Inaugural 9to5K draws 1,600 to Nashville's Music Row

Run Nash’s first 9to5K Run & Walk brought a Dolly Parton-inspired crowd to Music Row on Saturday, drawing 1,600 registered participants and raising support for United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee. Organizers say the sold-out event will return to Nashville in 2027.

Why it matters: - The sold-out debut shows there is demand for Nashville-themed endurance events that mix racing, spectacle and charity. - The event also directed attention and donations toward United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee. - Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee helps provide age-appropriate books to children across the region regardless of family income.

What happened: - Run Nash hosted the inaugural 9to5K Run & Walk on Saturday on Nashville’s Music Row. - The event had 1,600 registered participants. - Runners and walkers came from Nashville and beyond, including participants who traveled from London, England. - Scott Jones of Nashville, originally from Australia, won the overall men’s title in 18:08. - Jill Dennes of Nashville won the overall women’s title in 18:39.

The details: - The race had a Dolly-inspired theme built around pink, rhinestones, butterflies, big hair and running shoes. - The course and event space included a 5K, a 1-mile event, a Dolly Dash kids run, a Stiletto Dash, a costume contest, themed photo opportunities and entertainment. - Participants could make donations during registration. - Those donations support books for children throughout Middle Tennessee and programs that strengthen local families and communities. - Run Nash said the event had been in planning for more than a year. - Malain McCormick of Run Nash said the team wanted the event to feel uniquely Nashville, fun, welcoming and over the top while celebrating Dolly Parton’s spirit and inspiration. - McCormick said Dolly Parton’s passing gave the event deeper meaning for the team. - McCormick said the first-year sellout and turnout from serious runners and costume-clad participants made the event feel like a joyful celebration of Dolly’s legacy.

Between the lines: - The race blended performance running with festival-style programming, which can broaden participation beyond competitive athletes. - The charitable tie-in gave the event a local civic purpose, not just a lifestyle or entertainment angle. - The strong turnout suggests Run Nash has found a format that can scale in Nashville without losing the city-specific identity that helped define the debut.

What's next: - Run Nash announced that 9to5K will return to Nashville in 2027. - The date for the 2027 event will be announced soon. - More information is available in the event listing.