What To Know Ahead Of The 2023 St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series

/in /by

2017 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon/Half Marathon. Photo: Courtesy of St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series.

The 2023 annual St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is heading back to Nashville next month and there is still time to sign up and get in on the great charity event. The event will take place April 20-23 of this year throughout downtown Nashville.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is the world’s largest running series, taking part in destination locations around the world every year. Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more.

“We are excited to be back for our 23rd running of the St Jude Rock’n’roll Running Series Nashville!” says Drew Wolff, Regional Director of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series. “The weekend is full of great music, and you don’t need to be a hardcore runner, we have distances of a mile up to a marathon, kids’ race and a doggie dash.  All the events are a unique and inspiring way to experience Music City Nashville.”

The race is set to start at 8th and Broadway with the finish line at Nissan Stadium. Participants will pass numerous landmarks including Broadway Honky Tonks, Music Row, 12 South and Bicentennial Capitol Mall. The course will lead participants past the Schermerhorn Symphony, Music City Center and the Musica Roundabout before finishing outside of Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.

Leah Frazier Allen, the first woman to cross the marathon finish line during the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon/Half Marathon in 2019 . Photo: by Al Bello/Getty Images

There will be tons of live entertainment for participants their families as well as those in the community that want to join in on the fun and the charity. There will be live music at the Expo and during the race days there will be more than 25 bands along the course. There will be musical groups at the finish line each day with Runaway June as the Encore Entertainment Headliner.

“Congratulations to St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville for its many years of success in Music City,” says Deana Ivey, President, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Visitors participating in the race get to see Nashville sights from a unique perspective as they make their way through city streets. We appreciate our many years of partnership with the race and the economic activity the event brings to the city and our local businesses.”

This event brings people from all over the country to Nashville. In 2021, 53 percent of participants were from outside the state of Tennessee. Women overwhelmingly took part in the race making up of 61 percent of participants. Nashville also saw a total economic impact of $45 million in 2021, according to the Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series.

“I love this half marathon! The course is very challenging. However, what makes the race so special are the participants and the spectators. Everyone is so excited to be a part of this race. From the encouragement of your fellow runners, the bands and music playing while you’re running, and the spectators cheering for you, the city is so inviting and welcoming. On a personal note, this race holds a special place in my heart. I dedicated my first half marathon, the first time that I ran this race in 2003, to the memory of my mother who passed the year before. I will never forget that day – the emotions were overwhelming. I’ve run this race numerous times since then. Crossing the finish line at [the Titans’] stadium is one of the best, loudest finish lines in the country! Can’t wait to do it again!,” says James Crumlin.

Events for the 2023 St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series:

  • 26.2-mile Foot Race and Wheelchair Race
  • 13.1-mile Foot Race and Wheelchair Race
  • 10k Foot Race
  • 5k Foot Race
  • 1 Mile
  • KiDS Rock
  • Doggie Dash
  • Two-day Race Exhibition and Packet Pick Up

Schedule of Events:

The 2023 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock Running Series Nashville Expo will be held at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum located at 417 4th Ave N. in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Thursday, April 20 & Friday, April 21
    • Race Packet Pick Up, 12 p.m. –  7 p.m., Nashville Municipal Auditorium
    • Media Credential Pick Up, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Nashville Municipal Auditorium
    • Media Interviews Open (Please schedule with PR Team)
  • Friday, April 21
    • 6 p.m. – St. Jude Heroes Pasta Party – Open to those running for the benefiting charity.
    • St. Jude Heroes will be recognized for their fundraising achievements and treated to entertainment by singer-songwriters during this private event.
  • Saturday, April 22 – RACE DAY
    • 5k and 10k at 6:30 a.m. – 8th & Demonbreun
    • Marathon and Half Marathon at 7:20 a.m. – 8th & Broadway
  •  SUNDAY, April 23
    • KiDS Rock Race at Nissan Stadium
    • Distances:
    • 12 p.m. Doggie Dash
    • 12:30 p.m. 1 Mile (Adult)
    • 1 p.m. KiDS ROCK
    • DJ Pete Performance
Steven Boero
Latest posts by Steven Boero (see all)