2026 Music City Track Carnival MEET INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The 24th annual Music City Track Carnival will take place Friday-Saturday May 29-30, 2026. For the second time, the meet will take place in Cleveland, TN (25 minutes east of Chattanooga) at the beautiful Ray Conn Sports Complex on the campus of Lee University, who were such gracious hosts last year.
As always, we'll have races for all ages and abilities, with events for little kids just starting out in the sport all the way to seasoned pros targeting the U.S (and other respective) National Championships later this season.
This will, once again, be a USATF-Sanctioned meet and part of the World Athletics Continental Tour 2025 (Challenger Level) with over $13,000 in prize money up for grabs. See below for more details on Prize Money and World Athletics points.
EVENTS OFFERED
Pro Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Mile, 3000m S/Chase, 110m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Long Jump, Shot + Developmental 5000m (no prize money)
Pro Women: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Mile, 3000m S/Chase, 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Long Jump, Shot + Developmental 5000m (no prize money)
Masters Men: 400m, 1 Mile
Masters Women: 400m, 1 Mile
Open Men/Boys (Age 14 and Up): 100m, 800m, 1 Mile, 5000m
Open Women/Girls (Age 14 and Up): 100m, 800m, 1 Mile, 5000m
Elite HS Boys: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1 Mile, 2000m S/Chase, 3200m, 110m Hurdles, Long Jump, Shot
Elite HS Girls: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1 Mile, 2000m S/Chase, 3200m, 100m Hurdles, Long Jump, Shot
Middle School Boys: 800m, 1 Mile
Middle School Girls: 800m, 1 Mile
Elementary School Boys: 800m, 1 Mile
Elementary School Girls: 800m, 1 Mile
Kids (Aged 11 and Under Boys/Girls RunningTogether): 200m, 400m Steeplechase (5 sets of 18" high hay bales)
VENUE
The facility is the Ray Conn Sports Complex at Lee University. The address for the track is 2200 Parker Street, Cleveland, TN 37311.
The meet will take place on a 5-year-old Beynon surface laid down in 2020. The track has eight 48” lanes. The javelin, pole vault and jump runways are also Beynon. The hammer, discus, and shot all have their own throwing ring. Men’s and women's long jump runway boards are at 8ft.
Click here FOR MEET SCHEDULE and PRACTICE TIMES
PRACTICE TIMES
Track available for practice 12:00-6:00pm on Thursday 5/28 and 8:00am - 2:00pm on Friday 5/29
ENTRY STANDARD
Most events have an entry standard. If you have not attained the entry standard, please do not register for that event. There is an Open 100m, 800m and 1 mile which anyone over the age of 14 can register for. Additionally, the Open 5000m has entry guidelines of 17:30 for men and 19:00 for women.
Entry Standards for Elite Races
Anyone not having attained the marks below may enter the Open 800 (no entry standard), 1 Mile (no entry standard), or 5000m races (Entry guidlelines - Men: 17:30/Women: 19:00)
Where alternative distances are shown, performances at those distances may be used for seeding purposes if that performance is superior to the athlete’s best mark at the event they are entering (e.g. someone entering the Men's 1500m may use a Mile time of 4:01.00 even if they haven't run 3:44.22 for 1500m).
Entry standards are based on WA Scoring Tables: ~1050 pts for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 1 Mile, 3000m, 100m/110m Hurdles, and 400m Hurdles; ~1000 pts for all field events; ~975 pts for 3000m S/C ; ~900 pts for 5000m
