Sat, Apr 24 · 2027Nashville, TNSince 2000

Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon

A point-to-point course through Nashville's neighborhoods, backed by live bands on course and the energy of a city that takes its music seriously. It's a party with a finish line.

RollingOpen
ROCK 'N' ROLL NASHVILLE · US
Rock 'n' Roll Nashville
SAT, APR 24
2027
UNLOCK YOUR FIT SCORE

How does Rock 'n' Roll Nashville stack up for you?

Answer 6 questions, and we’ll score this race honestly and compare it against every other marathon in our directory.

Take the 2-min quiz

Race Overview

EST. 2000

Nashville's marathon runs point-to-point through the city, and the thing that sets it apart is the live music. Bands are stationed along the course, not just at the finish, and in Nashville that's not a gimmick. The city actually delivers. The crowd support varies by neighborhood, but when you're moving through areas near Broadway or Music Row, there's real energy around you. The rolling terrain keeps you honest. Don't expect a flat cruise just because the net elevation looks neutral on paper.

This is a good race for someone who wants a strong experience without the stress of a lottery or a qualifier. Registration is open entry, so you can plan ahead and lock it in. The St. Jude Heroes program is a solid option if you want a fundraising angle. Weather in late April can be comfortable in the morning but warm up faster than you'd expect by mile 18 or 20, so hydrate from mile one and don't let the cool start trick you into banking too hard. If a PR is the goal, it's possible, but respect the hills and the heat. If a great race day is the goal, Nashville delivers that reliably.

Field size
~3.2k
3,189 finishers
BQ rate
1%
Below national average
Time limit
6:00
Tight cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration

The Course

Total ascent
Total descent
Net elevation
Highest point
624 ft
Lowest point
404 ft
Course shape
Point to point
Different start and finish

The course runs point-to-point with a net elevation of zero, but zero net doesn't mean flat. The high point sits around 624 feet and the low around 404 feet, so you are moving up and down throughout. Expect rolling terrain rather than a single sustained climb. The lack of a meaningful net drop means you cannot rely on gravity for a PR; the course works you both ways. Pacing conservatively in the first half pays off when the later miles accumulate fatigue on legs that have already absorbed multiple rollers. Surface is road throughout on a USATF-certified route.

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
49°F
High
72°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 4560°80°
What to expect

Late April in Nashville means a cool start that can turn into a warm finish. The morning gun feels manageable, but temperatures climb through the race and you can find yourself running the back half in genuine heat. Humidity adds to it. Don't let the comfortable corral temperatures set your early pace. Hydrate from mile one, and if it's a sunny day, respect how fast the second half can wear on you. It's not always a PR-weather day, so check the forecast and adjust your goal accordingly.

Entry

OPEN

General entry for marathon starts at $124. St. Jude Heroes can run for free with fundraising commitments ranging from $500 to $5000. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Register on race site

Frequently Asked

7 questions
Compare your options

Related races

Browse all races