On Friday and Saturday, September 8 and 9, numerous runners from the Southeast are preparing to head to Blount County for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon, a race event taking place in Townsend, Tennessee.
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to breathtaking mountain views and diverse flora. The natural beauty and cooler temperatures of the forests attract runners from across the country.
More than 5,500 people are expected to attend with 2,500 of them being runners for the Saturday half marathon and Friday 5K. There are two versions of the 5K: a competitive division and an untimed fun run. Participants are also invited to participate in the Black Bear Double, an opportunity to run both events and receive special prizes.
“We are thrilled to produce a half marathon in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of our country’s most beautiful National Parks,” said Race Director Katherine Bruce. “We’re excited to see the abundance of runners this race draws year after year.”
The half marathon starts behind Heritage High School on Tuckaleechee Pike and winds its way along Old Walland Highway into Townsend, where it concludes at the Talley Ho Inn. The 5K covers nearly the entire length of the Townsend Historical Trail in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains.
Race attendees are also invited to participate in as many as three club hikes – Chimney Tops, Charlie’s Bunion and Mount LeConte. Runners who complete one of the three hikes within 72 hours of the race receive a special commemorative medallion. These hikes are expected to appeal to the one-third of participants visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its surrounding areas for the first time.
Runners are encouraged to attend the expo on September 8 in Townsend at the Tally Ho Inn. The expo will begin at 11:00 a.m. with vendors present until 6:00 p.m. Bibs and packets can be picked up during this event or on race day at from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Blount County offers an abundance of travel options and accommodations for the race. The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is only a 30-minute drive to Townsend and the area has access to major highways like I-75, I-40 and I-81. The area is also home to a variety of resorts, inns, cabins, hotels, campgrounds and bed and breakfasts, located within, or in close proximity, to Townsend.
This is the fourth year the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon has taken place. Last year’s event welcomed more than 1,200 participants from 38 states and three countries.
| The event website – www.greatsmokymountainshalfmarathon.com – includes registration prices, travel information, course maps, merchandise, training programs and other important information. Prospective participants can register as late as September 8. Runners on a team of six or more will each receive a $10 discount, and their groups will be automatically entered in the team category in addition to the individual category.