Expect downtown Chattanooga to be teeming with racers and their cheerleaders when the 7 Bridges Marathon hits the pavement, making its debut Oct. 16.
The 7 Bridges Marathon debuts on Oct 16th in Downtown Chattanooga.And organizers of the city's first marathon say it's about time. Chattanooga has long been a hub for runners who wanted to show off the city's greenway and mountain view.
"There is such a strong demand," says Ken Rapley, race director for Scenic City Multisport. Chattanooga has wanted a marathon as long as we've been here."
Starting at 7 a.m., the race will move runners past the city's noteable landmarks-the Tennessee Aquarium, AT&T Field, the Creative Discovery Museum, the Art District, the Hunter Museum, the Riverwalk and the Carousel in Coolidge Park-all while crossing the Tennessee River six times.
The trees may not turn this year in time, but in years to come, Rapley says he expects the fall landscape to be breathtaking as runners wind down to the dam.
Excitement for the race, which was in the works for more than a year, has already caught on. "We have people from Europe and all over the country," he says. "Everyone is talking about the race and can't wait."
Hurry and get a spot before registration closes Oct. 10.