Legions of runners from the Southeast and beyond are preparing to head to Blount County for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon, a race event taking place Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10 in Townsend, Tennessee.
More than 2,300 participants are expected to run the event’s two distances: Saturday’s half marathon and Friday’s inaugural 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 by the abundance of entries for this year’s event,” said race President and Founder Salem Stanley. “The addition of the 5K has made this an even more popular race weekend, and we look forward to showcasing Blount County’s beauty for hundreds of new and returning participants.”
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 50 percent discount off next year’s event. 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.
This is the third 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 9. Runners on a team of 6 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.