Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long is a Marathon?
A. A marathon is 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers.

Q. Can I use this race to qualify for the Boston, London,  or NYC Marathon?
A. Yes. The course has been certified by USATF rules and we submit results to Boston Marathon.

Q. How long is a Half Marathon?
A. A half marathon is 13.1 miles or 21.0975 kilometers.

Q. How will the course be marked?
A. The course will be marked at every mile.

Q. How often will there be aid stations?
A. Aid stations will be approximately every mile. There are 22 total water stops.

Q. Is it hilly?
A. The course is "fast" and would not be considered "hilly' for East Tennessee but would certainly not be considered flat.

Q. Is there a time limit for the Marathon?
A. Officially 7 hours, however if you cross the Dam by 11am you can take as long as you like.

Q. What Drink/Gel will be on the course and where?
A. PowerAde and Water will be available approximately every mile. PowerGel will be at aid stations mile 6, 12, 18 and 24.

Q. What is the course Certification Code?
A. TN12022MS (marathon),  TN12015MS (5k)

Q. What are your pacers running?

1:40

Stephanie Rynas:

 I am 24 and a current resident of Chattanooga.  I moved here in 2009 to start my Masters in Sports Medicine at UTC.  While at UTC my main focus was cycling. I took my two years to try to develop the UTC Collegiate Cycling Team.  During those years I had taken a break from running due to a plague of injuries while running in college at Pfeiffer University.  I have recently jumped back on the running bandwagon and could not be more excited.  Last year I completed my first half as well as competing in Duathalon Long Course Nationals. I am originally from Pasadena, CA  transplanted to Morehead City, NC and later to Charlotte, NC before my move here. I currently work for Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton GA.  I plan on racing the upcoming Dalton Half Marathon, and RAGNAR. 

Running History: 3 marathons, 3 half-marathons and i've been running for about 3 years.

Wisconsin Half-marathon 2009, 1:34; Nashville 2010, 3:31; Chickamauga Battlefield, 1:35 (overall female); Boston 2011, 3:18; 7 Bridges Marathon (3:30 pace team 2011), 3:29; 500 Festival Mini-Marathon 2012, 1:45;

I am originally from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I received my bachelor's degree from Finlandia University (MI)-- where I played basketball and volleyball-- and my master's degree in sports administration from Valparaiso University (IN). I currently live with my husband (Jeff- employed at USA Track & Field) in Indianapolis, IN where I work in Championshps at the NCAA. I spent just over 2 years living in Chattanooga and was employed at Covenant College in the athletics department.

Why I run: Running is my "anti-drug!" It keeps me healthy and stress free (for the most part). It is also my social life and also how I have met majority of my best friends, including my husband! While I lived in Chattanooga I ran with Christian Runners many Saturday mornings at the Chickamauga Battlefield and with "Trainer Will" and my awesome friend Mindy many weekday mornings. 

Running injuries: Knock-on-wood, I've never had typical running injury but I have been to the ER twice due to injuries while running. In 2009 I punctured my foot (yes, through my shoes and socks) with rebar-- 7 stitches. In 2011 I was attacked by a boxer while on a run-- 3 stitches. (pictures attached for your viewing pleasure, not the website!!)

Running goals:  After 7 Bridges I plan to take a little break but start up after the first of the year to train to run a sub-1:30 half.

Most memorable running moments:  Pacing the 7 Bridges Marathoni n 2011 was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life as I was able to help a runner meet, and exceed, his race goals while he ran an 11 minute PR! My husband proposed to me after I had finished running Boston in 2011-- I'll never forget that day for many reasons!

Full Marathon

4:30

George Aquila

Hometown: Chattanooga, Tn; Interests: Fishing, Cooking, Finance, Jesus, Travel and oh yeah... Running!

The anticipation of cool air, a beautiful course and some new friends have me excited to complete the 7 Bridges Marathon again this fall. I love Chattanooga and there is no better way to take it in than this. This marathon will be my sixth. I look forward to seeing all of my group finish and experience the RUSH of crossing the finish line strong.