Running Races in Nashville
Nashville running scene has grown fast. The city is hillier than most people expect, with rolling terrain through Shelby Bottoms, Percy Warner Park, and the neighborhoods of East Nashville. The Rock n Roll Nashville Marathon is the centerpiece event, but there are races year round taking advantage of the mild southern climate. Post race, you can recover with hot chicken and live music.
Best Months
March to May, September to November
State
Tennessee
Top Race
Rock n Roll Nashville Marathon
Total Races
5+ featured
Major Races in Nashville
Rock n Roll Nashville Marathon
Marathon/HalfLive music every mile through downtown Nashville. The biggest race in the city.
Nashville Turkey Trot
5K/8KThanksgiving morning tradition. Music Row to downtown.
Percy Warner 50K
50KUltra trail race through the Warner Parks. Challenging and beautiful.
Nashville Half Marathon
Half MarathonFall half through the greenway and Shelby Bottoms.
Music City 5K
5KSeveral 5K options through the year in downtown Nashville.
Course Preview Video
Course Terrain
Rolling hills throughout the city. Shelby Bottoms is flat along the river. Percy Warner Park has serious trail elevation.
Live Music on Every Mile, Literally
Rock n Roll Nashville uses the same mile by mile live band format as the Rock n Roll Running Series races worldwide, but the Nashville edition leans harder into the city music identity than most, with local artists and cover bands filling many of the stages along the course instead of generic party bands.
The race weekend health and fitness expo at Nissan Stadium turns into a preview of the Nashville music scene as much as a runners expo, and packet pickup lines often move to the sound of a live set happening a few yards away.
Racing Nashville Hills on Purpose
The Rock n Roll Marathon course carries roughly 1,100 feet of climbing across the full distance, more than the flat sounding Music City nickname suggests, and locals treat the back half hills through the neighborhoods east of downtown as the real test of the course.
The Percy Warner 50K in January pushes that same hill culture further, sending an ultra distance field through the Warner Parks in the coldest, muddiest stretch of the Nashville calendar. It draws a small, committed field willing to trade a fast time for a genuinely tough course.
Race Day Tips for Nashville
Nashville hills sneak up on you. The RnR marathon course is hillier than the profile suggests.
Spring weather in Nashville can swing wildly. Check the forecast day of and dress accordingly.
Hot chicken after a race is the Nashville way. Prince is the original. Hattie B is the tourist pick.
Use the greenway system for warm ups. The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is flat and connected to downtown.
This page covers the 5 races in Nashville we track closely, but there is always more happening on any given weekend. If none of these fit your schedule, search for a race anywhere in the country using registration platforms, club calendars, and local resources.
Running Clubs in Nashville
Nashville Running Company
Running store with group runs from multiple locations.
East Nasty Running Club
Iconic Nashville running group. Wednesday night runs from East Nashville.
Nashville Striders
Competitive club with race teams and structured workouts.
The clubs above are a starting point, not the full picture. For more ways to connect with training partners in Nashville or anywhere else, see our guide to finding a running club.
Turn Your Nashville Runs Into a Game
Nashville neighborhoods all have their own personality. Capture East Nashville, Music Row, and The Gulch on your Motera map. Every hill earns you more territory.
MoteraExplore Nashville Running Routes
Looking for where to train between races? Check out our full running guide for Nashville with top routes, terrain info, and local tips.
Running in Nashville GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Is Nashville hilly for running?
Yes. Nashville is hillier than most people expect. The Rock n Roll Marathon has around 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Percy Warner Park trail races have even more climbing.
What is the East Nasty running club?
East Nasty is one of Nashville most famous running clubs. They meet every Wednesday evening in East Nashville for group runs. All paces welcome, social atmosphere, often ending at a local bar.
When is the best time to race in Nashville?
October and November offer ideal racing weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Spring races in March and April are also good but can be unpredictable.
Are there trail races in Nashville?
Yes. Percy Warner Park and Shelby Bottoms host trail races. The Percy Warner 50K in January is one of the best known. Warner Park has 20+ miles of trails.
How do I sign up for Rock n Roll Nashville?
Registration opens online, usually in the fall for the April race. Early bird pricing is available. It does not use a lottery system, so register early for the best price.
