Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K takes place August 28-29, 2026, in Townsend, TN, with race staging at the Talley Ho Inn. Distances offered:
- Half marathon
- 5K
- Black Bear Double (both the 5K and half marathon using the same bib)
Entry prices listed in the source are $160 for the half marathon, $70 for the 5K, and $240 for the Black Bear Double. An expo and bib pickup will be held at the Talley Ho Inn on the day before the half marathon.
Course and logistics
The half marathon is a point-to-point course on paved road and walking path with an elevation gain of 727 ft and a maximum elevation of 1,097 ft. The course is described as slightly uphill and will be an open course shared in part with vehicle traffic; runners are instructed to stay to the right and within course cones. The event includes five aid stations (water, electrolyte drink, gels, fruit) and a medical station at mile 9. The race uses a four-hour time limit (about an 18-minute mile). The 5K runs mostly on the Townsend Historical Trail and starts and finishes at the Talley Ho Inn. Parking and race shuttles are located at the Talley Ho Inn. This is a cup-free, low-waste event; participants are asked to use reusable hydration options. Awards include place medals for top finishers and finisher medals for all finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.