Nashville’s Metro Water Services is joining forces with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the Division of Forestry, the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC), and the Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA) for the 10th Annual 5k Urban Runoff race and Water Quality Festival in Nashville.
The event, hosted at Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park, features a picturesque park route that meanders past several innovative green stormwater management practices. Concurrently, a fun, free, and educational Water Quality Festival will provide entertainment and environmental insights.
We welcome all participants — runners, walkers, families with strollers, and even dogs!
Race Details:
Date: July 29, 2023
Location: Shelby Bottoms Park and Greenway, 1900 Davidson St. Nashville, TN 37206
Start Time: 5 km Run/Walk: 7:30 a.m.
The event will go ahead, rain or shine.
Registration Fee: $35
On-site registrations are available via QR code phone scan.
Early Packet Pick Up: Friday, July 28, from 4 pm to 6 pm near the melting Silver Bird at Shelby Park.
Race Day Packet Pick Up: Between 6:30 am and 7:20 am
All proceeds benefit the Tennessee Stormwater Association.
Race categories:
- Runners
- Walkers
- Participants with strollers
- Participants with dogs
Grant Opportunity (Deadline for application has passed):
To encourage local watershed quality stewardship projects, a portion of the Urban Runoff 5K (UR5K) proceeds will be used for a watershed quality award of $1000. Local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are invited to submit specific stewardship proposals. The UR5K Planning Committee will judge these for a focus on Pollutant Runoff Reduction Implementation. Entries can include projects involving Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve runoff within a particular watershed. Examples of BMPs are rain gardens, bio-retention basins, tree plantings, downspout disconnection, rain barrels, and more.
Strollers are allowed but will start after the runners and walkers.
Dog owners are welcome to bring their pets but are expected to clean up after them.
Awards for Top Finishers: Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd males & females will be given in various age categories. The awards ceremony will follow the race.
Water Quality Family Fest: Following the Urban Runoff, a family festival celebrating clean water and green infrastructure will take place from 6:30 am – 9:30 am. The festival will feature kids’ activities, hands-on education, and more!
Bring your old prescriptions to our event for safe disposal at the Nashville Metro table.
Education “On the Run”: The Urban Runoff race and the following Water Quality Family Fest will offer public education efforts with signage about water, runoff, and pollution along the course.
Volunteers: We are looking for volunteers to help with race support, waste and recycling, and festival activities. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and snacks. Student organizations, non-profit organizations, and individuals wishing to support the race can contact us.
Refund Policy: Please note that we cannot offer refunds for this race. However, if you can’t participate, you may transfer your entry to someone else.
For more information, please contact charlene@tnstormwater.org.