Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
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About
See the beautiful sights available near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in this trail running event. Take on the 5k, the Half Marathon, or try your hand at both in the Black Bear Double. Take part and earn a finisher's medal and more.
5k, Black Bear Double and Half Marathon
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6:30pm Fri 9th Sep 2022 - 7:00am Sat 10th Sep 2022
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Townsend, United States
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Where and when
Location
8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Start times
7:00am Sat 10th Sep 2022
Half Marathon:
7:00am 6:30pm Fri 9th Sep 2022
5k:
6:30pm | Black Bear Double:
6:30pm Races summary
Here's what races are available for Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
Half Marathon
13.1mi
$74 - $149
5k
5km
$25 - $55
Black Bear Double
16.2mi
$120 - $200
Route information
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.
Organizer route images
What's included
- Finisher's Medals
- Unique Black Bear Double Finisher's Medal
- Event T-Shirt
- Unique Black Bear Double Event Swag
- Aid Station
- Timed Events
- Fun Run
How to get there
8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Get full directionsBy Car
Exit the US-321 onto E Lamar Alexander Pkwy to reach the event.
Event day logistics
Friday
10am to 5pm Race Expo & Bib Pickup
6:30pm 5k(Timed & Fun Run) start
Saturday
4:30am Parking lots & Bib Pickup opens
5:15am First shuttle loads for start line
6am Last shuttle heads to the start line
6:45am Last Call for Gear Check & Runners Line Up for Half Marathon
6:50am National Anthem
7am Half Marathon starts
7:15am Sunrise
9:15am Overall & Masters Awards
10am Age Group Awards
11am Half Marathon Cut Off Time
Black Bear Double Challenge
The Black Bear Double Challenge tasks participants to compete in both the Friday evening 5k and the Saturday morning Half Marathon. Participants in this event will receive a medal for the 5k and Half Marathon, as well as a third medal for completing the Black Bear Double Challenge.
Simply running both the 5k & the Half Marathon does not qualify you for this challenge. You must enter the Black Bear Double at checkout to qualify for this event and earn the unique Black Bear Double Medal & Swag.
5k Fun Run
The Fun Run event runs at the same time. place and course as the 5k. However, participants in the Fun Run will not be able to have their race timed. They will still receive an Event T-Shirt & 5k Finisher's Medal.
Cut Off Time
The Half Marathon will have a time limit of 4 hours, meaning a cut off time of 11am. This amounts to a pace of 18 minutes per mile, which is plenty of time to walk the course.
Course Records
Course record holders receive a free entry into a vacation races event for every year that their time remains a record. As of the start of 2022, the current holders and times for this events Half Marathon are:
Male Overall: Glen Burkhardt 1:09:11 (2019)
Female Overall: Cassidy Heaton 1:21:37 (2021)
Male Masters: Chris White 1:21:52 (2020)
Female Masters: Shanda Warren 1:31:21 (2019)
Male Overall: Glen Burkhardt 1:09:11 (2019)
Female Overall: Cassidy Heaton 1:21:37 (2021)
Male Masters: Chris White 1:21:52 (2020)
Female Masters: Shanda Warren 1:31:21 (2019)
The record holders for the 5k are:
Male Overall: Orinthal Striggles 17:12 (2021)
Female Overall: Caitlyn Morgan 20:19 (2020)
Male Masters: Orinthal Striggles 17:12 (2021)
Female Masters: Julie Stackhouse 20:40 (2021)
Male Overall: Orinthal Striggles 17:12 (2021)
Female Overall: Caitlyn Morgan 20:19 (2020)
Male Masters: Orinthal Striggles 17:12 (2021)
Female Masters: Julie Stackhouse 20:40 (2021)
Aid Stations
The 5k will have one aid station at the halfway point.
There will be around 6 aid stations on the Half Marathon course. There will be a medic station at a station near the halfway mark.
Aid Stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies and more.
Cup-less Event
Please be aware that this will be a cup free event, in order to reduce trash created. There will be no cups provided at the start/finish line or any aid station. You will need to bring your own container to carry water with you.
If you cannot bring your own water container, you can get a HydraPouch® supplied to you, either at the event or shipped to you. If it is less then a month to the event, having the pouch shipped is not guaranteed, so it is recommended that you collect your pouch at the Race Expo.
COVID-19
Please remember that this event may be impacted due to COVID-19. The event has an increased chance of being cancelled, or postponed due to unexpected COVID-19 developments. All runners who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are expected to avoid attending the event.
FAQs
Can I bring my dog to the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon?
No, unfortunately dogs will not be allowed at this event.
What is the cut off time for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon?
The Half Marathon will have a 4 hour time limit, meaning a cut off time of 11am.
What is the Black Bear Double at the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon?
The Black Bear Double challenges participants to run the 5k & the Half Marathon. Participants in the Black Bear Double will receive a unique medal & swag. Simply running both events will not make you eligible for this event, you must enter the event at checkout.
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Running Event Distances
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