NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The Titans opened up the new season at LP Field with a win on Thursday, but Titans fans were the ones on the field on Saturday.
Fans were racing out of the tunnel and towards the finish line at LP Field for the team's first Back to Football 5K.
Elite athlete Matt Davis rolled across the start line first, beginning the first NFL Run event for Music City.
"It's a fan initiative to kick off the season," said Jamie Monroe, the General Manager of the NFL Run series. "Back to Football is all about the anticipation of your favorite team and them hopefully having a winning season."
When participants approached the finish line, they could look up and see themselves on the brand new video boards.
"I drove from Chattanooga this morning," said runner and Titans fan Karie Spangler. "I actually came in last night, but I'm a huge Titans fan and just a chance to run on the field…I was going to run the whole way just to be on this field."
Participants cheered on the Titans and were even given free tickets, but the support reached outside the field, too.
Proceeds from the event went to the non-profit Girls on the Run, benefiting third through eighth grade girls.
The 12-week program emphasizes running and promotes a healthy lifestyle for young girls. Monroe said the organization would be a huge charity going forward.
Organizers were satisfied with the turnout with around 2,000 runners taking part. However, they have even bigger expectations for next year.
"We have really high hopes," Monroe said. "As soon as people see the football theme and really get into the Titans aspect of it, they are going to come out in droves next year."
The Back to Football run is a four-city series also taking place in San Diego, New Orleans and New York.