Wind-assisted marks not permitted
PRO Men's Events
Entry standards are based on WA Scoring Tables: 1050 pts for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 1 Mile, 100m/110m Hurdles, and 400m Hurdles; 1000 pts for all field events; 975 pts for 3000m &3000m S/C ; 900 pts for 5000m
100m - 10.47 (60m Indoors 6.79) | 2025 U.S Champs Qualifying: 10.05 (10.25)
200m - 21.12 | U.S Champs: 20.30 (20.60)
400m - 46.93 | U.S Champs: 45.20 (46.00)
800m - 1:49.17 (600m 1:17.32, 1000m 2:20.80, 1500m 3:44.22) | U.S Champs: 1:45.60 (1:47.50)
1500m - 3:44.22 (1000m 2:20.80, Mile 4:02.04, 3000m 8:01.06, 3000mS/C 8:46.76, 5000m 13:45.20) | U.S Champs: 3:35.00 (3:39.00)
1 mile - 4:02.04 (1000m 2:20.80, 1500m 3:44.22, 3000m 8:01.00, 3000m S/C 8:46.76) | U.S Champs: 3:52.00
3000m - 8:01.06 (1500m 3:44.30, Mile 4:02.04, 3000m S/C 8:46.76, 5000m 13:45.20, 10000m 28:54.43)
3000m S/Chase - 9:04.70 (1500m 3:50.14, Mile 4:08.33, 3000m 8:14.12, 5000m 14:07.57 | U.S Champs: 8:27.00 (8:43.00)
110m Hurdles - 14.09 | U.S Champs: 13.40 (13.75)
400m Hurdles - 51.64 | U.S Champs:49.75 (50.75)
Shot - 17.97 / 58' 11½" | U.S Champs: 21.10 (19.00)
Long Jump - 7.36 / 24' 1¾" | U.S Champs: 8.10 (7.80)
PRO Women's Events
100m - 11.71 (60m Indoors 7.50) | 2025 U.S Champs: 11.07 (11.30)
200m - 23.85 | U.S Champs: 22.57 (23.00)
400m - 54.01 | U.S Champs: 51.00 (52.50)
800m - 2:06.46 (600m 1:29.78, 1000m 2:44.20, 1500m 4:20.07, Mile 4:39.78) | U.S Champs: 2:00.50 (2:02.50)
1500m - 4:20.07 (1000m 2:44.20, Mile 4:39.78 , 3000m 9:16.92, 3000m S/C 10:19.12, 5000m 16:00.04) | U.S Champs: 4:06.00 (4:12.00)
1 Mile - 4:39.78 (1000m 2:44.20, 1500m 4:20.07, 3000m 9:16.92, 3000m S/C 10:19.12, 5000m 16:00.04) | U.S Champs: 4:25.00
3000m - 9:16.92 (1500m 4:20.07, Mile 4:39.78, 3000m SC 10:19.12, 5000m 16:00.04)
3000m S/Chase - 10:51.53 (1500m 4:30.25, Mile 4:50.70, 3000m 9:40.31, 5000m 16:41.50 | U.S Champs: 9:41.00 (10:12.00)
100m Hurdles - 13.75 (60mH Indoors 8.50) | U.S Champs: 12.80 (13.25)
400m Hurdles - 59.04 | U.S Champs: 56.00 (58.00)
Long Jump - 6.00m / 19’ 8¼” | U.S Champs: 6.75 (6.40)
Shot - 16.67m / 54' 8¼ " | U.S Champs: 19.00 (17.20)
DEVELOPMENTAL Men's Events (NO PRIZE MONEY)
5000m (1 heat of Max. 24) - 14:30.80 (3000m 8:27.69, 3000m S/C 9:23.35, 2 miles 9:07.00, 10,000m 30:39.44, 5K Rd 14:31, 10K Rd 30:39, 10 miles 50:45, Half-Marathon 1:07:37, Marathon 2:23:28 | U.S Champs: 13:12.00 (13:28.00)
Also open to HS runners who have 9:03.83/9:07.00 3200/2 Miles | New Balance Nationals Outdoors Qualifier: 15:00.00.
DEVELOPMENTAL Women's Events (NO PRIZE MONEY)
5000m (1 heat of Max. 24) - 17:24.60 (3000m 10:04.62, 3000m S/C 10:51.50, 10,000m 36:47.18, 5K Rd 17:25, 10K Rd 36:47, 10 miles 1:01:18, Half-Marathon 1:21:49, Marathon 2:54:38) | U.S Champs: 15:05.00 (15:45.00)
Also open to HS runners who have clocked 10:46.58/10:50.35 for 3200m/2 Miles | New Balance Nationals Outdoors Qualifier: 17:40.00
Seeding:
For Pro/Developmental events, the races will be seeded according to 2025 Outdoor, or 2026 Indoor or Outdoor performances, whichever is superior, using the latest World Athletics Scoring Tables.
Seed times must be actual performances (not fitness estimates or practice performances) and must be verifiable marks achieved between March 15, 2025 and the registration deadline (Monday May 25, 2025). For the purposes of 5000m seeding, USATF-certified road races may also be considered.
