St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon: Things To Know (2024)
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon was my first half marathon in 2013. I ran it again in 2014, but in 2015, I opted for the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon as my second-ever marathon.
In 2016, I ran the marathon again. Then ran the half marathon in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, and you can count on me being out there again in 2024!
A word to the wise: this race is HILLY. However, if you’re looking for a good excuse to visit Nashville and run a half marathon or marathon, this is a great race!
This guide includes the essential information you’ll need to have the best time at this year’s race—from the fingertips of a local Nashville runner!
When is the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon?
This year’s race takes place on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Race day includes the 5k, 10k, marathon, and half marathon.
In 2021, the race was held on November 20th after being canceled in 2020 and then postponed in April 2021 due to COVID-19. Runners enjoyed the fall foliage in Nashville as a change from the blooming cherry blossoms and dogwoods in spring.
Race Options
There are five races of varying distances at the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Running Series weekend.
✅ One Mile
Consider the one-mile distance event if you’re new to running but want to participate in race weekend. This race is on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
You might decide that running is your new favorite hobby. If not, you won’t lose much time training or running this short-distance race.
✅ 5K
The 5k distance is a great race for runners and walkers. You should familiarize yourself with kilometer measurements; this race is 3.1 miles long.
It’s the perfect race to see how you feel about adding distance to your short-distance running routine.
✅ 10K
In years past, this race was known as the 615 race and was set to be 6.15 miles, slightly further than the 10k distance. It appears this year, the race is being referred to simply as a 10K.
Use my couch to 10K training plans to prepare for this race!
✅ Half Marathon
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville half was my first half marathon, and I loved it.
Even through the downpour that happened on that race day, it was the day that I became a long-distance runner. I’ve continued to run it five additional times.
✅ Full Marathon
Have you ever run a marathon before? Cross 26.2 miles off your bucket list by completing the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville marathon.
→ Additional Events
👶🏼 KiDS ROCK run for children.
🐶 For the dog lover in Nashville, there’s a half-mile Doggie Dash stroll event.
The KiDS ROCK run and Doggie Dash happen on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
What Time Do The Races Start?
The 2024 Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville marathon and half marathon start time is 7:20 am.
When Do the Other Races Start?
👉🏼 The 2024 10K and 5K races on April 27 start at 6:30 am.
👉🏼 The 1 Mile, KiDS ROCK, and Doggie Dash races will happen on Sunday, April 28th.
The 1-mile race begins at 12:30 pm, and the KiDS ROCK race begins at 1:00 pm.
Where is the Start Line?
The races all occur around downtown Nashville, and the following sections will help you know where to be on race day.
Marathon and Half Marathon Start
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville half marathon and marathon share a start line at 8th Avenue and Broadway.
The start line is in the heart of downtown Nashville and is a spectacular starting point. If you’re staying at a hotel downtown, you’ll likely be within walking distance of the start line.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon start line has many corrals as this race has a big participant turnout.
Start Line Restroom
On race morning, you’ll see flocks of people heading into the First Baptist Church on Broadway between 6th and 7th Avenue. The church is kind enough to open its restrooms to runners.
They go above and beyond to ensure toilet paper is always in the stalls.
This is a great option, but you’ll still need time to get through the line.
At the 2022 race, my boyfriend used the men’s restroom and was in and out in about 15 minutes. I waited to use the women’s restroom, and it took 30 minutes to wait in line.
5K and 10K Start
The 5k and 10k races start at 8th and Demonbreun.
This location is still a prime spot in downtown Nashville, so staying downtown will allow for an easy walk to the start line.
1 Mile, KiDS ROCK, Doggie Dash Start
The 1 Mile, KiDS ROCK, and Doggie Dash start on Russell Street at Nissan Stadium.
Nissan Stadium is across the Cumberland River from downtown. It’s generally a walkable distance for many, but give yourself plenty of time for the trek across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
Where to Park on Race Day
NO NISSAN PARKING 2024
Due to construction in the parking lot, there is NO FREE PARKING at Nissan Stadium this year. This will create a lot of issues for runners as the only option is downtown garages and lots, but most roads are closed by 5:45 am.
