The Clarksville Half Marathon & 5K was a first-year city race that needed a full visual identity, clear communications, and strong public engagement. All built from the ground up.
The Challenge
When our department set out to launch a new signature race event, the Clarksville Half Marathon & 5K, we weren’t just promoting a run. We were building something from the ground up: a new community tradition, a city-branded experience, and an event that needed to feel professional, welcoming, and meaningful from day one. The goal was to make it a true Clarksville experience.
My Role
I led the creative direction and communications strategy from concept to finish line. That included branding the event, designing every visual touchpoint, developing the messaging plan, and working across teams to ensure consistent execution. I also contributed to event logistics, from route planning to on-site signage, and even ran the inaugural half marathon to experience it through the eyes of a participant.
The Work
With a brand-new event, everything had to be built from scratch. That meant shaping how the race looked, how it communicated, and how participants experienced it from start to finish. I focused on building a system that felt professional, approachable, and rooted in the city itself.
Beyond developing the visual identity and all promotional materials, I was deeply involved in the operational side of the race. I worked closely with the event planner to help map out the course, coordinate route certification, and ensure our design and signage aligned with logistics, safety, and runner flow.
The race also generated strong external engagement, including local news coverage and two promotional videos. While I didn’t edit the videos myself, I supervised their production to ensure they aligned with the race’s branding and message. The press coverage came directly from a press release I wrote and distributed, helping generate awareness ahead of race day.
Media links
Videos
Clarksville Half Marathon & 5K logo
Poster
Shirt design
Sticker
Shirt and medal design
Social media image
Course Signage
Race day photo with stage banner
Race day banner
Race day signage and staff shirts
The Outcome
The inaugural Clarksville Half Marathon & 5K brought out over 800 participants across the half, 5K, and 1-mile distances. A strong showing for a first-year event. Feedback from runners and the community was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how well-organized and welcoming the race felt.
The event made such a strong impression that the mayor requested it become an annual tradition. A testament to the planning, branding, and communication that brought it to life.
