Murfreesboro, TN – The sixth annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon (“The Middle Half”) and Murph’s Fun Run presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012.

The 13.1-mile race is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. with a wheelchair start at 6:55 a.m. Because the course runs by the geographic center of Tennessee, begins and ends at Middle Tennessee State University and is presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center, it has been tagged “The Middle Half”.

“Last year the race sold out in just eleven days,” said Melinda Tate, race director. “This year registration will open a month later to allow participants more time to plan.”

Registration for The Middle Half begins June 1, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Both online registration and mail-in forms will be available on the website. The registration fees per athlete are: June 1 – June 15: $55; June 16 – June 30: $65; beginning July 1, the fee increases to $75.

Children ages six to thirteen will have an opportunity to participate in Murph’s Fun Run which will begin immediately after the half marathon start.

An official Murfreesboro City Bicentennial event, the course  goes down scenic tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue to Oaklands Historic House Museum. Runners will circle the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, pass by by MTSU’s Fraternity Row and the obelisk on Old Lascassas, and then finish in the MTSU Dean Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.

Sponsorships, volunteer and charity partnerships are available. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

For more information, visit www.TheMiddleHalf.com.

"Murph,” the beloved bunny who lives in "Murphry's Burrow," will once again serve as spokesbunny for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon's Fun Run on October 15, now known as Murph’s Fun Run.

"I am so 'hoppy' to be the face of the Murfreesboro Fun Run again this year," Murph said. "I try to stay healthy and to let children know how important it is to eat right and get plenty of exercise.”

The 1-mile race is open to children ages 6-13 and will start immediately after the last runner crosses the starting line at The Murfreesboro Half Marathon, at approximately 7:10 a.m. Registration fee is $15 per child.

“The 1-mile fun run is not timed and you are only competing against yourself.  It does not matter if you trained or not, kids that are active can run one mile,” said Charles Apigian, Murph’s Fun Run race coordinator

New to this year’s Fun Run is the implementation of a wave start to ensure safety of all runners. The first wave is for ages 10-13, followed by runners ages 6-9.

Because this is a fun run, children can dress in wacky attire, whether it’s bunny ears, a frilly tutu or silly face paint. Be sure the attire is safe for running, though. The child with the most spirit will be given a special “Spirit Award.” All participants will receive a souvenir T-shirt and medal.

To add to safety precautions, volunteers will line the race course and medical personnel will be on hand as well.

The course begins in the Greenland Drive parking lot at MTSU, goes up and down a portion of Old Lascassas Highway and finishes on the track at MTSU's Dean Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.

“Murph's Fun Run is more than just a run, it is a celebration of physical activity for our youth. Kids will receive the normal goodies that come with a race – popsicles, water and other healthy refreshments, and we also will have a fun area for all kids to play after they finish,” Apigian noted.

There will be inflatables, face painting, and balloon animals. And of course, children are encouraged to stick around and cheer on half-marathon finishers.

You can register online at www.themiddlehalf.com, and there is also a downloadable registration form which can be turned into Fleet Feet Sports, 544 N. Thompson Lane. Registration is also available on race day.

“Kids love running with other kids. That is why a fun run is such a great event.  It gives kids an opportunity get excited about exercise and good exercise habits that can last their whole life,” Apigian said.

As October approaches, so does The Murfreesboro Half Marathon. Presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center, The Middle Half has become a must-attend event for runners all across Tennessee and across the nation. Last month, we talked about one of The Middle Half’s first time participants, Ashley Crain, an MTMC pharmacy technician, student, mother, wife and full-time runner. HobNob is checking-in to see how this busy woman is doing in her race preparations with less than one month to go.

“The most difficult part of my training is definitely increasing my mileage. As you increase your mileage, it is even more important to maintain a consistent schedule, and having a family, work and now school thrown into the mix, sometimes it becomes increasingly more difficult,” said Ashley. The Middle Half Marathon is a standard 13.1 mile race that passes directly through the geographical center of Tennessee. While Ashley doesn’t have a specific time goal for the marathon, she is working hard just to ensure that she can complete the 13 mile trek.

The Middle Half takes place on October 15^th at 7:00 am, and is already sold out. Ashley will be one of the many MTMC employees running with Team MTMC, but that’s not who she’s most excited about running alongside. Among the large pack of athletes will be Ashley Crain’s husband, Joshua. The Crain’s’ have put emphasis on staying fit and healthy in their life, and running together is just one of the ways they set a positive fitness example for their two children.

