Run Nash Nashville Half Marathon 2023: The Best Fall Race

NOTICE❗️ On Thursday, October 26th, 2023, Run Nash shared the following unfortunate message on their social channels:

Whether you’re a local or traveling from out of town, Nashville distance races provide a challenge and a fun atmosphere to celebrate your running achievement.

There are races in and around Nashville throughout the year, but choosing the best one for you will make your experience memorable.

There’s no better time to run a half marathon or marathon in Nashville than in the fall.

The Run Nash Nashville Half Marathon, Marathon, and 5k happen during the sweet spot where it’s usually (finally) cooled off in the city. It’s also not too cold yet, so it’s a great event to participate in and celebrate with your friends and family post-race.

Let’s discuss what you need to know for the best race weekend at the Nashville ½   Marathon, Marathon, and 5k.

When is the Nashville Half Marathon?

The Nashville ½ Marathon, Marathon, and 5k occur this year on October 28, 2023. This is a few weeks earlier than usual.

This race still falls during a beautiful time with cooler weather, making it the best fall half marathon in Nashville.

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This is not the race that happens in April each year. Competitor Group, a California sports marketing and management company, puts on the spring St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon.

The Run Nash organization is a local event production company that features races throughout the year in Nashville.

For the locally organized race experience, the Nashville ½ Marathon, Marathon, and 5k are the events to participate in.

Where Does the Nashville Half Marathon and Marathon Start and Finish?

For 2022, the Run Nash organization changed the start and finish lines to 6th Avenue North. The 2023 start line has not been formally announced but will be, at most, a few blocks from the finish line at First Horizon Park.

Runners and supporters can meet at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park to celebrate post-race.

Runners can also visit the nearby Nashville Farmer’s Market post-race for local treats.

What Time Does the Nashville Half Marathon Start?

The half marathon and marathon races start at 7:00 a.m. This is 15 minutes earlier than in 2022.

This is an early race and could be a bit on the colder side. Remember to bring a throwaway layer to keep you warm pre-race.

What’s the Weather Like for the Nashville ½ Marathon?

The average temperature on November 12th ranges from 45°F to 61°F in Nashville.

In 2022, the weather was around 33ºF with 90% humidity. It was also drizzling at the start line, making it extra cold for runners preparing to run.

Generally, the temperature will be much colder in the mornings than at midday. A throwaway layer you don’t need once you warm up is ideal for this race.

Figure out what you need to wear for race day to be the most comfortable from start to finish. If you run the marathon, consider that it may be much warmer a few hours into your race.

Run Nash Nashville Half Marathon Course

The Nashville ½ Marathon course will show off some of the best parts of town.

Runners will have a great start line and finish area this year with the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

The course will take runners on Music Row, through The Gulch, and around Shelby Park.

Run Nash Nashville Marathon Course

In years past, the Run Nash Nashville Marathon consisted of a double loop of 13 miles. For the 2022 race, the marathon course was changed to avoid doubling back.

Rather than revisiting the first half of the route, runners now spend time running on the greenway out to Ted Rhodes Golf Course to achieve the 26.2-mile distance.

Although greenway running can be challenging, most runners agree this course change is welcomed.

Is the Nashville Half Marathon Hilly? Is the Marathon Hilly?

If you’ve never run in Nashville, you should know this city is hilly!

Although the course may have fewer hills than other races in Nashville, expect enough hills and properly prepare for the challenge.

The Nashville Half Marathon boasts 500 feet of elevation gain. The Nashville Marathon has an elevation gain of about 844 feet. You’ll likely notice the difficulty of the Nashville hills, but think about that finish line post-race feeling!

What Are The Course Time Limits?

Those running the 5k have 1 hour to complete the race.

Those running the half marathon must complete the distance within 4 hours.

Marathon runners have 6 hours to complete the course.

Run Nash Nashville 5k Details

If you want to run a great 5k in Nashville, this is your chance!

Never run a 5k before? If you can run 3 miles, you’ll have no problem running this 3.1-mile race.

When is the Nashville 5k?

Like the half marathon and marathon, the 5k will also happen on the morning of October 28, 2023.

Where Does the Nashville 5k Start and Finish?

The 5k start has not been announced this year but will be near First Horizon Park.

This allows all participants, no matter the distance, to enjoy the pre and post-race parties at the start and finish lines.

What Time Does the 5k Start?

The 5k will begin at the same time as the half marathon and marathon. The start will happen at 7:00 a.m. this year.

Nashville 5k Course

The 5k course will show off the downtown Nashville area.

This is a great way to see some of the downtown hotspots. One stretch will take runners up and down the downtown area along the Cumberland River.

Nashville ½ Marathon, Marathon, 5k Expo

This year, the race expo is being held at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville in room 209ABC.

Runners must attend the expo to receive these items.

If you can’t pick up your race packet, a friend or family member may do so for you. They must have your confirmation email and a copy of your ID (driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport). Be sure the name on your ID matches the name on your registration.

Will There Be Runner Photos?

The 2022 race brought the gift of free photos. There has been no mention of photos yet for the 2023 race.

Stroller Runners

This year’s race includes two stroller sections at the start line, one for walkers and one for runners.

If you’ve previously run a race with a stroller, you probably know the frustrations of weaving around runners and walkers. Run Nash and Guava Family are working to help families find their perfect pace at this year’s race.

My Review of the Nashville Half Marathon, Marathon, and 5k

My first Run Nash Nashville Marathon was in 2015.

This race was the second of three marathons in the fall of 2015 for me to qualify as a Marathon Maniac.

To this day, the 2015 Nashville Marathon is my PR race. This is special because the old double-loop marathon course was intense and mentally challenging.

The race was memorable, but that second loop was very quiet.

That year also saw the issue of volunteers leaving the course as time passed. When I reached the Shelby Bottoms area on the second loop, the volunteers at multiple stations had walked away from the route.

Runners were left to pour water and sports drinks for themselves.

When I ran the race in 2019, this was not the case. Each aid stop was stationed with volunteers handing out hydration and kindly cheering us on. This is greatly appreciated, as standing in one place for 6 hours isn’t the most fun way to spend a Saturday.

Although I didn’t earn a PR, I was still glad I chose to run the marathon in 2019. The second loop was very tough. I swore I’d never again run the marathon at this event.

In 2022, I ran the half marathon and enjoyed it despite the wonky weather. The updates to the race were great, and for a locally run race, it was a great way to spend a Saturday in Music City.

Final Thoughts: The Nashville ½ Marathon, Marathon, and 5k

Nashville is a fantastic city to run a race in, whether you’re local or making this your next destination race. Be prepared for a good challenge and a friendly atmosphere to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ll be happy you picked this Nashville race.

Get registered for the race today!