Nashville Marathon

Nashville Marathon course route

The Nashville Marathon is a rolling city loop starting and finishing at Nissan Stadium, passing Broadway, Music Row, and Belle Meade Boulevard. The flatter downtown and riverfront sections are the easiest places to settle into rhythm, while Belle Meade and the city's moderate hills are the tougher work; spectator support is strongest at Nissan Stadium, along Broadway and Music Row, and through the neighbourhood sections.

Nashville Marathon elevation profile

The Nashville Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 331 metres of climbing and 354 metres of descent, with a net descent of 23 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon uses open online registration at runrocknroll.com, typically opening in summer for the late-April race. The field of roughly 3,800 finishers is allocated first-come, first-served with tiered pricing — no ballot or qualifying time required. Charity bibs are available when general marathon entry sells out.

Nashville Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

2017 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon Course Tour presented by GEICO

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Nashville Marathon?

The Nashville Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Nissan Stadium.

What time does the Nashville Marathon start?

The 2027 Nashville Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Saturday, 24 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runrocknroll.com/events/nashville confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

How hilly is the Nashville Rock 'n' Roll Marathon?

Nashville is one of the hillier events in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, with approximately 331 metres of total climbing. The rolling Tennessee terrain means runners should train specifically for sustained hills — it is not the race to target if a PR on a flat course is the priority.

Does the Nashville Marathon route pass through the famous Broadway honky-tonk district?

Yes. The course takes runners through downtown Nashville's entertainment district, including the neon-lit Lower Broadway strip with its iconic honky-tonks, giving runners a feel for Music City's legendary live-music culture even at race pace.

Are there live bands on the Nashville Rock 'n' Roll Marathon course?

Yes. As a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series event, Nashville features live bands and performers stationed at regular intervals along the course, and a post-race headliner concert at the finish festival — making the musical entertainment an integral part of the race experience.

When is the Nashville Rock 'n' Roll Marathon held?

The Nashville Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is held in late April, typically the last Saturday of the month, when Tennessee spring is at its most pleasant — though temperatures can already be climbing toward 18–24 °C, so heat management is worth preparing for.

What is the weather like for the Nashville Marathon in April?

April in Nashville is warm and can be humid, with race temperatures typically between 13 °C and 22 °C. The warmth combined with the hilly course means runners should pace conservatively and factor hydration strategy into their race plan.