Group renames race St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville marathon | WATE 6 On Your Side

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The race known as the Country Music Marathon has a new name for 2016, rebranding itself as the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and ½ Marathon.

Josh Furlow, president of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, announced the name change Monday for the marathon that started in Nashville in 2001.

Furlow says country music is a pivotal piece of Nashville’s music foundation but isn’t the only genre defining Music City. His group puts on 30 races around the world each year.

The 2016 race will be run April 30 and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital remains the title partner and official charity. Runners helped raise more than $2 million for St. Jude earlier this year.