Limited parking at Nissan Stadium is available on race morning. Remember, road closures happen early on race day, so plan accordingly.
The Nissan Stadium Lot is the best place to park for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon. You will need to walk over the pedestrian bridge to the start line, which will likely take about 20 minutes or more.
Parking in the stadium lot is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
In years past, Nissan Stadium lots A, B, C, and D opened at 4:30 am.
Pro Tip
In 2022, I arrived at Nissan Stadium at about 6:30 a.m. and found ample parking. However, traffic backs up entering the lot, which will delay getting in and to the start line.
In years past, you could buy trolley tickets to be shuttled to the start area. This has not yet been announced for 2024.
A designated runner drop-off area at the stadium is usually available for those who use ride-share like Uber or have family and friends who want to drive their runner near the start area.
Race Day Weather
As with many cities, race day weather can be pretty unpredictable.
I highly recommend following along with Nashville Severe Weather on their website and Twitter for the most helpful and accurate weather forecast for race day.
Historically, the Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon has been held in April. Over the years, the weather has seen extreme rains (like in 2013 when I ran it as my first half marathon) and excessive heat.
Race Day Weather
The 2024 race is in April. The average high in Nashville on April 23rd is 71°F (21° C), and the average low is 54°F (12° C).
The race in April 2022 occurred on an unseasonably warm day for Nashville, with a high of 85° and a low of 60°. I began the race, crossing the start line at 7:51 am, and the temperature was 66°.
Be prepared for a hot race day with an action plan using the run-walk method if needed!
Rock ‘n’ Roll Race Expo
In the past, the expo was open on Thursday and Friday before race day at the Music City Center.
Expo Info
The 2024 Expo will be held at the Music City Center.
Thursday – 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
Friday – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
I highly recommend picking up your race packet on the expo’s first day to beat the crowd.
You can pick up your packet and shop for running gear at the expo.
Beginning in 2021, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Race Series started allowing participants to pick up a packet for one additional participant.
Valid proof of identification for the participant is required. Acceptable documents include a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport. Be sure that the name on their identification matches the registration (consider potential recent name changes).
The participant must have already signed their waiver. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to pick up their race bib.
💡 Remember to bring everything you’ll need for a successful race day by using this race packing checklist. 💡
What You’ll Get with Registration
Race registration includes the following:
🏃🏻♀️ Race bib to run the race
🏃🏻♀️ Participant T-shirt
🏃🏻♀️ Bag to be used for gear check.
You’ll collect these items when you check in at the expo.
Upon completing your race and crossing the finish line, you’ll receive your finisher medal and plenty of goodies (water, sports drink, bananas) to help you replenish after your incredible accomplishment!
Marathon Course
The marathon and half marathon share much of the course.
As a result, the race can be very crowded, especially in some of the more narrow parts of town. Expect the corrals at the start to be very tight.
Some big-city races can be disappointing because of how little time the course remains in the city.
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon course does not disappoint. It showcases the best of Nashville, including downtown, Music Row, 12 South, Capitol View, and East Nashville.
Marathon Course Elevation
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Nashville has quite the course elevation.
Locals and tourists alike consider the Nashville race as a very hilly course. You’ll run rolling hills for much of the 26.2 miles.
Every year I’ve run the race, I hear out-of-town runners around me saying how shocked they are by all the hills. As a local who trains here, I know Nashville is one hill after the next.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon course in 2022 had an elevation gain of 922 feet.
The final few miles of the marathon are relatively flat compared to the first half. However, those miles are challenging as spectators are less prominent. The course is also out-and-back and two loops around a lake, which can be tough mentally for any runner.
Half Marathon Course
The half marathon and marathon share most of the course. If you’re running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville half marathon, be prepared for the streets to be packed with runners for the entire race.
