Gateway to the Smokies Ten-Miler
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event Overview
The Gateway to the Smokies Ten-Miler and Mighty Four Miler is an annual running event held in Waynesville, North Carolina. The races start and finish on Commerce Street in the Frog Level section of the city. The courses travel through parts of Waynesville and Hazelwood, passing local landmarks such as the Gateway to the Smokies arch and the Riley Howell memorial tree.
Participants can choose from several distance options:
- 10 miles
- 4 miles
- Virtual 4 miles
Course Details and Support
The 10-mile course includes four aid stations located at the 2.2, 4.3, 5.3, and 8.2-mile marks. Runners in this category have a time limit of 3 hours to complete the course with full police protection and aid station support. The 4-mile course features one aid station at mile 2.7. Both races utilize chip timing, with the timing chip attached to the back of the race bib.
Participant Information
All participants registered by June 10 are guaranteed a race shirt, and all finishers receive a commemorative medal. Pottery awards from Mud Dabbers Pottery are presented to the top three male and female overall finishers, as well as the first place Masters (40 and over). Age group awards are also provided for various brackets starting from 12 or 15 and under.
Spectators are welcome at the start and finish areas. Recommended parking for both runners and spectators is located at the Haywood County Courthouse parking deck on Branner Avenue. While leashed dogs are permitted in the 4-mile event, they are not allowed on the 10-mile course. The event takes place rain or shine, and there is a post-race program featuring water and light snacks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
