Twenty-five hundred participants from over 25 different states will take to the streets of Murfreesboro this Saturday, October 13, for the sixth annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon.

Selling out it just over 6 hours, “The Middle Half” as it is known, has become a popular race for both experienced runners and beginners. Three wheelchair participants will begin the race at 6:55 a.m., and the half marathon runners will start at 7:00 a.m.

“First-time half marathon runners like The Middle Half because it’s not very hilly,” said Melinda Tate, race director. “Experienced runners use the race as a training run for full marathons and to beat their PR (personal record).”

Residents should check the course map before driving on Saturday to avoid traffic delays. A map of the course may be found at themiddlehalf.com/the-event/course. Downtown streets will be closed from 6:30 a.m. and will reopen by 8:30 a.m.

Registration for Murph’s Fun Run is still available. Children ages six to thirteen will have an opportunity to participate in the one-mile run which will begin immediately after the half marathon start. Registration is limited to 250 fun run participants. To register for the fun run and for more information, visit themiddlehalf.com.

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 on the MTSU track.

Sponsors include Middle Tennessee Medical Center, The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department, Fleet Feet Sports, Middle Tennessee State University, Jim ‘N’ Nick’s, State Farm, Backer, City Auto, Little Guys Movers, The WORX Group, Purity, Newk’s Express Café, The Daily News Journal, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, HobNob Murfreesboro and WGNS.

For more information, visit www.TheMiddleHalf.com.