Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
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Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K
The event takes place August 28-29, 2026 in Townsend, Tennessee, with the Talley Ho Inn serving as the expo, bib pickup, and finish area. The weekend features two distances:
- Half Marathon, point-to-point course, elevation gain 727 ft, max elevation 1,097 ft
- 5K, out-and-back on paved town trails
The half marathon uses paved roads and walking paths and is an open course shared in sections with vehicle traffic; runners must remain within cones and stay to the right where required. The course is described as slightly uphill overall, and the event enforces a four-hour chip time limit (about 18 minutes per mile). Aid stations include five stops, with a medic located at the mile 9 station; amenities listed include toilets, water, electrolyte drink, energy gels, and fruit at later stations. This is a cupless event; runners are asked to carry a reusable cup, a Nathan reusable cup, or a hydration pack.
Logistics note: parking and shuttle staging are centered at the Talley Ho Inn, with shuttles provided to the start line. Spectators may meet runners at the finish area; parking along the highway is not permitted. Awards include finisher medals for all and place medals for overall and age-group categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
