NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The NFL Draft wasn't the only major event happening in downtown Nashville this weekend. Music City also played host to thousands of runners for the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon.
Hendersonville teacher Scott Wietecha came in first for a seventh consecutive year -- something no one else has been able to do. Last year, he became the first person to win the race six times in a row.
Leah Frazier Allen, of Dallas, was the first woman to cross the finish line for the 26.2-mile course.
Nick French, of Nashville, came in first for the half marathon, while Robin Pomeroy, of Wisconsin, was the first woman to cross the finish line.
This year marked the 20th year for the race and organizers said some 30,000 people participated in the event – add to that the 200,000 people expected each day for the NFL Draft and that made for a packed downtown.
Runners traveled here from all 50 states and almost 40 countries.
The youngest half marathon runners are a 12-year-old boy and girl. The latter hails from Music City. An 85-year-old Chicago man laced up for the marathon, as the oldest man, and an 80-year-old woman from Michigan rocked the half marathon.
A 95-year-old woman, known as "Gram," took part in the 5K race again and inspired our own Henry Rothenberg again.
I want to be like this lady when I “grow-up”! 95 year old, Gram, is in today’s @StJude @RunRocknRoll in #Nashville. pic.twitter.com/vdoWBqil6O
— Lelan Statom (@NC5_LelanStatom) April 27, 2019
Dierks Bentley is headlining a free concert Saturday night to coincide with both events. Additional 32 NFL-themed band stages will also line along the marathon and half-marathon.
If you’re heading downtown, don’t forget about road closures that are already in effect for the draft. Click here to see parking/transportation information for race day.
