While chickens aren’t known for their aviation skills, if you’ve ever tried to catch one, you can be sure that they’re pretty darned fast on the ground. So if you’re planning to participate in the 11th Annual 650 AM WSM/Springer Mountain Farms 5K, you can find your inspiration in the fleet fowl.  

The race will take place this year on Saturday, April 6 and will be contested around the complex of the legendary Grand Ole Opry House adjacent to Gaylord Opryland Resort and Opry Mills mall. While there will certainly be competitors racing for the win, it’s not an overly serious race. There’s a walking option if you’re not up to 3.1 miles of running, and it’s even marketed as a pet- and child-friendly event, so there will be plenty of people participating with strollers and dogs on leashes. 

Springer Mountain Farms is the primary sponsor for the race, and proceeds from entry fees will go to support Hospitality House of Nashville, an organization whose goal is “to create a safe, affordable space for patients and their families as they navigate difficult times in a new city.” The $35 cost of entry includes a race t-shirt, a commemorative wooden Opry Circle participant medal and the opportunity to take a photo after the race on center of the stage of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry in the wooden circle that was transplanted from the legendary Ryman Auditorium to the Opry’s new home in 1974. 

Race check-in begins at 7:00 am and the starting gun fires at 8:30. There will be plenty of parking available at Opry Mills, and registration is now open at the race website.