NASHVILLE, TN. (Country
Music Marathon) -- After 2006 brought a record breaking field of runners and walkers to the Country
Music Marathon & � Marathon, race organizers have announced a cap on registration for the half marathon in 2007. The field will be limited to 18,000 participants in the 13.1-mile race that is set for April 28, 2007, and organizers expect the half marathon to sell out. There is no cap on registration for the full 26.2-mile marathon.
The increasing popularity of the half marathon nationwide, and especially in Nashville , has resulted in significant growth for the Country Music � Marathon each year as it has become one of the nation�s premier races at that distance. While the marathon celebrates its eighth running this year, the half was added six years ago. That first year saw fewer than 7,000 participants in the half and by 2006 the number surged to almost 17,000. Together with the marathon, more than 22,000 people ran through the streets of Nashville last year.
Elite Racing, Inc., the race organizer, seeks to ensure a positive experience for every runner by offering the same level of comfort on the roads together with the enjoyment of entertainment and spectators along the course whether at the front, middle, or back of the pack. A wave start was introduced in 2005 and the staggered start has eased congestion by allowing runners to spread out further along the course.
“In a way, this is a good problem to have,” said Adam Zocks , General Manager of the Country Music Marathon & � Marathon . “Our No. 1 priority is to take care of the runner. We want all our participants, returning or new, to enjoy the same great experience that has made this race so popular. We implemented a successful wave start in 2005. This will help further. We want to avoid overcrowding on the course while providing the outstanding race that our runners and walkers have come to expect.
“That being said, runners should realize a spot in the half marathon may not be available if they wait too long,” Zocks added. “We strongly encourage people to sign up sooner rather than later.”
The current entry fee for the half marathon is $60 thru Dec. 31, 2006. The price moves to $75 on Jan. 1. Registration for the half marathon will be available for $95 at the Health & Fitness Expo on April 26 and 27 only if the cap has not been reached. Registration for the marathon is currently $75 and increases to $90 and $100, respectively.
The Country Music Marathon & � Marathon is set to hit the streets of Nashville Sat., April 28, 2007 and expects to attract over 25,000 runners and 100,000 spectators. Both the marathon and half marathon courses start in Centennial Park on West End Ave. and finish outside of LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans. Runners are treated to Nashville �s Music Row, Belmont University and Bicentennial Mall. Marathoners also run along the Cumberland River and through beautiful Shelby Park.
The event features 50 live bands playing along the course, 25 high school cheer squads to keep energy pumping, a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo, a fantastic finish line festival and a post-race concert featuring one of country music�s name acts. In addition, the Country Music Marathon & � Marathon receives extensive national, regional and local media coverage and will be taped to broadcast nationally on FSN and regionally on Comcast Sports Southeast.
For more information and to register for the races, please visit www.CMMarathon.com or call 615/742-1660.
