Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
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Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K
The event takes place in Townsend, TN, over a weekend and offers two main distances and an optional combined entry called the Black Bear Double. The Black Bear Double uses a single bib for both races and includes a special swag item plus separate finisher medals for each distance and an additional Black Bear Double medal.
Distances
- 13.1 miles half marathon along the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 5K mostly along the Townsend Historical Trail, starting and finishing at the Talley Ho Inn
The half marathon is a point to point course that finishes at the Talley Ho Inn and shares some roadway with local traffic; the course will be marked and supported and runners are asked to keep to the right when running with traffic. The 5K follows a paved, tree lined route that is relatively flat with gentle rolling terrain. Aid stations are provided on course with five stations for the half and one for the 5K.
Expo and bib pickup are held at the Talley Ho Inn. Race shirts are available at the expo and finisher medals are awarded at the finish line. The event follows a cup free policy on course and at the finish line so participants should plan to bring a reusable bottle, cup, or hydration pack. The course is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Awards include overall and masters categories plus age group place medals and finisher medals for all finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
