Country Music Marathon/Expo BA Guide
Photo from Google Images
Hello everyone! One of my very favorite events, The Country Music Marathon and Expo, is coming to Nashville, TN April 28-30. The expo takes place in the Music City Center on Thursday and Friday, and the race starts at Bridgestone Arena and ends at Nissan Stadium on Saturday. On Sunday they hold a children's race that has not been heavily sponsored (at least with BAs) in the past.
The runners make this event outstanding, and they keep me on my toes. The average crowd is not very lively at 7 am, but runners are not your average crowd. The expo crowd is highly energetic, positive, and fun to talk to from open to close. When you sign up for this event be ready to bring your energy, and bring it early. Also do not be offended if people seem in a hurry on Thursday and Friday morning. Many of the runners are just dropping by the expo before work to pick up their race packets, but most of those people return to check out the expo later in the day.
Everything I have said previously about the Music City center holds true for this event. Parking within walking distance will be $10-20, you will have to fight downtown Nashville's morning traffic to get there so give yourself some extra drive time, and food options are available, but fairly limited. If your contract allows bring sturdy shoes, the floors in the Music City Center can be hard even with added carpet.
Race day itself is a logistical challenge because they close down many of the roads that lead to the finish line area at Nissan Stadium (or the start line if you have a pre-race promo, which I rarely see) . Be sure you leave early enough to deal with road closures and a crowded Nissan Stadium parking lot. As far as promoting at the finish line itself? It is a unique experience. Some people have just run their 20th marathon, some people have just achieved a life goal by running their first half-marathon, either way they have all just run really far, and accomplished something great. By the end of the race they are usually very hungry or thirsty so be ready with your snacks and drinks, be ready to say congratulations, and be ready for some celebrations!
Also be sure to check the weather before you go out on race day. The entire thing is outdoors, and they run rain or shine. I have gotten soaked at 2 of the last 3 marathons and would have got a sunburn at the other had I not brought sunscreen (you can get both in the same day too!). Sometimes it is hot, other times it is on the cold side of cool; again check the weather.
The Sunday children's race takes place in the area of Nissan Stadium. There are minimal road closures, but nothing that should slow you down too badly. The children's race is a small community event compared to the marathon. They do a number of races based on age group. No race is longer than a mile, and the event takes 3-4 hours.
Thanks for reading, if you have any questions please leave them in the comments below!