FAQ

Why the Country Music Half Marathon?

The 12th 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 30, 2011.

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

No! This is your one and only step. Simply register with us and we’ll take care of your Country Music Marathon registration. When you register with Powered by Hope, you will be charged a registration fee for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon ($90 through 12/31/10, and $110 beginning 1/1/11). Charges will appear as “New Hope Academy” on your statement.

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

You need to begin training by Saturday, January 15, 2011. Our training program is a 15-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?

The last day to register for the Powered by Hope team will be Friday, February 18, 2011.  Keep in mind that the first group run will be held in mid-January so you’ll want to register long before that to take advantage of the excellent training Powered by Hope will provide.

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 make a final commitment to be a part of the team on March 15, 2011, 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 on Saturday, January 15, 2011, just in time for your New Years Resolutions. Our first group run/walk will be held at Fleet Feet in Brentwood, TN at 7:00 a.m. We will do about 3 miles. You must be registered to attend.

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, you personal online fundraising page, etc.

What is Thomas Nelson’s relationship to Powered by Hope?

New Hope Academy is on of the four charitable organizations Thomas Nelsons supports. For the second year in a row, Thomas Nelson chose to allocate their charitable gift to underwrite Powered by Hope with the desire to see the impact of their gift grow exponentially. Consequently, this year’s Powered by Hope experience is brought to you by Thomas Nelson.