RUN WHERE THE MIST MEETS THE MOUNTAINS
RUN WHERE THE MIST MEETS THE MOUNTAINS
Weather/Conditions
Closest Airport
Expo / Finish Location
Difficulty
Course Locations
Terrain
Great Smoky
DISTANCES
The Smoky Mountain Half & 5K in Townsend, TN, offers a scenic and relaxed race experience with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The weekend includes a Friday evening 5K and a Saturday Half Marathon, with the option to run both as part of the Black Bear Double for an extra medal. Known for its peaceful setting and runner-friendly vibe, the event emphasizes enjoying the journey.
13.1mi.
AUGUST 29, 2026
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
Run a half marathon on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Save $18
5K
AUGUST 28, 2026
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
This Friday 5K road race is perfect for the whole family.
Save $14
Reasons to run
SMOKY MOUNTAINS
The Smokies breathe in color — rich green forest, cool mist, and hazy ridgelines fading into blue as they climb. The air feels thick with life, carrying that unmistakable scent of leaf, earth, and humidity that defines the Southern Appalachians. Running through this world feels instinctive, almost meditative. The road winds gently, mountains appear and disappear in layered silhouettes, and the experience feels calm and immersive — beauty that doesn’t shout, it resonates.
America’s Most-Visited National Park
Misty Mountain Views
Fully paved course
Victory snacks
Iconic landscape
medal art
Choose the
CHALLENGE
What is the Black Bear Double?
Up for an extra challenge? Try the Black Bear Double! Run the 5K on Friday evening and the half marathon on Saturday morning and earn extra swag! You'll use the same bib for both events.
When
August 28-29, 2026
Where
Townsend, TN
Reasons to run
SMOKY MOUNTAINS
The Smokies breathe in color — rich green forest, cool mist, and hazy ridgelines fading into blue as they climb. The air feels thick with life, carrying that unmistakable scent of leaf, earth, and humidity that defines the Southern Appalachians. Running through this world feels instinctive, almost meditative. The road winds gently, mountains appear and disappear in layered silhouettes, and the experience feels calm and immersive — beauty that doesn’t shout, it resonates.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
5K
AUGUST 28, 2026
1 AID STATION
6:00 PM EDT
PAVED COURSE
WAVE START
107 FEET
This course runs mostly along the Townsend Historical Trail and is relatively flat with gentle, rolling terrain. You’ll enjoy views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains and a peaceful, tree-lined path that starts and finishes at the Talley Ho Inn. It’s a scenic and approachable route for runners of all levels.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
13.1 Miles
AUGUST 29, 2026
5 AID STATIONS
7:00 AM EDT
UPHILL COURSE
4 HRS (18MIN/MILE)
439 FEET
The Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is a beautiful point-to-point course along the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, starting near Heritage High School and finishing at the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend, TN. This is an open course, so you’ll be sharing the road with local traffic at times, especially on narrow stretches and during busier morning hours. Stay alert and keep to the right when running with traffic. Remember to be courteous to drivers, volunteers, fellow runners, and park visitors. Stepping into active traffic is grounds for disqualification. The course will be well marked and supported. Your safety is our top priority!
What to
EXPECT
Race Weekend Schedule
Day 1 — Friday, Aug 28
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Race Expo & Bib Pickup
5:30 PM – 5K runners must be parked
5:45 PM – 5K runners line up
6:00 PM – 5K race starts
7:30PM – Awards Ceremony
Day 2 — Saturday, Aug 29
4:30 AM – Finish line parking area opens & bib pickup begins
5:15 AM – First shuttle loads for start line
6:00 AM – Last shuttle heads to the start line
6:45 AM – Runners line up & last call for gear check
6:50 AM – National Anthem
7:00 AM - Half Marathon race starts
9:15 AM – Overall & Masters awards ceremony
10:00 AM – Age-group awards ceremony
.webp)
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half Marathon events
"The town of Townsend is awesome. Also, Loved the pacing groups and waves that they set up. The spectators along the route were also great to have. Well put together and well-marked."
– Kristen
"The planning and management of these races are exceptional. Every detail racers could want is well-planned and well-executed. The VR team is enthusiastic, dedicated, and thorough. Thank you so much for all you do!"
— Pamela
"Smooth transportation from parking out to the start line. This is a point to point race with a gradual climb. Even for a flat-lander the uphill didn’t hurt."
