Runners claim victory in 2022 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series kicked off Saturday in downtown Nashville as over 21,000 registered runners and walkers participated.

In this year’s marathon, Tampa, Florida resident Ryan Marting claimed victory for the men with a time of 2:41:25. Omaha, Nebraska resident Sidney Hirsch was the women’s winner, clocking in at 2:59:57. Nashville resident Nick French and Jane Bareikis of Crestwood, Illinois were the winners in the third event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Elite half marathon series.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Elite half marathon included a shared $10,000 elite prize for the top men’s and women’s finishers. French claimed top honors with a time of 1:08:50, earning his first victory in the series. Bareikis earned the women’s top spot with a time of 1:16:41.

French finished a minute faster than he did last year.

“I knew the competition was a little bit tougher this year. So, we got out a little faster,” French said. “I tried pushing it in the middle. And it just ended up being a faster race.”

French says to prepare for any race he starts his day with carbs and caffeine.

“Pancakes and coffee— that’s all you need,” French said.

Jane Bareikis and her family hit the road on Friday from Illinois to make it here for her to compete in the race for the first time. The long drive was worth it. She took home the first-place medal for women.

“The first course, half of it was really bad. That’s like you know finish the energy…and then through the heat and the sun,” Bareikis said. “It was really tough, but then I regained my energy after mile eight.”

Metro Nashville Police announced in a tweet that ahead of the festivities, they towed 96 vehicles that were left parked on the marathon route.

Officials said that an estimated 20 thousand runners are participating this year and that the course must be clear for participants.

The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville weekend continues Sunday with the KiDSROCK, 1-mile, and Doggie Dash events all taking place at Nissan Stadium.

For information on the day’s festivities, click here.

MNPD said for info on the location of a towed vehicle from the marathon course, call (615)-862-7631.

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