**21K for T21: Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee Fundraiser

Walk/Fun Run/Half Marathon**

Back in January, about a dozen Nashville runner friends from two local run clubs (New Heights and the Nations) decided to run a half marathon (13.1 miles/21km) every month in 2025. We also decided that we should do this not for ourselves, but for some greater good. We knew our friend Thomas Russell, who completed this challenge a few years back, has a son Sam with Down Syndrome, and some of us have friends and relatives with Down Syndrome, so raising funds for DS just made sense. After consulting with friends in the DS community, we decided that donating to a local, hands-on non-profit organization was the way to go, so we partnered with the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee.

This December 14th run/walk based at New Heights Brewing Company is the culminating half marathon of 21K for T21 and the final push to raise some funds for DSAMT. It will be an informal and fun affair. Some of us have been able to stick with our half marathons, others have not, but we are having the final 21K nonetheless. If you are not ready for a half marathon (most people aren’t), you can also participate by doing a shorter run or walk. So come by, get some exercise, and have fun. Or just do the fun part. Invite anyone and everyone. Details:

The suggested runs/walks:

Half marathon (aka NHRC’s Fifth Annual Bernie’s Blood Half Marathon-ask us about the name): Out and back route to Shelby Bottoms-run 6.55 miles and turn around. Here is the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/2902790078690732080. There will be a water table at the Nature Center. If you want to run this, try to end your run at New Heights around 2:00. This means if you are going to take:

• 2.5 hours to run the half marathon (11 minute, 30-second miles), then start at 11:30
• 2 hours to run it (9:10 minute miles), then start at 12:00.
• 1hour, 45 minutes (8 minute miles), then start at 12:15

3.5-mile run: You can choose your own adventure, but one of our favorite routes at New Heights is this one up Fort Negley: https://www.strava.com/routes/2831719017447044096

Fun run/walk: Again, you are welcome to find your own route, but you could:

• Walk up Negley and back, which is a 2 mile route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3425998951390207948, or
• Walk around Nashville City Cemetery, with this 1-mile route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3426014604178553676), or
• Just hang out!

The party, FAQ-style:

When is it? Sunday, December 14, 2:00-3:30ish

Where is it? New Heights Brewing Company, 928 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville TN (close to Nashville City Cemetery/Fort Negley/Adventure Science Center)

What will be going on? Besides the run, there will be a raffle with good prizes, music, snacks, and, if the weather is good, a bouncy house.

Does it cost money? We are asking for a $20 sign-up

fee for runners, with all proceeds going to DSAMT. With that, you get four

raffle tickets (plus one free one-see below) and drink discounts from New Heights. You can donate more if you would like on the day of, and the more you donate, the more tickets you get ($5=one ticket)…so be generous!

I’m not running. Can I still take part in the event? Yes. Just come to have fun, no problem! Every attendee gets one free raffle ticket. Want to also help raise some funds? You can also earn raffle tickets through donations, in $5 increments.

What can I win? Sponsors are climbing aboard. So far we have New Heights, Bongo Java, Maggiano's, Fleet Feet, and more donating prizes. Expect there to be some running-related prizes as well.

Is it rain or shine? Yes. We will try to hold the event outside if we can, but there is space indoors if we need it. If it is a really nice day, New Heights might have its bouncy house up!