Reviewer  Peggy

Name: Country Music Marathon

Location: Nashville, TN

Website: www.cmmarathon.com

Month: April

Start times:  Wheelers 6:45 and runners 7am and about every 2 min. wave starts.

Limits:

Descripition:

A dreary start to what turned out to be a bright day in every way at the Nashville, Tennessee Country Music Marathon on April 26, 2008. The weather cooperated as the rain stopped and the sun came out. The course was challenging, as there were several inclines. Fan support was good. The course was sceneic and took us through the downtown streets of Nashville, along a bike path and out to a park in which we made a loop and came back the last six miles to finish up at LP Stadium, Home of the Tennessee Titans Football Team. The water/accelerade stops on the course were plentiful. The volunteers along the course were great. They were cheering and supportive. The cheerleaders and people on route were enthusiastic. The bands provided the necessary pick me up that runners need to propek them to the end. Although, the bans did seem to lessen throughout the last 13 miles. There were many port-o-john available. The medals for both the half marathon and full marathon were really good-heavy and substantial. I look for good medals and this one defintely ranks high! One disappointment though was the marathon t-shirt that we got at the expo. The half marathon t-shirt design was better. The expo provided a great selection of vendors. It was a huge place, accomodating the amount of people. There was a decent selection of marathon merchandise available to buy. I wasn't overly crazed by the design. I guess I expected more as I have run both the Arizona Rock and Roll and the San Diego and the shirt designs with guitars/runners were more appealing. The only complaint I have about the whole experience was the problem with shuttle service or lack of at the finish to get me back to the hotel. Thank God for friendly marathoners who had a car and were able to give me a ride back to the hotel.
Overall, wonderful place for a marathon. Awesome nightlife downtown. The streets were hopping on Saturday night. Fun people, good restaurants-DEMOS. A variety of music/bars. I suggest Coyote Ugly and WildHorse Saloon. I also love the idea that one side of the road is non-smoking bars. Coming from NJ where there is no-smoking in any bar or restaurant  I am always looking for this and I found it here. I only hope that as I make my trek around the 50 states that I find this in every state. Thanks Nashville.

Pasta dinner: No find your own.

Expo: Yes

Support and Spectators:  Lots of people to yell for you and many bands to play along the way.

Water:  Lots of water and sports drink on the course and gels.

Organization: It’s good but the down town area it’s hard to park for around 30,000 people to get around.

Porta-potties: many on the course.

Food at finish: Yes also of food and drinks

Weather: The weather can be cool and some time warm and sunny. Avg. temp 58 start and finish 65.

Medals: Yes and very nice.

Other races: Full and half marathon

Airport:  Nashville

Hotels:  many in the area. The Best Western Suits  on 155 and exit 12 is a very nice and clean place to stay with many place to eat at.

After the race It’s hard to get back the Hotel. So try this service called Music Star Shuttle and ask for C J 615-887-6097 very good service.