By Matthew W. Maxey | Jul 5, 2015 | Originally published in Sports & Entertainment Nashville, May 2014
The St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon has become a signature event for the city of Nashville. From its infancy in 1999 when it had just 7,500 participants, it has grown to a four-day event with more than 30,000 expected to lace it up each year. It now also includes a Mini Marathon of 2.6 miles plus a two-day Health & Fitness Expo and a Sunday brunch for those running as “St. Jude Heroes.”
In the 15 years of the event, countless runners and visitors have not only helped boost Nashville’s economy, but they have also achieved new personal goals and helped to support a number of worthy causes.
“To see the transformation over those years is just one of the absolutely thrilling things for somebody that’s grown up in the sport,” said Tracy Sundlun, Sr. of the Competitor Group which plans the event.
The race has had a tremendous boost to Nashville both economically and from a tourism standpoint. One recent race alone, which attracted over 30,000 visitors to the city, generated $38.2 million in economic impact, according to data provided by race organizers. Runners traveled from all 50 states and 26 countries to run the streets of Nashville.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean is also excited about the success the marathon and half marathon have had in Nashville. “It sends a great message about Nashville trying to be a healthier, more active city. It’s just all positive, and you can’t beat having all these visitors come into our city.”
When runners make the 26.2 mile trek through the city, they are greeted by a variety of live bands showcasing exactly why Nashville is Music City, USA – country, classic and punk rock, jazz and soul, all along the course.
While runners are traversing the route, many of them will have something else on their mind. The St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon is a fundraiser, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis is the primary sponsor. Their admirable goal is to raise the amount it takes to run the hospital for a single day. Many people run the race as a “St. Jude Hero,” meaning they have committed to raise between $500 and $2,500 for the research hospital before even stepping up to the start line.
One participant who is anything but a marathon novice is Gabryelle Conklin, or “Gabby.” Gabby is one of a set of triplets, diagnosed since birth with cerebral palsy, which confines her to a wheelchair. In 2009, ahead of starting high school, she told her mother, “Mom, I want to be a cheerleader!” That is exactly what she did – Gabby became an honorary cheerleader and was a fixture on the sidelines at her high school’s football games for four years.
Gabby’s story caught the attention of ESPN’s “E:60,” which profiled her in 2013. After the show aired, her mother received a call from Heath White, who had also been featured on the show for running races with his daughter Paisley, who has Down Syndrome. The two paired up to run the Marine Corps Marathon together in June 2013, finishing in 3:02 – fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Our hometown St. Jude Country Music Marathon has become one of their regular races together.
So while the St. Jude Country Music Marathon is certainly an economic boost for the city of Nashville, even more importantly, it also serves as a way for people to achieve personal goals and help those around them. For some, this marathon is the perfect vehicle to share their inspirational story of never, ever giving up.
Tags: Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon, Gabby Conklin, St. Jude, St. Jude Heroes