After 12 years, the Murfreesboro Half Marathon, or "The Middle Half" has changed its route. On October 12, approximately two thousand runners will start near Central Magnet School on Main Street at 7:00 a.m. and finish the 13.1-mile race near the historic downtown square.

With the start and finish near the downtown area, street closure times have changed as well. Residents are encouraged to check out the course route and make alternate plans for the morning, if necessary. The course may be found at www.themiddlehalf.com.

Streets will be opened as the last runner finishes on that section. To estimate the time, allow 15 minutes per mile. For example, the road at Mile 6 would open up at approximately 90 minutes after the race start. 

"Runners are excited about the new course," said Melissa Miller, race director. "We've eliminated the portions that people complained about and added more of MTSU's beautiful campus. It is such a flat course that many runners from around the country use the race to train for full marathons or to set a PR (person record)."

Participants may register online by credit or debit card at www.themiddlehalf.com.

The course includes the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, scenic tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue, Oaklands Mansion and the newer portions of MTSU's campus. 

Sponsors include The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department, Fleet Feet Sports, Lee Company, Publix, Puckett's, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Jimmy John's, and DuraFloors.

Visit www.TheMiddleHalf.com or at facebook.com/TheMiddleHalf for additional information.