Dollywood's Light The Way 5k
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Dollywood's Light The Way 5k
The Light The Way 5K is an annual nighttime running event held at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. The 13th edition of the race takes place in November, offering participants the opportunity to run through the park after regular operating hours. The event is chip-timed and managed by the Knoxville Track Club.
Available distances and participation options include:
- 5 km running race
- 1 mile fun walk
- Virtual 5 km and 1 mile options
The 5 km course is re-certified and follows a route that begins on the park's tram road before entering the main park grounds. More than half of this course is located off-park, with the final sections passing through the holiday displays featuring over 6 million Christmas lights. Participants have a 90-minute time limit to conclude the 5 km distance. Strollers are not permitted on the course for this event.
The 2026 event is limited to 2,000 runners. All participants receive a commemorative medal upon reaching the finish line. Awards are presented on-site to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three finishers in specific categories. Awards are not mailed to participants who are not present. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
