Great Smoky Mountains Half & 5K Run in Tennessee, USA

Sept 6 to Sept 7, 2024

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Great Smoky Mountains Half & 5K Run in Tennessee, USA
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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.

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! 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.

Location Note
To be clear, this race doesn't take place inside the National Park. It's difficult to get permission to conduct private business activities on national land (and rightly so.) Having said that, this is about as close to the park as it gets.

Paved Road & Walking Path

This event has a paved course. You will share the course in part with cars. We ask you to practice caution and stay within the cones that mark the course.

Course Markings 

We will have a variety of course markings for this event. They include pink reflective ribbons and additional signage to keep you on track. 

Half Marathon
September 7, 2024
7:00 am (EST)
Start: AM shuttles from Talley Ho to the start line
Finish: Talley Ho Inn (Townsend, TN)

5K Race
September 6, 2024
6:15 pm (EST)
Start/Finish: Talley Ho Inn (Townsend, TN)

Expo & Bib Pickup
September 6, 2024
Expo hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Talley Ho Inn (Townsend, TN)

Quick Info
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and additional options
80° / 59° F
Paved road & walking path
Shuttles to the start line
Wheelchair and stroller accessible

Factors:
Humid climate & gradual uphill course


Training: 

We recommend training on paved paths with uphill portions.

Expect about 6 aid stations on the course near mile 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12 (Exact locations vary).A medic will be stationed typically at the aid station at or near mile 9. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more. 

Cups are not provided on course to help reduce waste.

About

Airfare

Fly into these airports:

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 30min drive

Nashville International Airport (BNA) - 3hr drive

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) - 4hr drive

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Things to keep in mind

Refunds are only available for trips that are happening in the future. You cannot receive a refund for an event that has passed. Further, you cannot receive a refund for a deferred or transferred registration. If your registration meets these two criteria, your refund options are as follows.

3+ months before the trip, you are able to receive a full refund on your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee (this fee covers non-refundable costs we incur from our booking platform and card payment facility)

Between 1-3 months before the trip, you are able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $1,500 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

Less than 1 month before the trip, you are still able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $3,000 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

Covid-19 Policy (updated!)

As of September 1, 2022, a Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required to attend a trip. This decision comes after we’ve reviewed the recommendations from the United States CDC and the various health recommendations of the countries where we travel.

While not required, we recommend the vaccine for those who don’t have infection-induced immunity. We trust that you will make the best decision for your health.