Light the Way 5K Run/Walk
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About the race
The Light the Way 5K is an annual nighttime 5K run/walk held at Dollywood in Sevierville, Tennessee. The event is scheduled as the 14th annual edition on November 13, 2026.
The course was recertified in 2024. The start area is adjacent to Dollywood’s toll booths; more than half of the route is off-park, using Dollywood’s tram road, and the finish runs through the park’s displays of millions of Christmas lights. Participants who are not confident they can complete the course in 90 minutes without stopping are advised to consider the 1-mile Fun Walk.
The race is limited to 2,000 participants and will be chip-timed by the Knoxville Track Club. Medals are awarded to every participant at the finish line; awards are presented to the top three overall finishers for men and women and in all age groups. Strollers are not allowed.
Packet pick-up is scheduled on the days before the race and on race day at local locations including R.E.I. Knoxville, R.E.I. Pigeon Forge, and Dollywood Splash Country, with posted pick-up times. Room blocks are available at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa for event participants.
The event is held rain or shine. Organizers may delay, modify, or cancel the race for severe weather or unsafe conditions; in such cases entries may be transferred to a new date and refunds are not issued. Proceeds benefit Keep Sevier Beautiful and the Share It Forward program at Dollywood. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