Half Marathon Course Elevation
The Half Marathon course in 2022 had an elevation gain of 574 feet.
Considering it’s a half marathon, that is a pretty impressive climb!
Marathon and Half Marathon Course Time Limits
Like most races through busy cities, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon have time limits.
Those running the marathon must complete the race in 6 hours or less.
Those running the half marathon have 4 hours to complete the race.
On-Course Entertainment
One of the most Nashville aspects of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon is the numerous bands you’ll see along the course.
Years ago, this event was called the “Country Music Marathon” because of Nashville’s long history with country music.
It’s not all country music at this race, though. The event includes several bands and DJs along the course. There is also a post-race concert that happens to celebrate your Nashville accomplishment.
Post-Race Entertainment
🎶 For the 2024 race, country trio Restless Road will perform at Nissan Stadium.
Run Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville for Charity – St. Jude
The most important part of the Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll race weekend is the featured charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Register as a St. Jude Hero to raise money for the Memphis-based St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Incentives for registering as a Bronze or Silver St. Jude Hero include free race entry, race weekend hospitality, an exclusive St. Jude pasta party, and a complimentary weekend hotel stay.
The incentives are based on tiered fundraising levels from $500 to $5,000.
Note:
Although “St. Jude” is in the title of this race, be aware that you must sign up to run as a St. Jude Hero for your race to support the kids of St. Jude.
You can also fundraise through the “No Commitment” option, which allows you to raise any amount to support St. Jude.
✍🏻 Register as a St. Jude Hero today! Choose “St. Jude Hero” to commit to fundraising for the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
St. Jude will also help with your training and getting you to the finish line.
You’ll receive weekly coaching emails to support your race journey. You’ll also have a personal fundraising page to help you set your fundraising goal and receive some fundraising tips from St. Jude as you go.
My Experience as a St. Jude Hero
I first ran as a St. Jude Hero at the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon in April 2013.
It was my first half marathon, and I didn’t yet know the true impact my run journey could have on others. I raised about $100 for that first race.
No family pays a cent for their child’s treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This keeps me returning as a St. Jude Hero year after year.
In December 2014, I completed my first full marathon at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. The course took runners through the hospital campus, and it was a life-changing experience for me.
When I returned to run the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis the following year, I raised enough money to join the Heroes Pasta Party the night before the race.
It was emotional and inspiring and showed me how powerful my race could be for the children at St. Jude and worldwide.
At the pasta party, the mother of St. Jude patient Drew spoke to us about the 150 times her son had to endure a needle prick in his chest while receiving treatment.
She asked us to remember during our race when we were faced with a hill or if we were hitting a wall, “Just count 150 steps.”
One step for each needle Drew had felt during his treatment. This story played in my mind throughout the race, and I completed that race for Drew and every child at St. Jude.
Running as a St. Jude Hero gives your race more meaning. It doesn’t matter whether you cross the finish line at 26.2 miles or 1 mile.
FAQ
Yes, it is! If you want to qualify for the Boston Marathon, the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville is certified, as is every Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon course. Remember that this course is very hilly.
The number of participants changes from year to year. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Series has brought up to 25,000 participants to the start lines.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series allows participants to upgrade their race experience with VIP Packages with Silver and Gold options.
The Silver package provides runners with a light breakfast, gear check, and private restrooms. This package costs $85 in addition to the race registration.
The Gold package includes the Silver package benefits and additional finish-line perks. Additional benefits include a Brunch Buffet, a VIP bar with bottomless alcoholic beverages, private restrooms, chagrin stations, a VIP stretching area, and medal engraving.
The Gold package costs $150 in addition to the race registration.
Final Thoughts: Running the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon
Although the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon are exceptionally hilly, there are many great things about running this event.
The on-course entertainment, community spectators, and many historical sights provide a memorable experience. If you’re more interested in running a fall race in Nashville, I recommend the Nashville 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, & 5k.
Know someone who is running Nashville as their first marathon or half marathon? Consider a gift runner would love to show your support for conquering an incredibly tough course.
