Brent Bernat, regional director for Ironman Group, told the Sports Authority the Saint Jude Rock & Roll Nashville event will celebrate its 25th running next weekend and expects more than 25,000 participants from all 50 states and more than two dozen countries.

Why it matters: The multi‑day event brings large participant and visitor volumes to Nashville and contributes directly to local tourism and hospitality economic activity.

Key details: Bernat said the Health and Fitness Expo will be at the Music City Center on Thursday and Friday, with race days Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s schedule includes half‑marathon, full marathon, 5K and 10K events; Sunday features a 1‑mile kids’ run and a “doggy dash.” Bernat said the series commonly offers musical acts on course and post‑race entertainment and reported that the Ironman Group and the event’s title partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, have raised about $13 million for St. Jude since the hospital became title partner in 2012.

Community giving: Bernat also said the Ironman Foundation’s Rock This Town community give‑back program has provided nearly $70,000 in grants to local organizations over the years. The presentation included legacy runner recognition and a short anniversary video.

Parking and logistics: Executive staff told the board the authority will waive parking fees for the event this year as it did the prior year. Organizers said the event’s footprint has evolved, requiring a civic event‑style agreement rather than a traditional license and use agreement to accommodate staging and access changes.

Economic impact: Bernat cited an economic‑impact figure of about $56 million for last year’s event and said the event series has contributed hundreds of millions to Nashville’s economy in recent years; figures reported in the meeting included cumulative series impacts.

Ending: Board members thanked Ironman Group for the partnership and praised the event’s volunteer and community contributions. Bernat invited questions and described continued efforts to combine running, music and community giving as central to the event’s identity.