Advertise with Us
Submit An Event

FranklinIs Connected

Ready, Set: Resources for Runners in Franklin

Local Business Directory
REGISTER for Sizzle Awards Today!

Ready, Set: Resources for Runners in Franklin

Health & Fitness, Living, Sports & Rec
1.21.2025
-
Editor

Whether you’re preparing for an intense race or simply taking up the sport to stay in shape, Franklin is a wonderful spot for runners of all experience and skill levels. No matter what your personal goals are, here you have the opportunity to train on beautiful trails and public spaces, find the best shoes and athletic gear, and participate in various races throughout the year. If running is part of your 2025 fitness goals, we’ll give you a head start by helping you find the best local resources!

Bicentennial Park in Franklin, Tennessee.

Places to Run

Finding the perfect route for your run can be half the battle. Whether you’re looking to train on flat or hilly terrain, a shady spot or wide open space, there are several opportunities to take the road less (or more) travelled. Here are some of the best running spots in Franklin:

  • The Bicentennial Park Greenway: 400 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064
  •  The Park at Harlinsdale Farm Loop: 239 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
  • Aspen Grove Park Loop and Walking Trail: 3200 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067
  • Pinkerton Park Trail: 405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
  • Timberland Park  Trail: Mile Marker, 437.2 Natchez Trace Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37064
  • Fort Granger Trail: 113 Fort Granger Franklin, TN 37065
  • Carnton Plantation Loop: 1345 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin, TN 37064
  • Jim Warren Park Trail:  705 Boyd Mill Ave, Franklin, TN 37064

A woman tying on tennis shoes before a run, find running gear in Franklin, TN.

Where to Find the Right Gear

Any runner knows that having the proper attire can make or break a workout, but you don’t have to travel far to find the perfect sneakers and athletic wear. Before you go shopping, it’s important to have a good understanding of the weather and terrain of the area, as well as the kind of shoes that work best for your personal distance and speed goals. After you’ve done some research on this, visit Franklin’s Fleet Feet Cool Springs or Bink’s Outfitters to find some of the best brands and training guidance.

Runners high-fiving at a race, find local races and running events in Franklin, TN on FranklinIs.

Local Races

There are several races you can compete in this coming year, ranging in mileage and intensity. Scheduling races throughout the year is  a great way to build endurance, find active community, and support local charities. If your goal is increasing distance or running faster mile times, working up to specific races is a great way to tailor your training. Here are several racing opportunities in Franklin in 2025:

  • The Joey 1 mile fun run, 5k, or 10k takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Harlinsdale Farm. All proceeds collected will go to Discovery Place, a nonprofit that provides affordable drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs. Register here.
  • The Healthy Kids Running Series is a 5-week program for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade. There are a variety of running events based on age group. Registration fees cover all 5 weeks, though single day racing registration is available and open an hour before the start of each race. The 2025 spring race dates are March 30, April 6, April 13, April 27, and May 4. Kids earn points as they progress through the series, and will receive a medal of completion on the final race day, plus trophies for top finishers. Register here.
  • The Run for Missions 2025 celebrates its 9th year of a revived First United Methodist Church (FUMC) run for missions in Franklin. The race, which includes a 5k run/walk and a fun run for kids, takes place on the churches main campus on Sunday, April 6, 2025. This year, the proceeds will go to the mission ACD Guatemala, one of the core mission partners of FUMC. Alongside the run, there will be live music and homemade baked goods as prizes! Register here.
  • The Franklin Classic, hosted by Mercy Community Healthcare, is an annual race that celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. The race, which offers a 5k, 10k, and 15k combo—plus a 1k kids’ fun run—starts and finishes on the Historic Downtown Franklin Square every labor day. The race supports the mission of Mercy Community Healthcare. Visit their social media to keep up to date with 2025 registration and additional info.
  • The GraceWorks Turkey Trot is hosted every Thanksgiving and provides the option for a 10k run, a 5k run/walk, and a kid’s “turkey chase.” This is an award-winning event that attracts about 3,300 walkers and runners each year. GraceWorks provides food, shelter, and support to families in need. Participating in the Turkey Trot is a great way to aide in the ministry’s mission of serving our neighbors.
  • The Tennessee Mile is hosted by BMFJ, a trail and ultra running community and coaching platform. This event will take place between December 5th and December 7th, 2025, on a loop affectionately known as “The Murder Mile.” There are a variety of time divisions, with staggered start time ranging between 3, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 40 hour races. There is also a youth 5k, for those 16 and under. This is adjacent to and recommended for those wishing to run the popular ultra Mid-State Mile. Find out more here.

Group of people in athletic wear jumping in celebration, find running clubs in Franklin, TN on FranklinIs.

Running Clubs

Running does not have to be a solitary sport! If you’re looking for community and accountability in your training, consider joining a local running club. Running clubs are becoming increasingly popular around the country, and offer groups runs at designated times. These clubs range in formality and are a great way to stay active, meet friends, and explore your area in a safe and friendly environment. Local run clubs in Franklin include Franklin Run Club and Franklin Road Runners. These clubs welcome and celebrate runners of all ages and skill levels.

Women in athletic wear running on a path in a park.

Safety Tips

Wherever you find yourself on the run, keep in mind that safety is top priority.

  • Have a good understanding of the area you are in and be cautious to vary your specific route.
  • Stay in well-populated areas and always have your cellphone and identification handy.
  • If you are running alone, stay alert; keep your headphones at a reasonable volume, so you can hear incoming cars or passersby.
  • Obey traffic signals, and always look both ways before you cross the street.
  • If you’re running at night, be sure your clothing is reflective and can be easily spotted by drivers.
  • Make sure you’re properly fueled for your run. Especially on longer runs, make sure you have easy access to water and food, if necessary.
  • Always trust your intuition. If an area feels unsafe, stay cautious and steer clear.

Run Community Documentary promo: Franklin Theater

Run CommUnity Documentary

At 3 p.m. on February 1, 2025, the Franklin Theater is showing Run CommUnity, the debut documentary of local filmmaker AJ Johnson. The film features 30 local runners, who share stories of how running has impacted their lives, and explores the mental and physical health benefits of the sport. This event aims to bring about inspiration and hope through the lens of local running. Buy tickets to see the documentary here: limited availability.

The shadows of a man and a woman are running at sunset.

Not only is running is a tried-and-true way to care for your body and clear your mind, it’s also an excellent way to connect with your community. Whether you’re an ultra marathon runner, have never run a full mile, or land somewhere in the middle, Franklin is full of opportunities to get out and get after it—at whatever pace is best fit for you!