Training for a marathon is a commitment, to your body, your schedule, and a version of yourself that doesn't quit when things get uncomfortable. The race you choose matters. Not every marathon is created equal, and in Tennessee, the best ones aren't just measured by distance, but by experience.
From high-energy city streets to quiet country roads and hill-heavy courses that test your grit, Tennessee offers some truly standout races. These are the marathons that runners talk about long after the finish line, the ones worth the early mornings, the long runs, and the miles stacked in every kind of weather.
If you're going to train for 26.2 (or 13.1), these are the Tennessee marathons worth building your calendar around.
Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon
Distance: Full, Half, 5K
When: April
Where: Nashville, TN
If you want a race that feels unmistakably Tennessee, this is the one. Every spring, downtown Nashville turns into a moving soundtrack, live bands along the course, packed sidewalks, and runners feeding off nonstop energy.
The course winds through some of the city's most recognizable neighborhoods, and there's never a moment where the momentum drops. It's approachable for first-timers, exciting for seasoned runners, and genuinely fun at every distance. This race doesn't just test endurance, it reminds you why you love running in the first place.
Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
Distance: Full Marathon
When: November
Where: Nashville, TN (Percy Warner Park)
The Flying Monkey is not here to flatter you, and that's exactly the point.
Set in the rolling terrain of Percy Warner Park, this marathon is famously tough. The hills are relentless, the course is honest, and the challenge is very real. But the reward? Immense. The support is deeply personal, the community understands what you're attempting, and finishing this race feels like a true accomplishment.
If you're drawn to difficult courses, mental grit, and races that mean something beyond the medal, the Flying Monkey belongs on your list.
Cummins Falls Marathon
Distance: Full, Half
When: February
Where: Cookeville, TN
This race is proof that bigger doesn't always mean better.
Held in February near Cummins Falls State Park, this marathon offers cooler temperatures, quieter roads, and a peaceful, scenic route through Tennessee countryside. It's the kind of race where you settle into your rhythm and stay there, no chaos, no crowds, just miles and movement.
For runners who value calm, consistency, and a more reflective race-day experience, Cummins Falls is a hidden gem.
Oak Ridge Marathon
Distance: Full, Half
When: August
Where: Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge is a runner's race, plain and simple.
The course is flat, fast, and built for performance. There's nothing flashy here, and that's intentional. This is the race you choose when you're chasing a personal best, a Boston qualifier, or proof that your training paid off.
If your motivation comes from numbers, discipline, and quiet focus, Oak Ridge delivers exactly what it promises.
St. Jude Memphis Marathon
Distance: Full, Half, Relay, 10K, 5K
When: December
Where: Memphis, TN
This race runs deeper than the miles. The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is as much about purpose as it is about performance, and you feel that from the very first step. The course winds through historic Memphis neighborhoods, past cheering spectators, patient families, and volunteers who remind you exactly why you're out there.
There's energy, emotion, and meaning layered into every mile, from the early morning quiet to the powerful finish near St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Whether you're running for a cause, honoring someone close to you, or simply wanting your miles to matter beyond race day, this is one of the most impactful marathon experiences in Tennessee.
Knoxville Marathon
Distance: Full, Half
When: Spring
Where: Knoxville, TN
A longtime Tennessee favorite, the Knoxville Marathon blends city energy with a strong local running culture. The spring timing, supportive crowds, and iconic finish at World's Fair Park make this one especially memorable, a solid choice for runners who want atmosphere without overwhelming scale.
Trash Panda Marathon
Distance: Full
When: Fall
Where: Chattanooga, TN
This one leans into personality, and it works.
The Trash Panda Marathon is quirky, community-driven, and unapologetically fun. It's a reminder that marathons don't have to be overly serious to be meaningful. If you like races with character, humor, and a strong local vibe, Chattanooga delivers.
The Miles That Stay With You
Tennessee's best marathons aren't defined by a single type of runner. Some reward speed. Others reward resilience. A few quietly change you somewhere between mile 18 and the finish line.
What they all share is this: they're worth the work.
If you've been waiting for the right race to commit to, consider this your sign. Pick one that matches your goal, your personality, or the challenge you need right now, and start training. The miles will be hard, but the finish will stay with you long after race day.
Sources: The Tennessean, Friends of Warner Parks, It's Your Race, Oakridger, Covenant Health, Ahotu
