County Challenge Team Announced

The County Challenge, presented by Fleet Feet Nashville, is a “race within a race.” This year, representatives from four counties in the greater Nashville area were selected via an application process. Each selected runner will represent their county during the Nashville Half Marathon on November 12, 2022. These runners will compete against one another to win glory for their county. Fleet Feet Nashville, a running apparel and athletic shoe retailer, is once again sponsoring the Marathon County Challenge this year. Fleet Feet – which prides itself on its people-oriented focus and community involvement – has locations throughout the Nashville area. 

The 2022 Fleet Feet County Challenge competitors are: 

Aylan Baines, Wilson County 

Aylan, a lifelong resident of Wilson County, credits her family as her inspiration for running this year. “My entire family is from Wilson County,” she said. “I want to make them proud.” Aylan has been prepping for the race for three months now and loves the noticeable improvement in her fitness. She attributes her love of running to the challenge it offers and the tranquility it brings her. Aylan admits that she cannot see herself without running. 

Corey Hadden, Davidson County 

“I’m not a runner” is the narrative that held Corey back from running for years. Being a weightlifter for 13 years, Corey notes that running was never his strength. However, this was the exact reason that he decided to start training for the half marathon. For Corey, running is a way to prove that he can push beyond his limits and gain a heightened perspective on life challenges. “There is nothing that makes you appreciate the gift of life more than a physical struggle that pushes you to your limits,” Corey says. He especially wants to be a role model for his two young kids, teaching them his philosophy on physical challenge while also living that philosophy himself. 

Chelsea German, Rutherford County 

New to Tennessee and Rutherford County, Chelsea decided that running was the perfect way to explore and get involved in her new community. She credits the peace of mind that running brings her as the driving force that brought her to the sport. If Chelsea had to choose a walk-up song for the race, it would be “I Am Mine Again” by Zach Bryan. Chelsea has certainly embraced the country music spirit of her new home. 

Mingfang Ao, Williamson County 

As a working mom, running is something that Mingfang does to take time for herself. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy habits, especially when life gets busy. Her mantra is “keep healthy, keep positive, keep moving forward.” Running is a way for Mingfang to live out her mantra each day.  

One of the qualifications for the challenge included a goal half-marathon time between 1:45 and 2:00, which ensures that the participants are evenly matched. The competitors will enjoy first class treatment throughout the event, including a front of the pack start, VIP passes, and exclusive Asics uniforms for the race.

Top 3 Finishers will win a Fleet Feet Nashville Prize Pack including a Fleet Feet hat, a set of Superfeet ME3 insoles, and a gift card corresponding to your place:

1st Place – $200 2nd Place – $150 3rd Place – $100

Deadline for Submissions is September 16