Hotel
*mid-town-closer to start than the finish-there's a Marriott Courtyard and a Hampton Inn on West End Avenue about 1-1.5 mi from the start. There's also an Embassy Suites on Broadway a block off West End.

Vanderbilt/Centennial Park-right next to start-Marriott Hotel at Vanderbilt and Select Hotel-if you don't want to walk about 4 miles after the race, get a cab(may be tough)-excellent hotels for avoiding the porta-potties before the start-roll out of bed and be at the start in less than 5 minutes. There's also another Hampton Inn about 2 blocks from the start-it's right across from a great post-race greasy spoon called Rotiers-they have GREAT cheeseburgers-the place is a Nashville tradition.

Downtown-lots of hotel options-can walk across the river from the finish-it's about three miles from the start. Lots of dining and entertainment-might be a good option if you want a decent warm-up.

*Dining and entertainment-lots downtown-dining is pretty good in the West End area--the Bound'ry, South Street, Marios, the Wild Boar are good local restaurants.
The Gulch is trendy and has four fantastic restaurants. The Station Inn is in the Gulch and the music for after the post race concert is really fun bluegrassy type.

When you get in town, look for a free newspaper called The Scene-you can get info on lots of things to do/see that locals enjoy.

I have done the full once and the half twice and have loved it aside from logistical issues brought about by weather, etc. Overall, the race organization is first-class-the expo is ok (downtown-a good reason to stay in that part of town)-the Nashville Striders have very experienced marathoners who coordinate the pace teams-last year every pacer was right on (or almost right on) target.

The weather that time of year can be in the 40s or the 70s, it can be sunny or overcast, and the field is a little big for the size of some of the streets 3-10 miles after the start. Come prepared for any weather. They staggered the start last year, and it helped a lot.

If you have any other questions, post it here......

I'm from Nashville, but am stationed in NC due to Military Service. I'm running in the Marathon this year and can't wait. If you're looking for places to eat, I have a few suggestions. Depending on what you like, if you want a good hamburger go to Rotiers -it's a little hole in the wall place to eat, but they have the best burgers. For really good southern food try Monell's. They have family style dining-great breakfast and awesome Sunday lunch (Fried chick, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn casserole, dessert, etc...) There's also SATCO if you want good Tex Mex and beer.
About places to stay, Nashville is nice, but if you look around for places in Hendersonville (where I'm originally from), Gallatin (Jamison Inn), or Rivergate you'll be about 20-45 minutes away, but I'm sure the prices will be cheaper, and you can find something right off the Interstate.
Bluebird Cafe has up and coming singers, if you want to shop go to Green Hills Mall-all the others pale in comparison.
Good luck on your training!

I am going and would like to meet up with an AZ crew. Its the first time in Nashville for me as well.

I have been there 3 times. I usually run Va Beach and Nashville 1/2 Marathons. I have to take a year off of running but Nashville is my favorite and I look forward to being there next year. Besides the fact that it is well put together, the people (I mean runners and non-runners) of Nashville are so supportive. There will never be a time where you are running along and its quite and boring.
Last year there was an older couple toasting us with champagne There's always someone there cheering you on!!
The hills help when your tired if you learn to relax and use them. Im from Va Beach and there are no hills here so its nice to have the change.
So those of you going for the first time, prepare to be DaZZled!!!! Its my favorite race. Even my husband, who is not much of a runner, fell in love with the race.
Have Fun!!!