Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
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Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
The Great Smoky Mountains race weekend in Townsend, TN, features a half marathon and a 5K on August 28–29, 2026, plus an optional Black Bear Double for participants who run both distances within 24 hours. The half marathon is a point-to-point course along the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, beginning near Heritage High School and finishing at the Talley Ho Inn. The route shares some open road with local traffic and is supported by multiple aid stations. The 5K runs mostly along the Townsend Historical Trail, starts and finishes at the Talley Ho Inn, and is described as relatively flat with gentle rolling terrain.
The event includes an expo and bib pickup at The Parkman Hotel, parking with shuttle service to the start area, and no shuttles after the race. The weekend is cup free; runners should use a reusable bottle, reusable cup, or a hydration pack because cups are not provided on course. The course is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Finisher medals are awarded to everyone who completes each race; the Black Bear Double uses the same bib for both races and includes additional swag and a special double medal. Awards for Overall and Masters categories are based on chip time and require runners to begin in the first wave. The event emphasizes on-course support, sustainability, and visitor safety. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
