Dollywood's Light The Way 5k
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Event overview
Dollywood's Light The Way 5k takes place Friday–Saturday, November 7–8, 2025, at Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The event includes the following distances and options:
- 5K
- 1 mile fun walk
- 5K - virtual
- 1 mile fun walk - virtual
The in-person 5K and 1 mile fun walk are listed as full / sold out.
Course, entry and awards
The 5K course was re-certified in 2024 and starts in a different location to create a more streamlined route. More than half of the 5K is off-park, using Dollywood's tram road, and finishes by running through the park’s Christmas lights. The 5K is intended for runners only; the 1 mile fun walk is intended for walkers. No strollers are allowed for the 5K.
The event is facilitated by the Knoxville Track Club, which will provide chip timing. Participation in the 5K is limited to 1,500 runners. Each 5K participant in 2024 received a commemorative medal at the finish line. Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers and the top three men and women; awards are not mailed and recipients must be present to receive them. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.