NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series Nashville returns April 25–26, celebrating 26 years of running, music and community with a full weekend of live entertainment. From the Health & Fitness Expo to on-course performances and the finish line at Nissan Stadium, music is woven throughout race weekend, creating an energetic experience for participants, spectators and visitors.
“The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville brings together the best of this city — music, movement and community,” said Adam Zocks, Race Director, Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series. “Our entertainment lineup adds to the energy of race weekend and gives runners and spectators a true Nashville experience from start to finish.”
Entertainment begins at the free Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday, April 23 and continues Friday, April 24, at the Music City Convention Center offering attendees a preview of Nashville’s diverse music scene as they pick up race packets and gear. Thursday’s lineup features Lance Carpenter, followed by three-time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Jamie Floyd and pop-rock artist and The Voice finalist Olivia Rubini.
Friday’s Expo continues with country artist Greg Pratt, an interactive line dancing session led by Nashville Dance Fest co-founder Taylor Winston, a performance by husband-and-wife duo Golden West and a closing set from Nashville songwriter and artist Dave Kennedy.
Race day on Saturday, April 25 will begin with the National Anthem performed by Julianna Fallon, Miss Teen Volunteer America. Crowned in March 2026, Fallon is a national partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
From the start line to the finish, runners will experience a nonstop Music City soundtrack, with live bands, DJs and multiple Honky Tonk Buses energizing participants throughout the course. Positioned at key locations, the buses bring Nashville’s signature country sound to every mile.
Finish line entertainment will follow on the Encore Entertainment Stage, with Greg Pratt opening the morning and Rodeo Disco delivering a honky-tonk style performance featuring musicians who have performed alongside artists including Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton and Keith Urban.
The celebration concludes with an interactive line dancing experience led by Nashville Dance Fest founders Taylor and Brittany Winston. Featuring approximately 20 dancers, the finale invites runners and spectators to join in a lively finish line celebration.
On Sunday, April 26, family-friendly events continue at Nissan Stadium with music by DJ Pete, creating a fun atmosphere for participants in the 1 Mile, Doggie Dash and KiDS ROCK races.
Runners can still register for the 2026 race at the free Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday, April 23, from noon to 7 p.m. and Friday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, TN 37203.
For more information, visit www.runrocknroll.com/nashville.
2026 ST. JUDE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL RUNNING SERIES NASHVILLE
ENTERTAINMENT AT-A-GLANCE
HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, April 23 (12–7 p.m.)
- 12–2 p.m. — Lance Carpenter
- 2–4 p.m. — Jamie Floyd
- 4:45–6:45 p.m. — Olivia Rubini
Friday, April 24 (10 a.m.–7 p.m.)
- 10 a.m.–12 p.m. — Greg Pratt
- 12–1 p.m. — Line Dancing Experience (Taylor Winston)
- 1:50–3:50 p.m. — Golden West
- 4:45–6:45 p.m. — Dave Kennedy
RACE DAY ENTERTAINMENT — SATURDAY, APRIL 25
National Anthem by Julianna Fallon
- 5K and 10K — 6:30 a.m. at 8th Avenue and Demonbreun
- Marathon and Half Marathon — 7:20 a.m. at 8th Avenue and Broadway
Every Mile Along the Course Live bands, DJs and multiple Honky Tonk Buses.
Encore Entertainment Stage (Finish Line)
- 8–9:45 a.m. — Greg Pratt
- 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Rodeo Disco
- 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Line Dancing Experience (Nashville Dance Fest)
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 — NISSAN STADIUM
Music by DJ Pete
- 12 p.m. — Doggie Dash
- 12:30 p.m. — 1 Mile Races
- 1 p.m. — KiDS ROCK
The 2026 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville returns April 25–26, combining live music with scenic routes through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Participants will run through Lower Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch, 12South and around Nissan Stadium, experiencing a course that showcases the heart of Music City.
The multi-day event offers distances for all levels, including a 1-Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon, along with a Doggie Dash and KiDS ROCK® event. More than 25,000 participants are expected, with thousands of additional spectators throughout the weekend.
For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, please visit www.runrocknroll.com or [email protected].
Julianna Fallon
Julianna Fallon, Miss Teen Volunteer America,
Crowned in March 2026, Julianna is a dedicated student, athlete and passionate advocate for service. As a national partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she has raised more than $12,000 to support its lifesaving mission.
Through her initiative, Hope for Every Heart, Julianna encourages kindness, service and community impact. She represents a new generation of leaders making a difference across the country.