Like Ashley, all of this year’s participants have put months of training into this race. Their dedication to physical fitness may seem out of reach, but in reality they all had to start somewhere. We couldn’t have put it any better than Ashley, “If you are just starting out and you can only go to the end of your driveway, well, then go to the end of your driveway, until you can go to the end of your street. You will look up one day and say ‘WOW, look where I am!’”

So come out this October for a great time and a great race. The Middle Half is the perfect inspiration for those of us looking to step up our dedication to good health and proper fitness. HobNob will follow-up with Ashley again on Oct. 11 to see how she’s doing before the race.

For more information on the Murfreesboro Half Marathon visit: http://www.themiddlehalf.com/

For more information on Middle Tennessee Medical Center visit: www.mtmc.org

Ashley Crain, an MTMC pharmacy technician, has been training regularly over the past year to prepare for her spot in the Murfreesboro Half Marathon on October 15, presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Being a full-time mom and wife, with a demanding job, and a passion for running, Ashley has learned how to keep focused on the task at hand.

During the weekdays, Ashley takes care of her two children, while using her spare time to train for her first-ever half marathon. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are all training days. Currently, Ashley runs 5 miles a day in the beginning of the week, and then she closes out her training with a 7 mile push. But the weekend doesn’t just mean a break from training for Ashley. In fact, every weekend you can find her over at Middle Tennessee Medical Center working hard in the pharmacy department.

How does she do all this? Not alone that’s for sure. Ashley relies on the support of her family and her coworkers to be the strong, passionate woman that she is. Both Ashley and her husband, Joshua, love to run, so they take turns between running around town and running after their 2-year-old daughter, Ava Grace and 6-year-old son, Jackson Lee.

Ashley Crain is just one of the many MTMC employees that are running as part of Team MTMC for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon. Staying active is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy, and running is just one of the ways MTMC encourages the community to live a healthier life.

While some like to simply tell others how to stay fit and healthy, Middle Tennessee Medical Center has always believed in leading by example. There is still a month before the marathon, and training will only get more intense as the race approaches, but if anyone can handle a crazy schedule, it’s Ashley. HobNob will be checking in on Ashley’s progress throughout the next six weeks, so stay tuned to find out more about this high speed mom’s quest for an active life.

For more information about Middle Tennessee Medical Center visit: www.mtmc.org

For more information on the Murfreesboro Half Marathon visit: http://www.themiddlehalf.com/

Registration for the 5th Annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon ("The Middle Half") begins Sunday, May 1 at 5:55 a.m.  To celebrate the fifth year, the race fee for the first five days of registration will be $50 before going up to $55 on May 6. The race is presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center.

"Experienced runners like The Middle Half because the course is flat and fast," said Melinda Tate, race director. "This is also the perfect race for first-time runners before they try a larger race."

Selling out three out of the past four years, The Middle Half participation limit increased to 2,500, up over last year's sold out race of 2,250 participants. Last year, according to Running USA, U.S. half-marathons continued their upward trajectory with a phenomenal 24% growth rate, from approximately 1.1 million finishers in 2009 to nearly 1.4 million finishers in 2010, a record annual increase for the distance.

Registration also opens May 1 for Murph's Fun Run for kids 6 - 13. The race fee for the fun run is $15 per child and includes a t-shirt, medal and after-race snacks.

Runners may register online at www.TheMiddleHalf.com, or mail-in forms may be picked up at the following Murfreesboro locations: Fleet Feet Sports, Barfield Park, Patterson Community Center and SportsCom. The form may also be downloaded The Middle Half Web site.

The course is certified, and the race is officially sanctioned by USATF. The estimated elevation variation is only 41 feet, making the course flat and fast for the runners. The route goes down scenic tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue to Oaklands Historic House Museum. Runners will circle the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, pass by by MTSU’s Fraternity Row and the obelisk on Old Lascassas, and then finish at the MTSU Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium. A printable map is available online.

Runners have the option of running for a cause. This year, Special Kids, Alive Hospice, MTMC Foundation and Team Future ("The Biggest Loser") will all have teams raising funds for their cause.

Sponsors for The Middle Half include: The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Rec, Fleet Feet Sports, State Farm, Middle Tennessee State University, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, Purity Dairies, Little Guys Movers, Jason's Deli, CB&S Bank, Emerson Appliance Solutions, Karma Care, Newk's Express Café, Nissan, and The Worx Group. Media sponsors include The Daily News Journal, Hobnob Murfreesboro, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, and WGNS Radio.

