Ethos3 team members Valerie, Nicole, Parissa, Sunday, and Lauren ran in the St. Jude Country Music Half Marathon on Saturday, April 26th in downtown Nashville. It was a first for all of the ladies, who had been anxiously training at local Nashville spots like the Shelby Bottoms Greenway. Happily, everyone crossed the finish line without a broken ankle or a trail of blood. Our victors were treated to a delicious dinner at Fleming’s as their reward after the race.
This was the 15th year for the race, which drew a whopping 24,087 participants. 70% of participants were out-of-towners, and 4 of which were, of course, Ethos3 employees. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has stated that the race gives the local economy a $38.2 million-plus boost. That’s a lot of cowboy hats for Music City.
The race began at 7:00 am on Lower Broadway, where racers waited in their “corrals” to begin. The weather was “suspiciously pleasant” considering last year’s rainy event. The route brought runners past cheering crowds and historical neighborhoods such as Music Row, where most of Nashville’s recording studios are located.
Each of the team members had their own unique take on the race. According to Sunday, “my favorite part was littering the water cups when I ran by.”
Parissa also preferred the refreshments: “I really enjoyed all the showers/sprinklers/donuts on the course!” She followed up by saying, “I found completing the half-marathon to be empowering.”
Valerie has some reluctance about participating next year: “It was awesome to cross something off my bucket list but just know, that I will never ever ever do anything like this ever again!”
According to Lauren, “I’m so glad to have marked this accomplishment off my bucket list, because as several spectator signs noted, Life is short, but running makes it seem longer!“
And finally, a bold Nicole stated: “I’m already looking forward to beating my time next year!”
All of the Ethos3 runners agreed that Fleming’s was the most delicious food ever eaten. Some of the team looks forward to participating again next year; perhaps even taking on the full marathon?