Greg Pratt
Country artist Greg Pratt is building momentum in Nashville with a rich baritone voice, authentic songwriting and high-energy live shows. Performing more than 200 shows a year, Pratt has built a reputation as a relentless touring artist.
Since 2022, he has released 17 singles, with radio tracks including Backwoods Therapy, If You Remember the 1990s and Country Raised Her charting in the Top 70, with several reaching the Top 10 among independent artists. His latest single, All We’ve Overcome, gained traction online, with new release Cheap Seats debuting April 24, 2026. www.gregprattcountry.com
Rodeo Disco
Rodeo Disco delivers a high-energy country music experience that brings the spirit of Nashville’s honky-tonks to the stage. Featuring award-winning musicians who have performed alongside artists such as Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton and Keith Urban, the group combines top-tier musicianship with an interactive live show.
Known for keeping crowds on their feet, Rodeo Disco blends classic country hits with modern favorites, creating a dynamic, dance-driven atmosphere. Performances often incorporate line dancing, themed elements and audience participation, making them a natural fit for festival-style events. www.dbeartists.com/rodeodisco
Taylor and Brittany Winston
Husband and wife duo, Taylor and Brittany Winston, are co-founders of Nashville Dance Fest, one of the top annual festivals that brings line dancing enthusiasts from around the world to Nashville, TN. www.nashvilledancefest.com
Lance Carpenter
Lance Carpenter is a #1 hit songwriter, recording artist, and music business life coach from Ozark, Arkansas. His passion for music ignited during college, where he taught himself to play guitar and began performing at local venues. Later, signed by Showdog Nashville after catching the attention of industry professionals, Lance graced the stage alongside numerous renowned musicians and wrote songs for artists like Toby Keith, Kelsea Ballerini, Tyler Farr, and Dylan Scott, among others. Despite his success, Lance utilizes his platform to foster positive change within the music industry. Catch him live – he's a talent you won’t want to miss! www.lancecarpentermusic.com
Jamie Floyd
Jamie Floyd is a three-time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and independent artist whose work spans country, pop and film/TV. Her songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Kesha, Sturgill Simpson and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, among others. She is also a composer on multiple musicals currently in development for Broadway. Her latest single, The Blade, a duet with The Voice winner Jake Hoot, is out now. www.officialjamiefloyd.com
Olivia Rubini
Pop-rock artist Olivia Rubini blends modern pop with classic rock influences, delivering a distinctive sound shaped by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Florence + The Machine and Harry Styles. A Top 20 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice, Rubini is known for her dynamic vocals and genre-spanning songwriting. She will be joined by special guest Marty Schwartz, a guitar educator with more than 4.8 million YouTube subscribers. www.oliviarubini.com
Golden West
Golden West is the husband-and-wife duo of Brittany and Nash, whose college friendship turned into a shared musical career blending country, rock and pop. Raised in Southern California, they built their sound from late-night writing sessions to international chart success, headlining stages like Bonnaroo and Whiskey Jam and performing alongside artists such as Jelly Roll and Jake Owen.
After moving to Nashville in 2017, they deepened their partnership in music and life, leaving corporate careers to focus fully on songwriting and performing. Passionate about giving back, Golden West supports causes like CreatiVets and St. Jude, continuing to grow their audience with music rooted in resilience and connection. www.goldenwestofficial.com
Dave Kennedy
Dave Kennedy is a Nashville-based songwriter and artist known for cinematic storytelling and a powerful vocal style. His work explores themes of love, loss and redemption, drawing from real-life experiences. A sought-after collaborator, he has worked with artists including Travis Tritt, Riley Green, Whiskey Myers and Larry Fleet. Kennedy is set to release a new full-length album in 2026. Instagram: @davekennedymusic
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the United States, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekends kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.
About The IRONMAN Group
The IRONMAN Group is the world’s largest operator of participation sports with a portfolio of brands, events, media, partners, merchandise, and digital platforms operating in over 50 countries worldwide. A global portfolio consisting of hundreds of events includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, IRONKIDS®, premier running events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series and City2Surf®, the UTMB® World Series of trail running, the Epic Series™ of mountain biking including the Absa Cape Epic®, and a collection of road cycling and other multisport races. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, millions of athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. From its beginnings as a single race among friends in Hawai’i, The IRONMAN Group has become a global sensation and collection of high-growth lifestyle brands that inspire people to unlock their potential in life. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.
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