Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K
Townsend, TN | Sep. 10-11, 2021
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
Date: September 11, 2021
Start: 7:00 am in Maryville, TN
End: 11:00 am in Townsend, TN
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.
The course will be well marked but it is your responsibility to stay to the right when running with traffic and be courteous and mindful of cars and other runners. DO NOT step off the course into traffic, you will be disqualified. We want you to stay safe. Be courteous.
The course is only slightly uphill so there should be plenty of time for walkers.
Click the image for an interactive map
Time limit
All runners will have 4 hours to finish the race from the time you cross the starting line. That is an 18-minute mile - plenty of time for walkers! That means, if your wave begins at 8:30am, you will have until 12:30pm to complete the race. If at anytime we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course we would hope for understanding and immediate cooperation. Failure to comply will result in being banned from future events.
Course Records
Our course record holders receive a FREE RACE ENTRY every year that their time remains the course record! The current course record holders are:
Male Overall: Glen Burkhardt 1:09:11 (2019)
Female Overall: Katie Taylor 1:21:51 (2020)
Male Masters: Chris White 1:21:52 (2020)
Female Masters: Shanda Warren 1:31:21 (2019)
Aid Stations
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course at around mile 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. A medic will be stationed typically at the aid station at or near mile 7. Keep in mind, the exact location of each aid station may vary from race to race. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more.
All stations are cup-free so plan to bring your own hydration solution or request a free HydraPouch when you register.
You have a couple of options for picking up your bib and race packet including at the race expo or we can mail it to you. When you register, we ask you to indicate when you plan to pick up your bib. If you plans change, don’t worry about it. We only ask to help us plan in terms of numbers.
Option #1: Race Expo (recommended)
Race expos are held the Friday before the race. They typically run 5-7 hours, allowing you to get your bib at your convenience.
Option #2: Race Morning (not recommended)
We will have limited race morning packet pickup. We do not recommend waiting until the morning, but if it cannot be avoided - we understand.
Option #3: Shipped Before the Race
There is a cost of $30 if you want to have your bib and shirt mailed to you. We do this as a convenience for runners not wanting to drive to the area early. You can add a shipped bib to your registration until one month before the race by logging into RunSignup, clicking Manage Registration, and Add Ons.
Refunds: Once your package is shipped, you are officially checked in to the race and no longer qualify for our refund, deferment, or transfer options.
Race Expo
Location: Talley Ho Inn (8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882)
Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
We recommend joining us for the race expo! You can pick up your bib packet, check out merchandise, and meet fellow runners. It's a great way to get pumped up for the event!
Bring Your Own Bag
In our ongoing effort to eliminate waste during our races, our expos are bagless events. We encourage you to BYOB (bring your own bag) to hold your bib, race shirt, and any goodies you pick up from the race expo!
Schedule Breakdown
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 – RACE STARTS! We will have a rolling start for all runners
7:15 am – Sunrise
9:15 am – Overall & Masters awards ceremony
10:00 am – Age-group awards ceremony
Last minute bib pickup, gear check, toilets, hot chocolate and coffee will be at the start line. Please maintain 6 ft. of distance with others around you as you get ready to start your race. Shuttles will arrive approximately every 20 minutes.
Parking Lots
Location: Talley Ho Inn (8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882)
Opening time: 4:30 am
We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. There will be no parking at the start line - runners will need to take the race shuttle or be dropped off at the start line.
Shuttles
Morning shuttles to the starting line will load and leave from 5:15 - 6:00 am. There will be no shuttles after the race. Runners can park and head to E Lamar Alexander Parkway to meet the shuttles. Check the map below for our race day staging!
To avoid traffic congestion, we strongly encourage runners to arrive early - we will have plenty of coffee and hot chocolate waiting for you at the start line race morning.
Runner Drop-off
Location: 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 are welcome spectators back 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.
We recommend downloading the RaceJoy app to track your runner's progress and send them cheers!
Grand Teton 5K & Fun Run
We are excited to be offering a 5K race!
