Music Row Event Set for Saturday, Sept. 5,
during Imagination Library Month
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Following the passing of Dolly Parton last week, Run Nash’s inaugural 9to5K Run & Walk will bring the Nashville community together Saturday, Sept. 5, for a heartfelt celebration of her music, joyful spirit and enduring commitment to childhood literacy.
The event will benefit United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee, the local affiliate of the book-gifting program founded by Parton. Participants may support the organizations through optional donations made during registration.
The event comes as Nashville recognizes September as Imagination Library Month. Mayor Freddie O’Connell issued the proclamation last week during a celebration of Parton’s literary legacy at the Nashville Public Library’s Main Library.
A sold out race with 1,600 participants are expected for the inaugural event, which will include a new 5K course through Music Row, the Dolly Dash Kids Run, Stiletto Dash, costume contest, themed photo opportunities and finish-line entertainment.
Participants are encouraged to celebrate Parton’s signature style by wearing rhinestones, big hair, business suits or Dolly-inspired attire.
WHAT
The inaugural 9to5K Run & Walk, a community running event celebrating Dolly Parton’s legacy and supporting childhood literacy across Middle Tennessee.
WHEN
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
- 6:30 a.m. — Packet pickup opens
- 7:30 a.m. — 5K begins
- 7:30–10:30 a.m. — Finish Line Festival
- 8:30 a.m. — Dolly Dash Kids Run
- 8:45 a.m. — Stiletto Dash
- 9 a.m. — Costume contest and awards
WHERE
- •Music Circle South and Tony Rose Park
- •The 5K, Dolly Dash and Stiletto Dash will begin on Music Circle South. Packet pickup, the costume contest, awards and Finish Line Festival will take place at Tony Rose Park.
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES
- More than 1,600 runners and walkers gathering on Music Row
- Participants dressed in rhinestones, big hair, business suits and Dolly-inspired attire
- Start of the inaugural 9to5K
- Children participating in the Dolly Dash
- Competitors racing in the Stiletto Dash-50 participants with 5 being men
- Costume contest and awards
- Themed photo opportunities and finish-line entertainment
- Community members celebrating Parton’s music and literacy legacy
WHY
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to inspire a love of reading by providing free, age-appropriate books to young children. Funds raised through the 9to5K will help Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee expand access to books for children across the region, regardless of family income, while supporting United Way of Greater Nashville’s broader work to strengthen children, families and communities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.runnash.com/events/9-to-5k