even that country influenced (whew!)

A WORD ABOUT THE CROWD SUPPORT: A lovely lady along the route let me, and many others, use the bathrooms in her house. She was out at the end of her driveway cheering on the runners. How amazing is that? Best race porta-potty stop ever.

The organization and support was phenomenal. Gear drop off/pick up was seamless, the finish at Titan's stadium (LP Field) was a great place to finish. Plenty of room to mill around, enjoy the food, activities and possibly the bands playing.

I would say I would not run this again only because I would not necessarily travel there specifically for this race (live too far away now, there are others I would like to try, etc) but if I still lived there, I would.

BEST PART: for me personally was watching my 7 year old son complete a Kids' Marathon the night before and crossing the same finish line I was to cross the next day. They really rally the local schools to participate by getting the kids to complete 25 miles over the course of a few months prior. They all then come down and run the last 1.2 mile and get a medal at the finish, just like the adult marathoners do! Awesome.

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Sam D.
Nashville, TN

  (06-26-2009)

"My hometown race. I love it. LOVE it. It's hilly, sure. And this year, it was blazing hot. But, I'll do it again because the swag and the crowd and the fun make it all worthwhile."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Claire W.
New York, NY

  (06-02-2009)

"Everything about my trip to Nashville was terrific - except the marathon. Unfortunately, the weather was unseasonable warm for the 2009 race, with temps near 90 by the finish. The course offered no reprieve from the heat and sun - long, hilly stretches through industrial areas, rec centers and parking lots with no breeze or shade. The bands, however, were a welcome distraction from the brutal weather, and the post-race concert was worth the trip on its own. I would only run this one again if I knew the weather would be better suited for cold blooded New Englanders like myself.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Hutch D.
Atlanta, GA

  (05-20-2009)

"Being a music kind of guy, I had to do this race - even if I lean more toward the rock & roll end of the spectrum. (See my review of the rock & roll half marathon in VA Beach for that one!)

Similar to the R&R, this event boasts an awesome band about every mile - except that they are country music bands as you might expect. They play good stuff like the Eagles, and they play it very well, so you're in for a treat with the wall to wall entertainment and good crowds that line the race course.

If you're coming in from out of town like I was, go ahead and do it right by bringing your family and staying up at the Grand Ole Opryland Hotel & Convention Center. Everyone needs to stay there once to experience that amazing city within a city. Pricey but worth every penny!

As for the race, I was pleasantly surprised that the course was not as hilly as I had anticipated. It was certainly not flat, but not anywhere near what I was concerned it might be. Considering the number of years since I have run it, chances are good the course has been revised anyway.

The good news is that this is a very professionally produced event and brings with it all of the benefits and activities one might typically expect of such a high-end event.

The shirts are cool and the hand painted heavy medal will stand out in your collection of race medals. Nashville, TN has so much to offer so make a long weekend out of it. You're sure to enjoy yourself."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2002