Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K
September 10-11, 2021
Townsend, TN
Escape to the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" with a gorgeous course through the woods. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful destination!
5K & 5K Fun Run (untimed)
Friday, September 10
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Course Type: Lollipop loop
Stroller friendly? Yes
Dogs allowed? No
Early: $45 Nov. 20 – Mar. 21, 2021
Regular: $50 Mar. 22 – Jun. 20, 2021
Late: $55 Jun. 21 – Sep. 10, 2021
Half Marathon
Saturday, September 11
7:00 am – 11:00 am
Course Type: Point-to-point
Stroller friendly? Yes
Dogs allowed? No
Early: $109 Nov. 20 – Mar. 21, 2021
Regular: $129 Mar. 22 – Jun. 20, 2021
Late: $149 Jun. 21 – Sep. 10, 2021
Black Bear Double
5K + Half Marathon
September 10 & 11
Register for the Black Bear Double to run both the 5K and Half Marathon and earn special swag.
Early: $170 Nov. 20 – Mar. 21, 2021
Regular: $200 Mar. 22 – Jun. 20, 2021
Late: $225 Jun. 21 – Sep. 10, 2021
*Entries are limited and this race may sell out. If the race sells out, registration will close regardless of registration period.
Race Overview
The Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K is a stunning race with gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee countryside.
Both events finish in front of the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend, TN "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies"!
There will be plenty of parking near the finish for runners and spectators. The 5K starts and finishes in front of the Talley Ho Inn on Friday (Sep. 10th). Half marathon runners will be shuttled to the start on Saturday (Sep. 11th) and will finish at the Talley Ho Inn.
Expand to view Course Map and Elevation Profile
Travel Overview
Race HQ (including bib pickup, the 5K, and the finish line) will be at the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend, TN.
Flying
If you're flying in, look for flights into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville (40 min. drive).
Lodging
We recommend staying in Townsend, TN. but Gatlinburg (45 min. drive) has lots of options as well. Other good sources for planning your stay include Explore Townsend, Peaceful Smokies, and the NPS website.
Experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Video courtesy of Rudy Wilms
PACKAGES & PRICING
Register before June 21st for the best price and to be eligible for refunds!
Registration Periods
Late: June 21 – September 10 (No refunds available this close to the race)
*There is a limited number of entries to each race, and this event may sell out. If the event is sold out, registration will close regardless of registration period.
Need to upgrade to the Black Bear Double?
It's easy!
>> Log into your Run Signup Account >> Go to "Profile" >> Click "Manage Registration"
>> Click "Transfer Event" on the top menu bar
>> Click "Start Transfer"
>> Choose your Event
>> Continue and complete your registration!
*if you deferred into this race or transferred from another race your race credit will be $0 and we will need to help you upgrade your event. Contact us at info@vacationraces.com.
Charity Bibs
Want to run for a great cause? Fundraise for your chosen race and your registration fee could be waived. All funds go to Wander Project to support efforts in and around the communities that host our events. We primarily fund three project areas including: preservation and conservation of public lands; education around local ecology and stewardship; and the promotion of health and well-being. Learn more about Charity Bibs here!
Race Deferment & Credit
You can manage your deferred credit by logging in to RunSignup, clicking Deferrals, and Complete Deferment. From there you can transfer into another race.
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