JACKSON, Tenn (August 4, 2015) The Foundation announces its newest fundraiser, the Tennessee Rhythm Run, to be held October 3-4 in downtown Jackson.
The event will feature four races: a marathon, half marathon, 5K and a one mile fun run/walk and will allow runners to experience historic downtown Jackson and the beautiful countryside of Madison County. Scheduled each year for the first weekend of October, the Rhythm Run is set to become one of the major events of the Foundation.
On Saturday, October 3, there will be a 5K and one mile fun run/walk beginning at 8 a.m. from the LIFT, located at 101 Jackson Walk Plaza in downtown Jackson. Registrations are $25 and $15, respectively, and both events will be stroller and pet friendly.
The marathon and half marathon will be held on Sunday, October 4 at 7 a.m. The route, which will begin in Downtown Jackson at the LIFT, will take runners past some of the city’s historic locations and into the beautiful countryside of Madison County.
“I am glad to be involved with this race,” stated Arthur Priddy, Race Director. “Jackson has an amazing running community, and we want to showcase that. But we are also working to make this event draw the interest of some of the top runners in the country and bring them to our city,” Priddy continued.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the West Tennessee Heart and Vascular Center’s efforts to establish cutting edge clinical trials to the patients of West Tennessee Healthcare. These new heart procedures could have life-changing implications on some of West Tennessee’s most critical patients. “We are grateful to the Foundation for establishing this incredible event for Jackson to benefit heart patients,” stated Deann Montchal, Vice President of Hospital Services at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
“Bringing this level of running competition to Jackson should not only help raise funds for clinical research, but will also have a positive economic impact on our city,” stated Kathy Watts, chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “We anticipate this race will become one of the annual events for runners, and we are working to make it an impressive experience, even in our inaugural year,” Watts continued.
Race organizers plan to have the marathon USATF certified, which would make it a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The races will be chip timed to ensure greater accuracy and reporting for all runners. There will also be fixed chair registration available for those in wheelchairs.
“I am very proud of what we are trying to accomplish with the Tennessee Rhythm Run. The quality of the event is expected to bring a national caliber of runner to Jackson,” stated Frank McMeen, President of the Foundation.
“This effort has been two years in the making,” stated Lori Nunnery, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are excited about the Foundation putting on this marathon weekend that will bring, not only Jackson area runners and enthusiasts, but is designed to bring nationally known runners to our city,” Nunnery continued.
For more information on this event visit www.tnrhythmrun.org or call (731) 984-2140.
