Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
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Event details
The Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K takes place in Townsend, TN, with race activities centered at the Talley Ho Inn (8314 TN-73). The event weekend is scheduled for August 28-29, 2026. Distances offered include:
- Half marathon
- 5K
- Black Bear Double (both the 5K and half marathon)
The half marathon is a point-to-point road race held just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 5K starts and finishes at the Talley Ho Inn and runs mostly on the Townsend Historical Trail.
Course and logistics
The course surface is paved road and walking path and is shared in part with vehicular traffic; runners are required to stay within marked cones and run to the right where traffic is present. The half marathon lists an elevation gain of 727 ft and a maximum elevation of 1,097 ft; the route is described as a gradual uphill overall. The half marathon has a 4-hour time limit (about an 18-minute mile pace).
Aid is provided on course: five aid stations, a medic at mile 9, toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, and fruit at later stations. The event is cup-free; participants should bring a reusable bottle, a Nathan reusable cup, or a hydration pack. Parking and shuttles operate from the Talley Ho Inn to the start line. Finisher medals are awarded to all finishers and place medals are given for top finishers and age groups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
