Anyone been to the Country Music Marathon?

GuitaristsGirl

My friend is coming in town to run in the half marathon. . . I'd love to go support her/ cheer her on . . . . but I'm very intimidated by the whole thing!  Any suggestions on how best to make this work, i.e. where to be when?  TIA! 

cjsbdl

I've never been, but we're thinking about going this year. I know that my church--West End UMC--offers parking. 

ladyjeni

I went several years ago to support a friend.  I would recommend either the start or finish line.  We stood on the route and had to get up so early only to see her for a 2 second period, we stood on Music Row.  Plus it was almost impossible to find her  among the many runners.  Also check out the route and make sure to park on a street which can get you access to home.  We parked on a street but then weren't able to turn to get on the interstate due to the runners.  And you'll have to wait till all of them have passed before the police will let you go.

 

kelly72206

We have not been before, but are going this year.  My DH ran the Tom King half marathon last month and now wants to go 'watch' the CMM.  I have no idea what will be going on down there, but I'm sure it will be a madhouse.

Arterr0

I ran the 1/2 last year, and will be running it again this year.  Last year my parents and DH met me at the finish line.  I would recommend going somewhere other than the starting line if you want to actually see your friend.  Check out www.cmmarathon.com for tips on the best places for spectators to watch the race.

hoping4septimus

I went last year. we parked in the ihop near the stadium and walked over to the finish line to see my BIL run.  We got to see him run (I think it was about mile 20) and then again cross the finish line.

Dawn05

We went for 2 years in a row (last one being year before last). Our friends actually have a house on the route over in the 12 S/ Belmont area and they would have a party on the day of the race. We'd eat breakfast (and then lunch) and drink beer (it was a bunch of graduate students) and cheer people on as they went by. It's a family neighborhood area there, so people just hung out on the sidewalk in front of the houses. We went took our dogs along with us.