By Cassandra Mickens
Birmingham Track Club members will run the scenic streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 18, completing the second leg of this year’s Triple Crown Half Marathon Challenge – the 4 Bridges Half Marathon.
The race will be held in conjunction with the 7 Bridges Marathon, the 2 Bridges 5K, a 1K family fun run, and, for the first time this year, a two-person half marathon relay and a four-person marathon relay.
Starting at Coolidge Park in downtown Chattanooga, the half marathon and marathon courses traverse along the Tennessee River. As the names suggest, marathoners will cross seven bridges during the race, while half marathoners will cross four. Runners also will cruise by several landmarks like the Tennessee Aquarium, AT&T Field (home of the minor league Chattanooga Lookouts baseball team) and the city’s arts district. According to the race website, the USATF-sanctioned course is “fast and would not be considered hilly for East Tennessee, but would certainly not be considered flat.”
“The biggest highlight is probably just the scenery,” said race spokesman Jeff Clem. “We’re very proud of how well our race shows off this beautiful city. All of our coordinators are from Chattanooga, so it’s a point of pride. … We’re just confident this is going to be our biggest year yet and are so excited for race day!”
Clem said organizers estimate a turnout of about 2,600, more than double the turnout in 2011 – the races’ inaugural year. Clem said partnerships with regional running clubs like BTC contribute to the steady uptick in participation as well as Chattanooga’s reputation as an outdoor recreation destination.
“We’re always submitting to the race calendar in hopes to have more Birmingham runners running races in Chattanooga,” Clem said. “To be featured with our marathon, which is our heart and soul race, is a real privilege, and we’re looking forward to having lots of Birmingham runners in our city!”
BTC President Alex Morrow said Birmingham runners also are looking forward to their time in the Scenic City. The BTC selects a fall destination race each year and members train throughout the summer months. The 4 Bridges race also happens to be part of this year’s BTC Triple Crown Half Marathon Challenge, which includes the Whistlestop Half Marathon in Irondale (September 26) and the Magic City Half Marathon in Birmingham (November 23).
“This year we picked Chattanooga not only because the location was within driving distance, but also because they offer a half marathon, which would make the event more inclusive for BTC members because not everyone runs full marathons,” Morrow said.
Morrow added, “In addition to the event being well organized, when I spoke to [race director] Jay Nevans, he was extremely receptive to the idea of working with the BTC. Not only did he extend a large 15 percent registration discount to BTC members, he also agreed to allow us to set up our tent, flags and chairs at the finish line so we could celebrate everyone’s accomplishments as a group.
“A great race with southern hospitality … What more could you ask for?”
