3,800 Runners Take to the Streets of Music City for Nashville Half Marathon & 5K, Showcasing Nashville's Iconic Neighborhoods
NASHVILLE — On a balmy Saturday morning, with temperatures already at 70 degrees at the starting line, more than 3,800 participants took to the streets for the 2026 Nashville Half Marathon & 5K, hosted by Run Nash. The event, which wound through downtown, The Gulch, Music Row and Nissan Stadium, drew a mix of elite competitors, first-time runners and families, all celebrating fitness and community in some of the city’s most recognizable neighborhoods.
Audrey Swank, a Vanderbilt University student from Fairbanks, Alaska, and Hudson Wallace, a Bethel University student from McKenzie, Tennessee, emerged as the women’s and men’s champions, respectively. Swank claimed the women’s title with a time of 1:24:47, while Wallace won the men’s division in 1:13:21.
Swank, a junior studying music at Vanderbilt, returned for her second consecutive year and improved significantly on her previous performance. “I ran it last year, but I was really slow,” she said in a post-race interview. When asked if she would return to defend her title, she replied simply, “I think so.”
Wallace, a senior at Bethel University who competes on the cross-country team, made his debut in the Nashville Half Marathon. He credited the strong field and the scenic route for making the race memorable. “I was really glad to come away with the win today, especially with some strong competition out there,” Wallace said. “It was my first time running both a half marathon with RunNash and this course. The hills definitely made it challenging, but it was beautiful getting to see so much of Nashville along the way.”
“What an incredible morning for running in Music City,” said Malain McCormick, Race Director of the Nashville Half Marathon & 5K. “With clear skies, 3,800 registered runners and a sold-out 5K, we couldn’t have asked for a better setting to celebrate this year’s event. From the excitement at the starting line to the cheers at the finish, it was wonderful to see runners of all abilities come together and experience Nashville. We’re especially grateful to our charity partners, volunteers and the entire community for helping make this event such a success.”
The course showcased iconic Nashville destinations, and the event drew participants from across the United States and internationally, underscoring the city’s growing reputation as a running-event destination. In the 5K, Drew Taylor of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, won the men’s overall title in 18:24, while Cam-Ranh Chandler of Nashville took the women’s overall championship in 19:20. The 5K sold out in advance, reaching its capacity of 750 registered participants.
Women made up 51% of registered participants. The event welcomed runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels, from seasoned competitors chasing personal records to first-time half-marathon finishers.
Beyond the competition, the Nashville Half Marathon & 5K continued its commitment to charitable causes. The American Cancer Society, the event’s Official Charity Partner, participated through its DetermiNation Endurance Series, which unites athletes in the fight against cancer. Over the past five years, the American Cancer Society’s race team has raised more than $200,000 through its involvement in the event, inspiring runners to achieve personal milestones while making a meaningful difference. Local charity partners Move Music City, Achilles International and the T.J. Martell Foundation also received support, reinforcing the event’s community impact.
2026 NASHVILLE HALF MARATHON & 5K OFFICIAL RESULTS
HALF MARATHON – MEN
Hudson Wallace – McKenzie, Tenn. – 1:13:21
Baden Brown – Nashville, Tenn. – 1:17:20
John Baker – Cambridge, Mass. – 1:17:56
HALF MARATHON – WOMEN
Audrey Swank – Fairbanks, Alaska – 1:24:47
Hailey Day – Baton Rouge, La. – 1:26:11
Hannah Seubert – Eugene, Ore. – 1:27:52
5K – OVERALL MEN’S WINNER
Drew Taylor – Goodlettsville, Tenn. – 18:24
5K – OVERALL WOMEN’S WINNER
Cam-Ranh Chandler – Nashville, Tenn. – 19:20
For complete race results, upcoming events and additional information, visit www.runnash.com.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the Official Charity Partner of the Nashville Half Marathon & 5K. The DetermiNation Endurance Series is the signature program for American Cancer Society endurance events, with running events serving as the backbone of the program. Through DetermiNation, the American Cancer Society helps athletes accomplish what once seemed impossible while working together to change the course of cancer. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.
About Run Nash
Run Nash is Nashville’s largest locally owned race organization, dedicated to creating memorable running experiences that showcase the city’s neighborhoods, landmarks and vibrant community. With a portfolio of signature events, including the Nashville Half Marathon & 5K, Music City July 4th 5K, 9 to 5K and Music City Turkey Trot, Run Nash welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities to experience Music City one mile at a time. For more information, visit www.runnash.com.
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Kim Dettwiller Burton
Team Strategies
+1 615-330-5656
teamstrategies@gmail.com
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Why it matters: The Nashville Half Marathon continues to grow as a major community event, drawing thousands of participants and raising significant funds for cancer research and local charities. With a sold-out 5K and a field that is more than half women, the race reflects broader trends in recreational running and community engagement that have public health and social benefits for the region.
