The challenge is Nashville Mayor Karl Dean’s latest healthy living initiative – a nine-week training session leading up to a 5K walk/run on Sunday, Nov.13. The Mayor’s Challenge 5K is completely free and designed for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Once you register to participate in the 5K, you can log your training progress on this site and qualify for special prizes and recognition through the “Step Up to the Challenge” Community Competition.

The “Mayor’s Challenge 5K Walk/Run” will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Public Square Park, outside the historic Metro Courthouse, and the course will be laid out throughout downtown Nashville. A map of the final route will be available prior to race day.

Start by registering here online. By registering, you will have a spot in the 5K event on Nov. 13 and have the ability to return to this site and log your training progress. You can train on your own or follow our training program and attend free training sessions at community centers and Y locations throughout Nashville. By logging your training progress, you’ll have the opportunity to qualify for special prizes and recognition through the “Step Up to the Challenge” Community Competition.

In addition to registering as an individual, you can also participate by forming a team. All groups and individuals are encouraged to create a 5K team – friends, families, churches, businesses, clubs – think anyone who is in your social circle. Participating as a group will help you stay on track with training and make the event even more fun. You’ll also have the chance to earn points in the Community Competition based on group participation. Teams can be any size from two people up. If you form a team, each team member must still register for the 5K as an individual.   

There is no charge for the training sessions or to participate in the 5K. In place of an entry “fee,” participants will be asked to contribute a non-perishable food item to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

No. You can choose to register for the 5K event on Nov. 13 without participating in the free nine-week training program. But we encourage you take advantage of this free opportunity to improve your overall health and be prepared to do your own personal best on race day.

The Mayor’s Challenge 5K training program was designed by fitness professionals to maximize your performance. The training module is based on working out at least three times a week, and using intervals of walking and jogging to build your strength and endurance.

In addition, the four primary training locations (listed on the training schedule) will have a drawing for a free pair of walking/running shoes every Saturday provided by Fleet Feet and United Healthcare. Mayor Dean will be participating in the training program as well, visiting the different locations. So you’ll have the opportunity to train alongside the mayor.

Click on the Training Session Schedule tab for specific days and times. Sessions will be held every Tuesday and Saturday at the four primary training locations: Hadley Park Community Center, Antioch Community Center, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and McCabe Park Community Center/Richland Greenway. Additional sessions will be held throughout the week at various times at select Y centers and additional Parks locations throughout Nashville to help accommodate even the busiest schedule.

No, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee will extend a nonmember training pass to individuals who train for the “Mayor’s Challenge” at a Y Center.

This interactive feature allows registrants to create a profile that includes key demographic data, track their progress and earn “points” by logging information about participation in the program and independent exercise.

There will also be a corporate component to the competition so an individual’s points will count toward their team’s total if the registrant is aligned with a participating team.

Special prizes and recognition will be awarded to top teams and individuals throughout the training period and on race day.

Registrants will also have multiple opportunities to participate in free “Pressure Check” screenings, provided by our partner HCA TriStar Stroke Network. These screenings will allow participants to log and monitor their blood pressure, while further educating themselves on healthy living practices and stroke prevention.

Print your training log each Saturday to be entered into United HealthCare's "Free Shoe Giveaway". These drawings will be held at each of the four primary training sites (Hadley Park Community Center, Antioch Community Center, McCabe Community Center, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center) at the conclusion of the post-workout stretching session. The winner will receive a free fitting and $100 gift certificate to Fleet Feet Nashville.

The majority of the training sessions are conducted outdoors, but there are some sessions taking place on indoor tracks. If training outdoors is a concern please contact the site in question. The trainers and staff will work to accommodate your needs. In the event of inclement weather, training sessions will move to indoor tracks (facility permitting).

No. Anybody and everybody is welcome to participate in the 5K event on November 13th. The only requirement is to register online. This will automatically enter you for the 5K event on November 13th.