The Nashville marathon turns 25
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The starting line for the first Nashville marathon in 2000. Photo: courtesy of St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Nashville
Twenty-five years ago, the organizers of the Nashville marathon set out to establish a marquee event that would attract participants from around the globe.
Why it matters: They succeeded.
State of play: The annual marathon, which celebrates its quarter-century anniversary with this weekend's race, has grown far beyond its original scope to include a full weekend of events that are now known as St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Nashville.
- There is a series of races that cater to everyone from elite runners to couch potatoes and the dogs who love them. (This year's "doggie dash" starts at noon on Sunday.)
By the numbers: Marathon events have logged more than 600,000 participants through 2024.
- About 25,000 are expected to join their ranks this weekend.
The big picture: Nashville grew alongside the marathon. Parts of the course have transformed over the last 25 years as the city exploded with waves of population growth, new construction and bachelorette parties.
Zoom in: The Music City Center wasn't even a pipe dream when the first runners took the course in 2000. Bridgestone Arena had barely been open for three years.
- Lower Broadway was nowhere near the neon jungle it is today.
Flashback: Success wasn't guaranteed. An earlier attempt at a marathon floundered after a few years — one event drew only a few hundred runners.
Yes, but: The new organizers had a more ambitious vision.
- Recruiters traveled the world to find top-tier runners who would give the race clout. Some 7,500 runners participated in the first year.
- Musicians and stages were placed every mile along the route, which made it feel as much like a concert as a race.
Over the years, the marathon has become a citywide block party. Now raucous watch parties crowd the sidewalks and front porches in the Belmont area on marathon morning. The bars on 12 South feature annual specials on mimosas and bloody Marys for fans.
Fun fact: The Music Row roundabout was still under construction when the first marathon took place in 2000. The city had to pay to pave over a barren patch of Demonbreun Street days before the marathon to maintain the route.
- After the race, they ripped up the pavement and construction continued.
Between the lines: The marathon also serves as a fundraiser. In 2000, the race raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Now organizers have partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.