Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
Event summary
The Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K is a stunning race with gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee countryside.
How to enter
What's included:
- Great Smoky Mountains tech race shirt
- Finisher medals (1 half marathon medal, 1 5K medal)
13 1 M Run
Run 13.1mi
5 K Run
Run 5km
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Questions
What's on your mind? Past attendees and our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you prepare.
Running Events in the United States
Running Events in the United States
Route description
Route description
Half Marathon This is a 13.1 mi course in Townsend, TN, United States. The route has a total ascent of 727.48 ft and has a maximum elevation of 1,156.23 ft. This will be an "open course" meaning there will be cars on the road as well as runners. There are sections on main roads where traffic may be heavy. These spots on the course could get a little crowded.
5K The course is going to be in Townsend, TN, on the Townsend Historical Trail. The race will finish in front of the Tally Ho Inn.
4:30 am – Finish line parking area opens
5:00 am – Start line bib pickup begins
5:20 am – First shuttle departs for start line
5:30 am – First prize raffle (every 5 minutes)
6:30 am – Last call for bib pickup / Pacers line up
6:45 am – Runners line up / Last call for gear check
6:55 am – National Anthem
7:00 am – RACE STARTS!
7:14 am – Sunrise
9:45 am – Awards Ceremony
8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Get directionsFlying
Your best bet will be to fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Several major airlines fly here, and it’s only a 30 minute drive to Townsend. They also have on-site car rental available, as well as taxis and shuttles so it’s your most convenient option.
From the airport, you’ll head south on US-129 to Maryville. In Maryville, you’ll take US-321 going northeast to Townsend.
Driving
From the South
Depending on where you are coming from in the southern U.S., you’ll take either I-59 or I-75 headed north. I-59 connects with I-24 east, which connects with I-75. Once you are headed north on I-75 you’ll take US-321 going northeast to Townsend.
From the North
From the northern U.S., take either I-81 or I-75 south to Knoxville, TN. In Knoxville you’ll get on US-129 to Maryville. In Maryville, you’ll take US-321 going northeast to Townsend.
From the West
Take I-40 East and exit at MM 376B to I-140 E (towards Maryville). Then take exit 11A to US-129. You’ll follow signs through Alcoa (TN), and Maryville to US-321 northeast to Townsend.
From the East
You’ll take I-40 west to get to Townsend. Take US-411 to US-321 to Townsend.
However, if you’re willing to add about 20 minutes to your drive, you can finish the trip to Townsend with a scenic route through the Smoky Mountains. You’ll stay on US-74 and follow signs for Atlanta and then take US-441 to Townsend.
13 1 M Run
5 K Run
Route description
Route description
Half Marathon This is a 13.1 mi course in Townsend, TN, United States. The route has a total ascent of 727.48 ft and has a maximum elevation of 1,156.23 ft. This will be an "open course" meaning there will be cars on the road as well as runners. There are sections on main roads where traffic may be heavy. These spots on the course could get a little crowded.
5K The course is going to be in Townsend, TN, on the Townsend Historical Trail. The race will finish in front of the Tally Ho Inn.
4:30 am – Finish line parking area opens
5:00 am – Start line bib pickup begins
5:20 am – First shuttle departs for start line
5:30 am – First prize raffle (every 5 minutes)
6:30 am – Last call for bib pickup / Pacers line up
6:45 am – Runners line up / Last call for gear check
6:55 am – National Anthem
7:00 am – RACE STARTS!
7:14 am – Sunrise
9:45 am – Awards Ceremony
8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Get directionsFlying
Your best bet will be to fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Several major airlines fly here, and it’s only a 30 minute drive to Townsend. They also have on-site car rental available, as well as taxis and shuttles so it’s your most convenient option.
From the airport, you’ll head south on US-129 to Maryville. In Maryville, you’ll take US-321 going northeast to Townsend.
Driving
From the South
Depending on where you are coming from in the southern U.S., you’ll take either I-59 or I-75 headed north. I-59 connects with I-24 east, which connects with I-75. Once you are headed north on I-75 you’ll take US-321 going northeast to Townsend.
From the North
From the northern U.S., take either I-81 or I-75 south to Knoxville, TN. In Knoxville you’ll get on US-129 to Maryville. In Maryville, you’ll take US-321 going northeast to Townsend.
From the West
Take I-40 East and exit at MM 376B to I-140 E (towards Maryville). Then take exit 11A to US-129. You’ll follow signs through Alcoa (TN), and Maryville to US-321 northeast to Townsend.
From the East
You’ll take I-40 west to get to Townsend. Take US-411 to US-321 to Townsend.
However, if you’re willing to add about 20 minutes to your drive, you can finish the trip to Townsend with a scenic route through the Smoky Mountains. You’ll stay on US-74 and follow signs for Atlanta and then take US-441 to Townsend.