The Boulevard Bolt
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The Boulevard Bolt
The Boulevard Bolt is an annual five mile road race held on Thanksgiving Day in Nashville, Tennessee. The event is organized by volunteers in collaboration with Immanuel Baptist Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church and The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom. The race began in 1994 and has grown from about 2,500 participants to over 7,500; the 2026 event will be the 33rd annual running. Organizers report that the race has donated $4,843,300 to the homeless community in Nashville.
The course follows Belle Meade Boulevard, with an up-and-down profile, and is USATF certified. The event location is listed as 222 Belle Meade Blvd, Nashville, TN 37205. The event accommodates both runners and walkers; for safety, strollers, bikes, skates, animals and similar items are not allowed on the race course. A course map is made available by the organizers.
The Boulevard Bolt is managed by a steering committee of volunteers from each congregation, supported by additional race week volunteers and corporate and individual sponsors. All proceeds go directly to local agencies working to end homelessness and to provide ongoing support until that goal can be achieved. The 2026 allocation application is noted as open for groups seeking funds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
