Save the date

September 20th, 2025

Run the Rails, Union City, Tennessee

What is
Run the Rails?

The City of Union City and the Half Marathon Committee have announced that Union City will host “Run the Rails” annually.

Named after its rich history in the rail industry, race day consists of downtown fun for the whole family while also providing an exciting course for runners of all experience. While runners are on the course, friends and family can enjoy music in the park, food trucks, local boutiques, and specialty shops.

Run the rails is a 13.1 mile route with a four-hour time cap that starts and finishes in Historic Downtown Union City. 

Let’s Run the Rails

Run the Rails is a 13.1 mile route with a four-hour time cap. The race has several mile options that begin in Historic Downtown Union City. It includes fun activities and local shopping in addition to the running course.

Our Union City Mission

Union City’s mission is to enrich the quality of life of all citizens of Obion County by revitalizing the economy, maintaining historical charm, and preserving the architectural heritage of the downtown business district of Union City, TN.

Volunteers

Please take time to visit our Volunteer page to find out more information on how you can help volunteer at our awesome Run the Rails event.

Be A Sponsor

Please take time to visit our Sponsor page to find out more information on how you can contribute to our awesome Run the Rails event.

Merchandise

Each participant gets a tshirt! Tshirts are designed and printed locally and change each year. 

Engine Award

This Community Spirit Award goes to the race team with the most participants! Get your local business involved today and show your support for historic downtown.

We are  proud to show how all proceeds from Run the Rails goes back into our community! 

2024

Coming Soon – String Lighting

2023

Have you seen the large self watering planters that line the streets of down town Union City? Those were purchsed with the proceeds from the 2023 Run the Rails race. We love our downtown Union City community and were so happy to be able to help with the beautificaiton of it!

large self watering planters

2022

2022 proceeds are assisting in the creation of the Merchants Park Mural Project   in historic downtown.

2022 proceeds are assisting in the creation of the Merchants Park Mural Project in historic downtown.

2021

2021 Run the Rails was able to donate $10k to  Masquerade Theater, helping fund their roofing project.

2021 Run the Rails was able to donate $10k to  Masquerade Theater, helping fund their roofing project.

Take a look at all the places people travel from

To Run the Rails Race

Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky, 42701

Leighton, Colbert County, Alabama

Ripley, McCrory, Woodruff County, Arkansas, 72101

Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Middle Tennessee, Tennessee

Mayflower, Faulkner County, Arkansas

Rector, Clay County, Arkansas, 72461

Jonesboro, Craighead County, Arkansas

Rockledge, Brevard County, Florida, 32955

Brownsville, Haywood County, West Tennessee, Tennessee, 38012

Union City, Obion County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Troy, Obion County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Greene County, Arkansas

Orange County, Florida

Carroll County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Calloway County, Kentucky

Madison County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Dyer County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Wilson County, Tennessee

Crockett County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Graves County, Kentucky

Ballard County, Kentucky

Montgomery County, Tennessee

Trigg County, Kentucky

Fulton County, Kentucky

Weakley County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Shelby County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

McCracken County, Kentucky

Lauderdale County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Gibson County, West Tennessee, Tennessee

Obion County, West Tennessee, Tennessee