Cades Cove Loop Lope
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Event
The Cades Cove Loop Lope is an organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cades Cove, Townsend, Tennessee. The 2025 edition is scheduled for Sunday, November 9, 2025. The event benefits Friends of the Smokies; funds support park projects such as historic preservation, wildlife conservation, and native plant and grassland restoration. Participation is limited to 750 total runners.
Distances
- 5K
- 10-Mile USATF Certified Loop
Trophies are awarded to the overall first-place male and female finishers for both distances, and there are first-place age-category awards.
Logistics and race rules
Packet pickup and bib distribution are available at two locations: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at River Sports Outfitters (2918 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN) and Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Townsend Visitor Center (7906 E Lamar, Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN). A limited number of vehicle reservation passes for on-site access in Cades Cove will be offered for an additional fee; parking passes often sell out quickly. Participants without a vehicle pass must carpool with a passholder or use group transportation from the Townsend Visitor Center. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available.
There is a low creek crossing on the 5K course near the start of Sparks Lane; a volunteer will be stationed with towels. Strollers are allowed, but note the water crossing and shuttle transport rules. Race sweeps occur after set time intervals and there is a time limit for official finishers. Registrations cannot be transferred to other participants. Event distance transfers are allowed through the participant profile until October 10, 2025. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.