Hit the Ground Running in Nashville, TN
When it comes to its thriving running scene, the Nashville Region is in full stride.
Because of Middle Tennessee’s diverse topography, running routes range from flat jaunts alongside beautiful rivers and creeks to challenging climbs throughout the area’s hillier sections. And there are nearly as many running groups/ events from which to choose as there are places to run, providing numerous ways to enjoy some fit and fun jog-ularity.
“There are multiple places you can go run with different groups every day of the week,” says Pearson Ezell, marketing manager for the Fleet Feet store in Clarksville. “You can meet so many people with different backgrounds, but everybody joins together because they enjoy running.”
“Sometimes, having good people to run with can be a whole lot easier than running by yourself.”
Pearson Ezell, Fleet Feet
Find Your Running Community: Groups and Events
The running scene in the Nashville Region is far from exclusive. Groups regularly gather for a jog and some grog, congregating at various breweries and other family-friendly businesses for post-run camaraderie.
And, of course, newcomers are always welcome.
“Nashville has embraced running and involved the community, making it not just an expert sport but an anyone sport,” says Katie Collins, president of the Muletown Runners Club. “There is some type of run club in basically every area of Nashville.”
Social Runs and Brewery Meetups
The dozens of options include the East Nasty Running Club (which meets every Wednesday in East Nashville “rain or shine, hot or cold”) and the Jagalope Running Club (with multiple runs each week as well as training for longer-distance events).
“If you’re new to the community, it’s a great way to get involved on an active level. Not only does it encourage healthy living, but it’s also an easy way to make connections that you might not have done otherwise. Running brings people together,” Collins says.
Regular runs are also organized by various shoe and athletic stores throughout the region. For example, the Clarksville Fleet Feet location holds a run every Thursday evening at The Star Spangled Brewing Co.
“Sometimes, having good people to run with can be a whole lot easier than running by yourself,” Ezell says. “You’re able to build these friends and relationships with people who you meet, then you can further those relationships to outside of just running and more into your daily life.”
Fast Company
Dan Venere, vice president of the Muletown Runners Club, met the woman who is now his wife at one of the club’s weekly runs.
“Everybody in the run club was part of the wedding,” Venere says. “These running groups are just a great way to meet new people and develop lasting friendships.”
An outdoor alternative to traditional running groups is the Capitol Steps Workout, which takes place twice a week at the Tennessee State Capitol. Participants repeatedly run up and down the capitol’s 90-step staircase, interspersed with jumping jacks, pushups and other exercises.
“It’s always great to have a community of support, and the Capitol Steps Workout is exactly that,” says Nashville attorney and triathlete James Crumlin, who co-founded the program 12 years ago. “It provides a good sense of harmony for the participants. There is a lot of encouragement but no pressure. No one is yelling at them. Everybody just does what they can. We want to provide an alternative where you can get outside and be with a group of like-minded individuals who want to be a part of the fitness community.”
Get to Know Nashville, TN
Want to learn more about living and working in Nashville? Check out the latest edition of Livability Nashville Region, TN.