MASTERS Mens Events
400m - 58.00 (Age 40-49) 1:07.00 (Age 50+)
1 Mile - 5:10 (Age 40-49) 5:35 (Age 50+)
MASTERS Womens Events
400m - 1:10.00 (Age 40-49) 1:23.00 (Age 50+)
1 Mile - 6:00 (Age 40-49) 6:30 (Age 50+)
HIGH SCHOOL Boys Events
100m - 10.95 | New Balance Nationals Outdoors Qualifier: 10.71
200m - 22.35 | NBNO: 21.70
400m - 50.25 | NBNO: 48.50
800m - 1:57.50 | NBNO: 1:55.00
1 mile - 4:24.50 (1600m 4:22.97) | NBNO: 4:18.00
2000m S/Chase - 6:38.50 (1600m 4:28.35, 1 mile 4:30.00, 3000m 9:03.00, 3200m 9:48.00, 2 miles 9:52.00) | NBNO: 6:15.00
3200m - 10:00.00 (1600m 4:30.50, 1 mile 4:32.00, 2 miles 10:03.50) | NBNO: 9:15.47 (9:19.00 2M) | Freshman: 9:52.00
110 Hurdles - 15.25 | NBNO: 14.45
Long Jump - 6.55 / 21’6" | NBNO: 7.13 / 23'5" | Freshmen: 6.40 / 21' (Auto Only)
Shot - 14.93 / 49’ | NBNO: 17.75 / 58’3” | Freshmen: 13.71 / 45' (Auto Only)
HIGH SCHOOL Girls Events
100m - 12.60 | New Balance Nationals Outdoors Qualifier: 12.10
200m - 26.00 | NBNO: 24.75
400m - 59.00 | NBNO: 56.75
800m - 2:20.00 | NBNO: 2:14.50
1 mile - 5:08.00 (1600m 5:06.21) | NBNO: 5:00.00
2000m S/Chase - 8:13.00 (1600m 5:24.50, 1 mile 5:26.50, 3000m 10:56.50, 3200m 11:42.50, 2 miles 11:47.00) | NBNO: 7:20.00
3200m - 11:40.00 (1600m 5:20.00 , 1 mile 5:22.00, 2 miles 11:44.00) | NBNO: 10:52.83 (10:55.81) | Freshman: 11:29.58 (2M: 11:34.00)
100 Hurdles - 15.40 | NBNO: 14.65 (14.90)
Long Jump - 5.41 / 17’9" | NBNO: 19'0" | Freshmen: 17' 2" (Auto Only)
Shot - 11.27 / 37’ | NBNO: 41’2” (40’10”) | Freshmen: 33' (Auto Only)
NOTES FOR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES
High school athletes may only use 2026 (indoor or outdoor) performances for seeding purposes.
High school athletes MAY enter the Developmental Men’s and Women’s 5000m races, providing they recorded the requisite 3200m/2 miles times listed above .
High school athletes MAY NOT enter any of the Pro Races without the express permission of the Meet Director. Any HS athletes entering a Pro Race without prior permission will have that entry automatically canceled.
FOOTWEAR
Athletes will not be able to run if they do not comply with these rules:
• The use of 1/4" pyramid spikes will be strictly enforced
• NO NEEDLE SPIKES OR CHRISTMAS TREE SPIKES ALLOWED
• No permanent spike shoes allowed
• Shoes will be checked at last call in the Clerk Area and prior to getting on the track
Shoe Requirements
In accordance with World Athletics/USATF requirements, in order
for performances to be recognized by both World Athletics and USATF (e.g., ranking points, event qualification, and records) legally worn shoes are required during competition as recognized by World Athletics. Shoe checking will occur during pre-competition clerking and also post event competition. A full list of approved shoes can be found
at https://certcheck.worldathletics.org/.
REGISTRATION
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Cleveland/MusicCityDistanceCarnival (Entry opens March 16)
NOTE: All athletes must sign up for the meet online. No exceptions.
Entry fees are as follows:
- $50.00 per event for High School runners and Adults.
- $30.00 for Middle School runners.
- $20.00 for Elementary School runners.
- $10.00 for Little Kids’ races
The entry deadline is Monday May 26th, 2025 at 11:59pm CDT.
Any entries requested after that time will be subject to a $15.00 P.I.T.A fee.
PRO EVENT PRIZE MONEY (As at 3/8/26; will be finalized by 3/21/26)
This will, once again, be a USATF-Sanctioned meet and part of the World Athletics Continental Tour 2025 (Challenger Level) with over $13,000 in prize money up for grabs.
Tier 1 Events ($600, $400, $300, $200, $100): $1600 x 6 = 9600
Men - 800m, 1500m, 3000m
Women - 800m, 1500m, 3000m
Tier 2 Events ($300, $200, $100): $600 x 10800
Men - 100m, 200m, 400m, Mile, 3000m S/Chase, 110m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Long Jump, Shot
Women - 100m, 200m, 400m, Mile, 3000m S/Chase, 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Long Jump, Shot
In addition to the prize money listed above, event winners will receive a $250 bonus if they establish a new meet record (new events (e.g. 3000m) not eligible), and an additional $250 if they set a new Tennessee Soil Record. Those records are listed here
World Athletics Rankings Points for Challenger Level: 1st - 40 pts, 2nd - 35, 3rd - 30, 4th - 25, 5th - 22, 6th - 19, 7th - 17, 8th - 15
WAVELIGHT PACING SYSTEM
For the first time, we will be using the WaveLight pacing system.