– Martin
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half events
Event
INFO
Heritage High School (3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN)
If you are dropping a runner off, please enter the parking area behind the school and drop your runner off in the designated drop-off area. The best approach to the back of the school is via Tuckaleechee Pike. The drop-off is for quick unloading only and is not for parking. To avoid any traffic jams from runners being dropped off, please drop-off your runner and then exit the parking area.
We welcome spectators to Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon this year!
Spectators are welcome to park at Tally Ho Inn and meet their runners at the finish line ONLY - please do not stand or park along the highway.
This course is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
As nature lovers, we are committed to keeping our events sustainable and managing negative impacts on the environment. Here's how you can help us:
CUP-FREE RACINGSingle-use plastic is a huge source of waste at any public event. We have reduced that impact by making our events "cup-free".
What does that mean for you?
Coolers of water and electrolyte drink are available at all aid stations, but cups will not be provided on course or at the finish line. In order to stay hydrated, we ask you to bring one of the following:
1. Reusable water bottle
2. Reusable cup - These light-weight cups fold into a pocket or waistband. Request one when you sign up to run!
3. Hydration pack - These are refillable backpacks meant for running that allow you to access fluid via a built-in straw.
ZERO WASTE CONTAINERS
You can help us reduce trash by sorting disposable items into the appropriate container.
You’ll notice three containers at our events:
-
Compostables: Organic goods like banana peels and most food items (without the wrapper please!)
-
Recyclables: Paper, aluminum, cardboard, steel, and glass. Please dump out any liquids into the compost bin BEFORE recycling the container.
-
Everything Else: Non-recyclable food wrappers like from used gel packets and styrofoam. Please dump out any food matter BEFORE throwing away the container.
Please avoid putting organic waste and compostable items in the wrong bin. It gets gross to sort through.-
Any participants hoping to compete for overall awards will need to start in the BLUE wave at the very beginning of the race. While the Overall Male, Female, Non-Binary and Masters Male and Female will be based on chip time for this event, the competitors for these awards will need to begin in the first wave, within the first 15 minutes of the starting gun time. Any athletes crossing the start line after the first wave begins will be considered for Age Group awards.
Awards
Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group.
Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal:
11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older.
As of yet, we do not offer non-binary age group awards.
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.
The official Race Shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded upon crossing the finish line.
Exclusive Race merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over.
Please allow time for us to add items online.
Make Your Medal Even More Meaningful with iTab 🏅
Now, you can make it last forever with an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finishing time that clips right onto your medal ribbon.
Pre-order before race day, and it’ll be sent to you automatically after you finish. If you missed out on pre-order, no worries. You can order yours today for just $15, including postage & packaging here.
Results
Live results will be hosted online by Laurel. Visit the results button below for final finisher times after the event is completed. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Got questions about your placement? Please email timing@brooksee.com.
Ship My Medal
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you! Visit this link to have your place medal shipped to you.
Photos
New for 2026, FinisherPix will be at each event to capture your race memories. Within 24-48 hours post-event, your photos will be available at the link below. You can purchase your race photos ahead of race day during registration or directly through FinisherPix. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format). A link to download all images will automatically be emailed to you when photos are available online. Click the button below to view race weekend photos once available. Search for your individual photos by last name or bib number.
Explore
GREAT SMOKY
We realize that the races in this series are out of the way for most runners, and it may be the only time that you visit these breathtaking areas. One of our biggest desires is that you walk away from this event having fully experienced what the region has to offer.
While in the area we encourage you to continue the adventure and spend time in the parks!
2026
MEDAL & TEE
Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to get a sneak peak!
Coming Soon
Race weekend isn’t just a start line — it’s a full-on adventure, and we want your trip to feel smooth from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering, HotelPlanner makes it easy to book the right place to stay with exclusive discounted rates for Great Smoky participants, friends, and family, plus a seamless booking experience and 24/7 customer support.
Your Great Smoky HotelPlanner page is set up with official race weekend dates and lodging options near key event areas like Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line, so you’re close to the action and ready for a stress-free race morning. Book early to snag the best rates and make the most of your time in Townsend, TN.
Book Your Stay with HotelPlanner Now!
Our Partners
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Beat the next price increase.
Be the first to unlock priority access, race updates, and exclusive perks.