The Oct. 15 'Middle Half' half-marathon is now sold out, Race Director Melinda Tate said, which is just over five months away. 
"Last year the race sold out 67 days prior to race day," she said. "The race is capped at 2,500 participants, an increase of just over 10 percent from last year's total.
"This year's race sold out ... in a record 11 days from the start of registration," she added.   
The race is presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC).
"Experienced runners like The Middle Half because the course is flat and fast," said Melinda Tate, race director. "This is also the perfect race for first-time runners before they try a larger race."
Selling out three out of the past four years, The Middle Half participation limit increased to 2,500, up over last year's sold out race of 2,250 participants. Last year, according to Running USA, U.S. half-marathons continued their upward trajectory with a phenomenal 24 percent growth rate, from approximately 1.1 million finishers in 2009 to nearly 1.4 million finishers in 2010, a record annual increase for the distance.
Registration is also closed for Murph's Fun Run for kids ages 6 through 13. The fun run includes a t-shirt, medal and after-race snacks.
Check for race developments and updates at the event's website.
The course is certified, and the race is officially sanctioned by USATF. The estimated elevation variation is only 41 feet, making the course flat and fast for the runners. The route goes down scenic tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue to Oaklands Historic House Museum. Runners will circle the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, pass by by MTSU’s Fraternity Row and the obelisk on Old Lascassas, and then finish at the MTSU Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium. A printable map is available online.
Runners have the option of running for a cause. This year, Special Kids, Alive Hospice, MTMC Foundation and Team Future ("The Biggest Loser") will all have teams raising funds for their cause.
Sponsors for The Middle Half include The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department, Fleet Feet Sports, State Farm, Middle Tennessee State University, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, Purity Dairies, Little Guys Movers, Jason's Deli, CB&S Bank, Emerson Appliance Solutions, Karma Care, Newk's Express Café, Nissan, and The Worx Group.
Media sponsors include The Daily News Journal, Hobnob Murfreesboro, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, and WGNS Radio.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Murfreesboro Half Marathon, presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center, has less than 400 spots available for the October 15, 2011 event.

Last year the race sold out 67 days prior to race day. The race is capped at 2500 participants, an increase of just over 10% from last year's total.

The fee for registration is $55 until May 31.

"With an average of 50 people signing up each for the past few days, we expect to sell out within a week," said Melinda Tate, race director. "This would be the fastest sellout of the race since it began five years ago."

The course is certified, and the race is officially sanctioned by USATF. The estimated elevation variation is only 41 feet, making the course flat and fast for the runners. The route goes down scenic tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue to Oaklands Historic House Museum. Runners will circle the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, pass by by MTSU’s Fraternity Row and the obelisk on Old Lascassas, and then finish at the MTSU Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium. A printable map is available online.

Middle Tennessee Medical Center is the presenting sponsor of the event. The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, Fleet Feet Sports, Middle Tennessee State University, State Farm, Jim N Nick’s Bar-B-Cue, CB&S Bank, Purity Dairies, State Farm, The WORX Group, Newk’s Express Café, Nissan, Jason’s Deli, Little Guys Movers, Emerson Heating Products and Karma Care are major sponsors. The Daily News Journal, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, Hobnob Murfreesboro and WGNS are media sponsors of the race. Charity partners with fund raising teams are Special Kids, Inc., Alive Hospice, Lions Strides for Diabetes Awareness and MTMC Foundation.

Murfreesboro, TN – The fifth annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon (“The Middle Half”) and Murph’s Fun Run presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center will be held Saturday, October 15, 2011.

The 13.1-mile race is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. with a wheelchair start at 6:55 a.m. Because the course runs by the geographic center of Tennessee, begins and ends at Middle Tennessee State University and is presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center, it has been tagged “The Middle Half”.

“We’ve increased the registration limit to 2,500 runners, which is a little over ten percent above last year’s limit,” said Melinda Tate, race director. “Last year we met our limit of 2,250 athletes 60 days before the race.”

Registration for The Middle Half begins May 1, 2011 at 5:55 a.m. Both online and mail-in forms will be available. The registration fees per athlete are: May 1 – May 5: $50; May 6 – May 31: $55; beginning June 1, the fee increases to $65.

