INAUGURAL 9TO5K BRINGS DOLLY-INSPIRED FUN TO NASHVILLE’S MUSIC ROW

Scott Jones and Jill Dennes Claim Overall Wins as Runners Travel from as Far as London, England

NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, September 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A sea of pink, rhinestones, butterflies, big hair and running shoes took over Nashville’s Music Row Saturday as Run Nash hosted the inaugural 9to5K Run & Walk, a Dolly-inspired event benefiting United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee, the local affiliate of the book-gifting program founded by Dolly Parton.

The sold-out inaugural event drew 1,600 registered participants, with runners and walkers coming from Nashville and beyond, including participants who traveled from as far away as London, England, for a distinctly Nashville race experience celebrating music, movement and community.

Scott Jones of Nashville, originally from Australia, claimed the overall men’s title with a finish time of 18:08. Jill Dennes of Nashville was the overall women’s winner, crossing the finish line in 18:39.

“We’ve been planning this event for more than a year and wanted to create something that felt uniquely Nashville, fun, welcoming and a little over the top, while celebrating the spirit, joy and inspiration of Dolly Parton,” said Malain McCormick of Run Nash. “Following Dolly’s passing, this event took on an even deeper meaning for all of us. To see it sell out in its first year with 1,600 registered participants was incredible. From serious runners chasing fast times to people showing up in rhinestones, pink, butterflies and big hair, it was a joyful celebration of everything Dolly represented and a meaningful way to support the Imagination Library legacy she created.”

The 9to5K transformed Music Row into a celebration of running and Dolly-inspired fun, featuring a 5K, 1-mile event, Dolly Dash kids run, Stiletto Dash, costume contest, themed photo opportunities and entertainment.

Beyond the finish line, the event supported United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee. Participants had the opportunity to make donations during registration to help provide age-appropriate books to children throughout Middle Tennessee, regardless of family income, while supporting programs that strengthen local families and communities.

Following the success of the inaugural event, Run Nash announced that the 9to5K will return to Nashville in 2027, with the date to be announced soon.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.runnash.com/events/9-to-5k

About United Way of Greater Nashville
United Way of Greater Nashville unites the community and mobilizes resources so that every child, individual and family thrives. The organization fosters local systems of support by breaking the cycle of poverty, helping kids learn and succeed, building strong healthy communities, meeting neighbors’ basic needs and meeting community needs through volunteerism.

United Way of Greater Nashville is creating lasting change throughout Middle Tennessee by bringing individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government together to have the tough conversations, mobilize resources and make smart investments that create lasting solutions for the region’s most pressing issues.

For more information, visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org and follow @UWNashville on social media.

To learn more about Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee, visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org/imagination-library

About Run Nash
Run Nash is a Nashville-based event company focused on creating locally driven, high-energy running experiences that bring people together. From 5Ks to half marathons and community activations, Run Nash produces events that prioritize participant experience while supporting meaningful causes. With a deep connection to the Nashville community, Run Nash uses its events as a platform to celebrate the city, engage local partners and give back.

For more information, visit runnash.com and follow @werunnash on social media.

Kim Dettwiller Burton
Team Strategies
teamstrategies@gmail.com

2026 9to5k Video Credit: Meg Murphy