MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - A new tradition in local athletics is taking shape as organizers announce the first-ever Hops Half marathon scheduled for October 24, 2026. The race will center its activities at Hop Springs Beer Park, offering a challenging 13.1-mile route through the Rutherford County landscape.
That mission hits close to home for Kristin Demos, the race’s media and marketing director. Demos, whose family name is woven into Murfreesboro’s restaurant history through Demos’ Restaurants and PDK Southern Kitchen, says supporting the CAC felt like the right fit for a race rooted in community. “The need for their services is only growing, and we want to help bridge that gap,” she said.
KEY POINTS
•The Event: Murfreesboro will host its first Hops Half marathon on October 24 featuring a 13.1-mile course and a family fun run at Hop Springs.
•The Cause: All proceeds from the inaugural race will benefit the Child Advocacy Center as they transition into a larger facility to serve child abuse victims.
•The Inspiration: Race founder April Davis created the event to honor her late father and restore a dedicated half marathon to the Murfreesboro area.
•The Registration: Early bird pricing for the half marathon and virtual race options remains available to the public through May 31.
Founded by local runner April Davis, the event was born from a personal journey of healing following the loss of her father and a desire to bring a long-distance road race back to the Murfreesboro community.
In addition to the main half marathon, the day will feature a one-mile family fun run and a virtual race option to ensure broad participation. Every finisher will receive a complimentary beverage at the finish line, marking the start of a family-friendly festival at the venue. The mission of the race is encapsulated in its tagline, Miles with Meaning, with a commitment to support a different local charity each year.
For the 2026 debut, the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford and Cannon Counties (CAC) has been selected as the primary beneficiary. The CAC is currently finalizing a capital campaign for a new building that will triple their service space. Marketing Director Kristin Demos noted that the expansion brings a significant increase in operating costs, making the race proceeds vital for maintaining services for child victims of abuse and their families. Early bird registration is currently open to the residents of Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas through the end of May.