Children ages six to thirteen will have an opportunity to participate in Murph’s Fun Run which will begin immediately after the half marathon start.

The half-marathon course goes down scenic tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue to Oaklands Historic House Museum. Runners will circle the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, pass by by MTSU’s Fraternity Row and the obelisk on Old Lascassas, and then finish on the MTSU track.

Middle Tennessee Medical Center is the presenting sponsor of the event. The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, Fleet Feet Sports, Middle Tennessee State University, State Farm, Jim N Nick’s Bar-B-Cue, CB&S Bank, Purity Dairies, State Farm, The WORX Group, Newk’s Express Café, Nissan, Jason’s Deli, Little Guys Movers and Emerson Heating Products are major sponsors. The Daily News Journal, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, Hobnob Murfreesboro and WGNS are media sponsors of the race. Charity partners are Special Kids, Inc., and Alive Hospice.

From its inception, The Murfreesboro Half Marathon's mission was to promote fitness and to provide a venue for local organizations to fund-raise. And from the start, "The Middle Half" has not only benefited thousands of runners but has also helped out local organizations that assist with their mission.

"We are very conservative when we set our budget at the beginning of the year," said race director Melinda Tate. "Through careful spending and assistance from sponsors, we have been able to make donations to these groups that are an important part of our event and the running community."

This year donations were made to the following organizations at the December 1 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting:

Donations totaling over $6500 were also made to organizations that provided volunteers on race day: Noon Rotary Club, Noon Exchange Club, District Lion's Club, The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, MTSU's Kappa Alpha Order and Riverdale High School ROTC

"Our event would not be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers," said Jim Genét, president of the board for the non-profit race. "We are thrilled to be able to offer an opportunity for fitness while benefiting many of our local organizations."

Plans are already underway for the 5th Annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon which will be held in the fall of 2011. For more information, visit TheMiddleHalf.com.

MURFREESBORO, TN – "Murph", the beloved rabbit who lives in "Murphry's Burrow", has signed on as spokesbunny for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon's Fun Run, newly named "Murph's Fun Run".

"The race committee searched for a person, or animal, who embodied our mission of health and fitness while having fun" said Melinda Tate, race director. "Murph was the obvious choice, as he is an advocate of helping kids lead a healthy and happy lifestyle."

The one-mile race is open to children ages 6 - 13 and will start immediately after the start of The Murfreesboro Half Marathon at 7 a.m. on October 16. The registration fee is $15 per child. The course begins in the Greenland Drive parking lot at MTSU, goes up and down a portion of Old Lascassas Hwy. and finishes on the track at MTSU's Dean Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.

Murph is the host of the national award winning children’s educational television program Adventures in Murphry’s Burrow which airs on the cable access channel City 3.  Now in its seventh season, the series is a winning collaboration between Murfreesboro City Schools, City 3, and series creator Nancy Phillips.  It airs weekdays at 3:30 p.m., weekends at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the newest episode.

"I am so ‘hoppy’ to be the face of the Murfreesboro Fun Run," said Murph. "Even with the hectic life of a celebrity, I try to stay healthy and to let children know how important it is to eat right and get plenty of exercise. I guess I am the obvious choice for spokesbunny since I run everywhere I go!"

Participants will receive a souvenir t-shirt, a finisher's medal, a goodie bag and refreshments at the finish area. There will be two starting times: the first group will be those age 10-13, followed by children age 6-9. Registration forms are available at Fleet Feet Sports, SportsCom, Patterson Community Center and Barfield Park Office. Online registration and more information may be found on the Kids Fun Run page at www.TheMiddleHalf.com.

"It is going to be so much fun and everyone is welcome….except for tortoises (due to their unfair advantage and secret ninja skills)," said Murph.

Middle Tennessee Medical Center is the presenting sponsor of the event. The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, Fleet Feet Sports, Middle Tennessee State University, Snapple, The Avenue, CB&S Bank, IdeasTees, Purity Dairies, State Farm, The WORX Group, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Emerson Heating Products, Jason's Deli, Daymar Institute and The Sleep Center  are major sponsors. The Daily News Journal, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, WGNS and HobNob Murfreesboro are media sponsors of the race. Special Kids, Inc., will be providing volunteers for Murph's Fun Run.

Spectators along the course are encouraged to cheer on the runners with signs and music. Admission is free to the MTSU Track and Soccer field where the runners will cross the finish line.

For more information, visit www.TheMiddleHalf.com.