The St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon is a vibrant social event, attracting participants with music and community support. Runners describe it as a 'party on the course' rather than just a race.
Key points
The Nashville Marathon is a social occasion with a festive atmosphere.
Participants enjoy live music and community support along the course.
Around 23,000 runners are expected to participate.
"It's a party on the course rather than a race itself," said Ryan Nussdorfer, who came from Michigan to run the half-marathon with Nashville's Abby Carey, who was running her third.
"Electric," said Carey, among quite a few runners with glitter on the face. "All the bands and people who come out and support you."
Reese the Chihuahua, held by Ben Wilson of Nashville, surveys the crowd as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Alysa Owens of Nashville welcomes folks in to First Baptist Church at 6th and Broadway as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Alysa Owens of Nashville welcomes folks in to First Baptist Church at 6th and Broadway as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Q&A
What makes the Nashville Marathon a unique event?
The Nashville Marathon is unique due to its festive atmosphere, featuring live music and community support, making it feel more like a celebration than a traditional race.
How many participants are expected at the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon?
The event is expected to attract around 23,000 participants, showcasing its popularity and community involvement.
When is the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon scheduled?
The St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon is scheduled for April 25, 2026.
Who are some notable participants in the Nashville Marathon?
Notable participants include Ryan Nussdorfer from Michigan and local runner Abby Carey, who is running her third half-marathon.
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Maddie Dovi of Rochester, NY, stretches on a fire hydrant as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
1 / 4
Runners take over downtown for Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon
Reese the Chihuahua, held by Ben Wilson of Nashville, surveys the crowd as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
1 / 4
Runners take over downtown for Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon
Reese the Chihuahua, held by Ben Wilson of Nashville, surveys the crowd as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
2 / 4
Runners take over downtown for Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon
Alysa Owens of Nashville welcomes folks in to First Baptist Church at 6th and Broadway as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
3 / 4
Runners take over downtown for Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon
Alysa Owens of Nashville welcomes folks in to First Baptist Church at 6th and Broadway as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
4 / 4
Runners take over downtown for Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon
Maddie Dovi of Rochester, NY, stretches on a fire hydrant as the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon and the 23,000 participants prepare to wind through Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The 26th running of the event was estimated to have about 23,000 participants. Many arrived with game-faces on and stretching vigorously before the run while others were content to just talk and pictures.
Thousands more lined the course to support family members and friends with all kinds of signs, from "Be the runner your dog thinks you are," to "beer, whiskey and bragging rights just ahead." It created a bond no matter the experience of a runner.
"The energy, the music, all of that was really appealing, but really fundraising for St. Jude was the most important part," said Christian Warriner, 18, who came to run from Chelsea, Michigan, after making a full marathon a new goal after his high school cross country season. Warriner raised $760 for St. Jude.
About 25 bands along the course are a central theme on the downtown course that includes Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch, goes by the Country Music Hall of Fame and over the Cumberland River with the finish Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
Runners make their way up Demonbreun during the 2026 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Runners make their way up Demonbreun during the 2026 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Lead singer and guitarist Criss Cheatham of the energetic band August Christopher encouraged runners throughout their set at Buddy Killen Circle and runners gestured their approval back.
One woman stopped running to dance to the band some time before resuming her race.
"It's all about pumping up the people who are running," Cheatham said, whose band has been involved with the marathon from the start. "It's a great event and it's for a great cause, St. Jude.
