Hundreds of runners will be downtown for this weekend’s Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. But don’t think events are only for elite athletes.
Even if all your sneakers do is run errands, you can put free concerts at First Tennessee Pavilion on your to-do list. Plus, spectators are encouraged to cheer runners along the 26.2-mile course or any of the routes set up for the half marathon, team relay, 5K and kids fun run.
Events begin midafternoon Friday, March 3, with the Health, Fitness & Technology Expo, teeming with vendors offering the latest athletic products and innovations, as well as runners picking up their race packets. Later comes the Michelob Ultra Kickoff Party. Punk-grass band Strung Like a Horse headlines this free outdoor party.
Then on the main race day, Sunday, March 5, the Knob Creek Girls, Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers and Kofi Mawuko and the Ogya World Music Band will entertain in morning and afternoon sets leading up to awards presentations. Keep in mind that multiple roads will be closed at times during the weekend to accommodate runners on the race course. More information can be found at www.chattanoogamarathon.com.
Entertainment
Note: All events take place at First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., unless otherwise noted.Friday, March 33-7 p.m. Health, Fitness & Technology Expo4-6 p.m. Michelob Ultra Happy Hour Experience5-7 p.m. Strung Like a Horse in concertSaturday, March 49 a.m.-5 p.m. Health, Fitness & Technology ExpoSunday, March 59-9:45 a.m. Knob Creek Girls in concert9 a.m.-2 p.m. Health, Fitness & Technology Expo9 a.m.-3 p.m. Post-race party, food and awards10-10:45 a.m. Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers in concertNoon-12:45 p.m. Kofi Mawuko and the Ogya World Music Band in concertRace scheduleNote: Prices included for race registration, if available.Friday, March 33-7 p.m. Race pickup and registration during ExpoSaturday, March 47-8:30 a.m. Registration and packet pickup for Classic 150 5K9-10 a.m. Classic 150 5K ($40)9 a.m.-5 p.m. Packet pickup for runners and registration (if available) during Expo10 a.m. Classic 150 5K awards11 a.m. Kids 1-Mile Fun Run ($15)Sunday, March 56-7 a.m. Emergency packet pickup6-7:30 a.m. Bag drop at race finish and busing from finish line to race start6:30-8 a.m. Morning clothes drop at race start8 a.m. Marathon ($115), Marathon Relay ($220) and Half Marathon ($95) start at Broad Street and Aquarium Way9 a.m.-2 p.m. Expo9 a.m.-3 p.m. Post-race party, food and awards11 a.m. Half Marathon awardsNoon-12:45 p.m. Kofi Mawuko and the Ogya World Music Band in concert1 p.m. Marathon awards