Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K (August 28-29, 2026) : Townsend, TN
The event includes the following races:
- Half marathon - point-to-point course near Great Smoky Mountains.
- 5K - starts and finishes at Talley Ho Inn, mostly on Townsend Historical Trail.
- Black Bear Double - both the 5K and half marathon within 24 hours, one bib and extra swag.
Listed entry prices: half marathon $160, 5K $70, Black Bear Double $240. Expo and bib pickup take place at Talley Ho Inn on August 28.
Course and logistics
The half marathon is a paved, point-to-point course with an elevation gain of 727 ft and a maximum elevation of 1,097 ft. The course is open to vehicle traffic in places, so runners must stay within cones and be mindful of cars. Shuttles transport participants to the half marathon start; parking and shuttles are staged at Talley Ho Inn. The race does not take place inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park but is held nearby.
The event is cupless to reduce waste. Aid stations: five on the half marathon course, with water, electrolyte drink, gels, toilets, and fruit at later stations; a medic is stationed at mile 9. The half marathon has a 4-hour time limit (about an 18-minute mile). Place medals are awarded to top finishers in overall and age-group categories, and finisher medals are given to all finishers. Spectators may meet runners at the finish line; roadside parking along the highway is not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