Date: September 10th, 2021
Start Time: 6:15 pm
Location: Talley Ho Inn (8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882)
What's the Fun Run? The Fun Run is for those who do not wish to be timed. You run the same course and receive a race shirt and medal, but you will not be able to compete for any awards.
The Race
The 5K course runs mostly on the Townsend Historical Trail. The race will start and finish at the Talley Ho Inn (same place as the expo).
Spectators are welcome at the finish line, but may NOT stand or park along the highway.
A wave start will help us organize the race start line area and prevent overcrowding on the course. There will be 9 waves assigned where runners will line up with the wave according to the colored wave on your bib. These assignments are made based on estimated finish time.
You may seed yourself in a different wave if you choose. We will break the waves into three separate starts to allow vehicle traffic, so please be patient as it takes us a little bit to get everyone started.
We will stage everyone near the expo and then all cross the highway together before the start. We do not police the waves and so if you need to run in a different wave you are free to do so (you don’t need to notify us). But please do not switch waves unless you absolutely NEED to.
Click for the interactive map
Aid Station
There will be one aid station on the course near the half way point (mile 1.5). The aid station will have water, Gnarly, and bathrooms. Like the half marathon, this race will be cupless!
Bib Pickup
Our expo will be in the same place as the start line. 5K runners will have until 30 minutes before the race to pick up their bibs so that we can get you all lined up and ready to go!
Course Records
Our course record holders receive a FREE RACE ENTRY every year that their time remains the course record! The current course record holders are:
Male Overall: Jared Jenkins 17:41 (2020)
Female Overall: Caitlyn Morgan 20:19 (2020)
Male Masters: David Cutchins 21:02 (2020)
Female Masters: Amber Reece-Young 23:02 (2020)
Looking for more fun, more of a challenge, and more swag? Sign up for the Black Bear Double (5K + Half)!
What is the Black Bear Double?
To give our runners an extra challenge, events with both a 5K and Half Marathon can be combined as a "Double". Our intrepid Double runners commit to running a 5K + Half Marathon within 24 hours!
Challenge Rewards
To celebrate your accomplishment, Double runners receive:
1. Additional Double medals
(Just like your race-specific medal, these are given out near the finish line AFTER you complete your Double.)
2. One special swag item
(Choose your item at registration, then pick it up at the race expo! We'll have additional items for sale.)
Black Bear Double
Races:
Great Smoky Mountains 5K
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
Two races, one weekend! You'll run both Smokies races within the span of 24 hours. Pretty hard, core right?
Check in before the 5K and use this bib for both races.
Registration & Upgrades
You MUST register for your specific Double not separate races.
If you register for the races separately, you will need to upgrade into the correct Double in order to receive special swag and medals.
Need to upgrade to a Double?
This is considered an event transfer. You can transfer into a Double via your account on Run Signup.
*if you deferred or transferred into this race your race credit will appear as $0. Contact us at info@www.vacationraces.com and we'll complete the upgrade for you!
As nature lovers, we are committed to keeping our events sustainable and managing negative impacts on the environment. Our goal is to send less than one bag of actual “trash” to the landfill after each event. We have managed to meet this goal at events with over 3,000 participants!
Here's how you can help us:
CUP-FREE RACING
All Vacation Races events are "cup-free". Coolers of water and Gnarly Hydrate (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 - you can fill these up at any aid station and at the start/finish
2. Hydrapouch - These handheld cups clip onto your clothes and are our recommended choice! We offer these free when you register, but they will also be available at the expo for $10.
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:
Please avoid putting organic waste and compostable items in the wrong bin. It gets gross to sort through.
Toilets
When possible, we also use Great Outdoors Composting Portable Toilets which conserve water, eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, and create a nutrient rich soil amenity. It is the best pooping experience you will ever have. To learn more or to have them at your event visit GreatOutdoorsToilets.com or ask the race officials for more information.
Race Results
Visit RunSignup for race results. Runner times are available ~20 minutes after you finish the race. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Because our age group winners are based on chip time, it is possible to cross the finish line before someone else in your age group while still finishing with a slower time than them.