RABBITS
If you are a pro/post-collegiate athlete (or the coach of an athlete) interested in pacing, please email the meet director. Unless otherwise negotiated in advance of the meet, rabbits will be paid $200, or $40 per lap, whichever is the higher amount.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION ASSISTANCE
For anyone seeking travel and/or accommodation assistance, there is a form for you to complete and submit your request. A strict budget has been set aside for this. It will be dispensed on a first come first serve basis to those who sign a meet contract and email a confirmed travel itinerary.
Athletes who have attained the following standards in 2025 (outdoors) or 2026 (indoor or outdoors) are eligible for (but not guaranteed to receive) travel assistance to assist with either air or road travel to/from Chattanooga (Airport Code: CHA).
Men (1150): 100m - 10.15 (legal wind), 200m - 20.45 (legal wind), 400m - 45.40, 800m - 1:45.80, 1500m - 3:36.80, Mile - 3:54.00, 3000m - 7:44.00, 3000mSC - 8:23.75, 100m Hurdles - 13.50, 400m Hurdles - 49.50, Long Jump - 8.05 / 26' 5" (legal wind), Shot - 20.40 / 66' 11.25"
Women (1150): 100m - 11.20 (legal wind), 200m - 22.75 (legal wind), 400m - 51.40, 800m - 2:00.50, 1500m - 4:07.00, Mile - 4:25.75, 3000m - 8:47.00, 3000mSC - 9:37.50, 100m Hurdles - 13.00, 400m Hurdles - 55.70, Long Jump - 6.65 / 21' 10" (legal wind), Shot - 19.00 / 62' 4"
HS Boys : 100m - 10.40 (legal wind), 200m - 21.00 (legal wind), 400m - 46.80, 800m - 1:50.50, Mile - 4:08.00, 3200m - 8:55.00, 2000m SC - 6:10.00, Long Jump - 7.20 / 23' 7.5" (legal wind), Shot - 19.00 / 62' 4.25"
HS Girls : 100m - 11.50 (legal wind), 200m - 23.50 (legal wind), 400m - 53.50, 800m - 2:07.50, Mile - 4:44.00, 3200m - 10:07.00, 2000mSC - 6:50.00, Long Jump - 6.00 / 19'8.5" (legal wind), Shot - 14.40 / 47' 3"
The minimum amount that will be paid out the cost of travel is $250, but may be up to the cost of three nights hotel and round trip flight.
This meet is an approved D.C.O (Domestic Competition Opportunity) for 800/1500m runners in the USATF tiered funding program. So you may apply those funds to your travel and/or accommodation for this meet.
APPEARANCE MONEY
Appearance money will be paid on a very limited basis. Unless you are a 2024 Olympic Finalist, 2025 World Championships Finalist, or a current indoor or outdoor U.S Champion, it is unlikely you will receive any appearance fee. This is not the Diamond League!
NOTE: With regard to both travel and accommodation assistance and appearance money, a meet contract will be drafted and emailed, and must be signed by the athlete and/or agent.
DOPING CONTROL
There will be a USADA agent at the meet, and anyone competing should expect to be subject to a random in-competition test.
NATIONAL RECORDS
If you set a U.S Record you will automatically be subjected to a test. USADA will pay for this.
If you are a foreigner and set a National Record, it is strongly advised you get a test immediately after the race. Furthermore, you should advise the meet director well in advance of the meet that you are going for a National Record (and specify which event), and also email the meet director any record paperwork that your national federation might require.
All relevant forms for U.S and World Records (Open and Masters) will be available at the meet so that records may be ratified in a timely manner.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Runnerspace will be streaming the meet live. You will need a RunnerSpace+ log in to watch.
SPECTATORS
You can pre-purchase tickets online via RunSignUp.com [click here]
Friday - $12.50 (incl. $2.50 processing fee)
Saturday - $18.95 (incl. $3.95 processing fee)
Friday AND Saturday - $23.95 (incl. $3.95 processing fee)
Children under 12 years old will be free. No Pets Allowed
You can also pay with Cash at the gate: Friday - $15.00, Saturday - $20.00, or Both Days - $25.00
Competing athletes will receive a wristband that allows them into the meet for both days (even if they are only competing one one day)
MEET MANAGEMENT
Meet Director: Dave Milner | dave@nashvilletrackclub.org
RACE DAY CHECK-IN
Check-in: All track athletes must check in 45 minutes before their race for hip numbers. Heats will not be assigned until Wednesday evening. All Scratches must be made by then. For the field events you must check in 45 minutes before the scheduled start of the first flight
