The Smoky Mountain National Park Half Marathon is a must-attend event for runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Held in the picturesque town of Townsend, Tennessee, this half marathon offers a unique and unforgettable running experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Course Description
The Smoky Mountain National Park Half Marathon is a point-to-point course that starts at Heritage High School in Maryville and finishes at the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend. The 13.1-mile course features a gradual climb and small rolling hills, with an overall elevation gain of approximately 130 feet. Runners will be treated to panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee countryside, including a scenic crossing over a covered bridge.
Registration and Fees
Runners can register for the Smoky Mountain National Park Half Marathon through the event’s website, RunSignup.com. The registration fees are as follows:
- Half Marathon: $149
- 5K: $40-$55
- Black Bear Double (5K + Half Marathon): $240
Charity bib options are also available, with fundraising commitments required.
Logistics
The half marathon starts at 7:00 AM, and runners have a course time limit of 4 hours to complete the race. Shuttles are available from the finish line back to the start line, and parking is provided at the finish line with shuttles to the start.
The event also includes a race expo and bib pickup at the Talley Ho Inn, with options for early pickup or race-day pickup.
Scenic Views
One of the main draws of the Smoky Mountain National Park Half Marathon is the stunning scenery that runners will experience throughout the course. The panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee countryside are truly breathtaking, and the course also features a scenic crossing over a covered bridge. Runners will also have the opportunity to take in views of streams and mountains, making this a truly unique and memorable running experience.
Reviews and Tips
The Smoky Mountain National Park Half Marathon is known for its challenging course, with a constant uphill climb that can test even the most experienced runners. However, the scenic beauty of the course makes the challenge worthwhile, and the event is highly recommended for destination runners looking for a memorable running experience.
The race is also family-friendly, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and activities in the surrounding area. Runners are advised to train for the course’s hills and to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, which can vary greatly in the Smoky Mountains.
Additional Information
For more information about the Smoky Mountain National Park Half Marathon, including registration, course details, and event logistics, please visit the event’s website at https://vacationraces.com/half-marathons/great-smoky-mountains/ or the RunSignup page at https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Townsend/GreatSmokyMountainHalfMarathon.
References
- https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Townsend/GreatSmokyMountainHalfMarathon
- https://www.reddit.com/r/running/comments/xby6bl/race_report_great_smoky_mountains_half_marathon/
- https://www.halfmarathons.net/tennessee-great-smoky-mountains-half-marathon/
- https://www.vacationraces.com/half-marathons/great-smoky-mountains/
- https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/great-smoky-mountains-half-marathon-5k/