You can view race results from past races below:
2020 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2019 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2018 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2017 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2016 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you!
Got questions about your placement? please email timing@www.vacationraces.com.
Race Photos
Race photos are offered to our runners for FREE! Race photos are available the Friday following the week of the race via RunSignup. We will send out an email when they're posted to the album. Past race photos are also available via the link, with the exception of our 2016 & 2017 races. These can be accessed for a fee.
Award Ceremony Photos
Award ceremony photos are posted within a week of the race. You can find a link to the award ceremony photos below:
Share your experiences with us!
Be sure to use #GSMhalf in any photos you post from the race or your adventures exploring the park so we can share in the fun with you!
Exclusive Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon 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.
Bib & Packet Pickup
When you register, we'll ask you to indicate when you plan to pick up your bib. If you plans change, don’t worry about it. We only ask to help us plan in terms of numbers.
Your choices to pick up your packet are:
Option #1: Drive-thru Bib Pickup (recommended)
We’ll have our drive-thru bib pickup on September 10th in Townsend, TN, at the Talley Ho Inn. You will be able to pick up your bib between 10am and 5pm.
Option #2: Race Morning (not recommended)
We will provide limited race morning packet pickup. The race starts very early, so having to worry about getting your bib on race morning will only add unneeded stress to your life. But we know sometimes it just can't be avoided. If it can be avoided, please do not pick your packet up the morning of the race.
Bib pickup on race morning will be right next to the starting line. Be sure to pick up your as soon as you arrive at the start line. The first wave of the race starts promptly at 7:00 am.
Option #3: Shipped To You (US residents only)
There is a cost of $30 if you want to have your bib and shirt mailed to you. We do this as a convenience for runners not wanting to drive to Townsend early. This option is only available BEFORE the final price jump.
Refunds: Once your package is shipped, you are officially checked in to the race and no longer qualify for our refund, deferment, or transfer options.
Other Details
Bring Your Own Bag
In our ongoing effort to eliminate waste during our events, our expos are bagless. We encourage you to #BYOBag to hold your bib, race shirt, and any goodies you pick up from the race expo! Since this year is a drive-thru bib pickup, you can keep everything in your car as you collect your race items.
Race Shirts
If you're unhappy with the fit of your race shirt, or were unable to order the size you wanted, we will have a shirt exchange available at the finish line on race day. Please note that sizes and quantity will be limited.
Travel Information
We want to help you make the most out of your vacation. Below we will post links to some of our sponsors as well as general information.
Two good sources for your stay are the Peaceful Smokies website and the NPS website. Also be sure to check the Smoky Mountains page to learn more about park activities.
Get to know Townsend, the park, and other areas near the race!
Getting Here
There are lots of different ways to get to our host town Townsend, TN, so we’ve listed some general directions for driving and flying.
Flying
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.
More information about McGhee Tyson Airport
From the airport, you’ll head south on US-129 to Maryville. In Maryville, you’ll take US-321 going northeast to Townsend.
Driving
Directions to Bib Pickup
>>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.
Lodging
We recommend staying in Townsend, TN. but Gatlinburg (45 min. drive) has lots of options as well. Two good sources for you as you search for lodging are the Peaceful Smokies website and the NPS website.
Additional Hotel Options
We've partnered with Booking.com to search for the best hotel options in the area. Check them out below!
HOTEL
Race Day
Parking & Shuttles
We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. There will be no parking at the start line- runners will need to take the race shuttle or be dropped off at the start line. All parking will be at the finish line:
TALLEY HO INN - 8314 TN-73, TOWNSEND, TN
Runners will be shuttled to the start line. Shuttles will load and leave from 5:20 am - 7:30 am. There will be no shuttles after the race.
*NOTE: The Finish line parking area will open at 4:50 am on race morning.
Runner Drop-off
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 at the Heritage High School (3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN). 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.
