FAQ

Why the Country Music Half Marathon?

The 14th annual Country Music ½ Marathon features live bands on 28 stages along the 13.1-mile course. The musically themed road race is expected to attract 35,000 runners, walkers and junior racers.

The Country Music ½ Marathon is recognized as the ultimate tour of Music City, featuring historic sites like the Parthenon, Nashville’s world-renowned Music Row and an expansive finish line festival outside the Tennessee Titan’s home, LP Field, located along the Cumberland River. The event culminates with a post-race concert, which has featured past acts Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Phil Vassar, Jo Dee Messina, Diamond Rio, Martina McBride and Kenny Rogers.

When is the race?

The race has a wave start which will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2013.

If I register with Powered by Hope, do I need to register for the Country Music Marathon?

YES! We ask that you register with the Country Music Marathon first and then Powered by Hope.

When do I need to start my training regime for the race?

Training officially begins in January. Our training program is a 16-week training program, giving your body ample time to be conditioned for the race safely. Click here for more specific training information.

What is the last day I can register?

You can register for Powered by Hope right up until race day.  However, the minimum fundraising commitment is due on April 19th.

What happens if I elect to run and fundraise and I cannot reach the $1,000 goal? Am I responsible for paying the difference to Powered by Hope?

Yes, if you do not opt out by March 8, 2013, you will be responsible for the difference between your goal and the amount you raised if there is a deficit. For complete details of the Fundraising Commitment, click here.

What will Powered by Hope provide in terms of training, etc.?

Powered by Hope is committed to providing exceptional training to its team members, from the first day of training, all the way up to race day. They will provide expert-led weekly runs and walks for those who live in the Nashville area, week-by-week training plans, informational and motivational weekly eblasts, and a race week plan to help you cross the finish line safely and enjoyably. If you live outside the Nashville, TN area, we will provide you with online training plans to get you from start to finish.

When will group training begin?

Weekly group runs and walks will begin in January 14, just in time for your New Years Resolutions.

Can I fundraise even if I am not able to run or walk the half marathon? How would I register for this?

Yes, absolutely. The fundraising will work exactly the same as if you were to be participating in the marathon. Powered by Hope will provide abundant fundraising resources in the weeks to come including sample letters, email templates, social media templates, your personal online fundraising page, etc.

How will I know if New Hope Academy (NHA) has received checks that my donors have mailed?

Jennifer Beck, with NHA, will begin sending weekly fundraising updates to runners that have received donations directly at New Hope Academy (“offline donations”).  These emails will go out every Friday, to any one who has received new donations since the last update.  (This week the email will be sent on Wednesday by 2:00 p.m. Central).   If you have specific questions about offline donations, you can email Jennifer at jbeck@nhafranklin.org.  

Does NHA/Powered by Hope enter my offline donations on my FirstGiving page?

No.  It’s your responsibility to enter these donations on your fundraising page.  It’s optional, but doing so will give you and your donors a clear look at your fundraising progress.

When is the fundraising deadline?

You have until April 19, 2013 to get all your donations submitted to NHA.

When is the opt out deadline?

You have until March 8, 2013 at midnight to opt out of Powered by Hope.

Who is the opt out for?

How do I officially opt out?

Simply email Jennifer Beck at jbeck@nhafranklin.org.

If I’m short of my $1,000 fundraising minimum, when will my credit card be charged?

The fundraising deadline is April 19, 2013 at midnight.  On this date, we will tally everyone’s “offline donations” and FirstGiving donations, to come up with your total.  If you are under the $1,000 guarantee, then we’ll only charge your card for the difference.  The charge will be processed on April 22.  If your credit card has expired before that date, be sure to update us with your new expiration date.

Dates to remember:
Friday, March 8 at midnight – the deadline to drop-out and be released from your fundraising agreement.  After that date, you are committed to the fundraising guarantee you agreed to at registration.
April 19 – deadline to have all donations submitted to New Hope Academy for the final tally.