Aug 30, 2021
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and 5K returns to Townsend
The Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and 5K returns to Townsend this year and will take place on September 10 and 11. Participants can race through trails with breathtaking views in an experience they will never forget, whether it be the 13.1 mile half marathon or the 5K “Fun Run.”
The Smokies are America’s most visited national park because of the peaceful areas, picturesque mountains, and wide range of plant and animal life. Runners will have the time of their lives experiencing this magnificent place.
Vacation Races, the organization hosting the event, selects some of the top places in the country for their races.
A race expo, with bib and packet pickup, will take place on Friday, September 10 at Talley Ho Inn located at 8314 TN-73 in Townsend, Tennessee from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Runners will receive a race shirt and are encouraged to bring a bag for vendor giveaways.
All parking will be located at the finish line at Talley Ho Inn with a shuttle to the start line at Heritage High School. The half marathon is set to start at 7 a.m. on Saturday, September 10.
Runners in the 13.1-mile half marathon will ascend over 700 feet and reach a maximum elevation of 1,156 feet. The beautiful views atone for the mostly uphill course.
The 5K “Fun Run” follows the Townsend Historical Trail. It will occur the evening before the half marathon on Friday, September 10 at 6:15 p.m. at Talley Ho Inn.
Those who are up for an extra challenge can enter the Black Bear Double which includes both the half marathon and 5K. These runners will receive additional double medals and one special swag item chosen at registration.
If runners complete the “club hikes” within 72 hours of finishing their race, they will receive a special medallion. These hikes include the Bunion Club, an eight-mile hike along Charlie’s Bunion Trail, or the LeConte Club, a more difficult 11-mile hike along Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies. A small pin can also be earned by completing the “Trifecta” that includes activities like visiting Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, and Clingman’s Dome. Details and rules for the clubs and trifecta can be found on the race website.
The Townsend area offers many options for lodging, but places book quickly. McGhee Tyson Airport is only a 30-minute drive to Townsend and has on-site rental cars. For those traveling from home, there is access through several major highways.
The Blount Partnership Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell finds the convenient travel to the Smokies critical because runners come to the area from over 30 states.
“The Townsend area of the Smoky Mountains is serene and remote, yet it still has the necessary easy access and transportation,” said Mitchell. “We’re excited to host visitors for the race once again, and we hope they have an incredible time surrounded by nature in the one-of-a-kind national park while enjoying our diverse selection of restaurants and accommodations.”
For more information or to register for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and 5K, visit the race website at greatsmokymountainshalfmarathon.com.
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