7 Bridges Marathon
Chattanooga's oldest marathon offers a scenic loop over seven bridges with strong community support.
Race Date
Oct 25, 2026
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Location
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Chattanooga's 7 Bridges Marathon, first run in 2002 and now in its 20th year, has become a beloved local institution. Runners travel from across the country to experience this unique course, which traverses seven bridges and offers views along the Tennessee River and Chickamauga Creek. The race attracts a steady field, with many runners returning year after year.
The course is a loop that winds through downtown Chattanooga before crossing its iconic bridges. While some reviews mention hills and changing urban terrain, others describe it as relatively flat with gradual inclines. Spectators line parts of the course, and aid stations are well-stocked with essentials like water, Gatorade, and fruit, ensuring support for runners of all paces.
Finishing the 7 Bridges Marathon earns runners a medal, and the event is known for its festive atmosphere. The race is celebrated for its community feel and the opportunity to explore Chattanooga's scenic waterfront and cityscape.
Race-provided description
7 Bridges Marathon 400 River Street, Chattanooga, TN, USA - WE ARE CHATTANOOGA’S RACEEnjoy Chattanooga’s oldest and… - October 25, 2026
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
400 River St, Chattanooga, TN, 37405
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
Solid Pick491 year running
~1,362 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 33 states
winner 1:17:55
typical high 69°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
48°
Afternoon (High)
69°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the 7 Bridges Marathon?
The 7 Bridges Marathon is held on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Where does the 7 Bridges Marathon take place?
It takes place in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
What distances does the 7 Bridges Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 7 Bridges Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The 7 Bridges Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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