Schedule Breakdown
4:50 am – Finish line parking area opens
5:20 am – First shuttle departs for start line
5:30 am – Start line bib pickup begins
6:30 am – Pacers line up
6:45 am – Runners line up
6:55 am – National Anthem
7:00 am – RACE STARTS! New waves will begin the race as they arrive to the start lines on the shuttles.
7:17 am – Sunrise
8:30 am – Last wave begins race
Recommended Hikes
We like to encourage our runners to get out and enjoy the area where we hold our races.
These hikes are meant to be difficult and they can sometimes be dangerous. If you choose to attempt any of these hikes, you need to take them seriously. Please bring lots of water (more than you think you need), and bear spray.
We are phasing out our Club and Trifecta hikes after the 2021 year! You can find all the Club and Trifecta hikes included as part of the Grand Teton Explorer Club activities list.
You can Spark Challenges
You can still snap a photo and share it with us on social by using #GSMHalf. We love to see our runners out in the wild!
Charlie’s Bunion Trail is an 8 mile round-trip hike along the Appalachian Trail! The hike starts at the Newfound Gap parking lot and begins climbing through a shady forest. You’ll get some mountain views as you climb through the trees. At about 2 miles the trail gets steeper, but your views start to get more dramatic. At 3 miles you’ll descend through a gully to Masa Knobb. The trail narrows as you finish the hike and reach Charlie’s Bunion!
If you need to refill your water at Icewater Spring, make sure you have a purification system to sterilize the water. Climbing around Charlies Bunion can be dangerous, so be careful exploring the area.
Alum Cave Trail is a difficult 11 mile round-trip hike to Mt. LeConte, the third highest peak in the Smokies! The trail starts at the Alum Cave Trailhead. As you hike, you’ll see a lot of rock formations. Around mile 2 you’ll start getting some really good mountain views. At mile 2.2 you’ll see Alum Cave (which is actually a concave bluff). Not too long after you’ll have to navigate some narrow ledges a small waterfalls. Don’t worry! There are cable hand rails along the trail, but please be careful! You’ll reach LeConte Lodge at about mile 5, but the peak won’t be for another half mile.
Trail Closure: This trail is under some restoration and will be CLOSED MONDAY-THURSDAY. If you’re interested in completing this hike, you’ll need to do it Saturday after the race, or Sunday.
Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular hikes along Newfound Gap Road. The trail owes much of its popularity to its relatively short length, and its outstanding panoramic views from the pinnacles. Its length, less than 2 miles, however, makes for a very steep hike - so much so that many hikers don’t even reach the top.
The first half of the trail is relatively tame. However, to reach the summit, hikers have to climb more than 960 feet over the course of the last mile! The trail passes several beautiful cascading streams. Be careful and don’t attempt to hike in wet conditions, the rocks can become very slippery.
Note: Chimney Tops trail has reopened since the closure in 2016. However, the last scramble to the summit remains closed due to fire damage. If you do this hike please do not go beyond any trail closures.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. An 11-mile, oneway loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace.
Laurel Falls
Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited.
Clingman's Dome
At 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft) and Mt. Craig (6,647 ft), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingman's Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep 1/2 mile walk to the tower at the top.
Past Race Results & Photos
Results
You can view race results from past races below:
2020 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2019 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2018 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2017 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
2016 Great Smoky Mountain Half Results | 5K Results
If you see that you placed, but didn't stick around for the awards ceremony, no worries! You can request to have your place medal shipped to you!
If you have questions about your placement or results, please email timing@www.vacationraces.com.
Photos
Race Photos
Race photos are available the Friday following the week of the race. We will send out an email when they're posted to the album as well as place the link below. This year we are offering race photos FREE to all our runners!
Award Ceremony Photos
Award ceremony photos are posted within a week of the race. You can find a link to the award ceremony photos below:
Share your experiences with us!
Be sure to use #GSMHalf in any photos you post from the race or your adventures exploring the park so we can share in the fun with you!
Race Merchandise
Exclusive Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon merchandise is available in our online store.
