Great Smoky Mountains Race Weekend Returns to Townsend Aug. 28–29

Runners will gather in Townsend for the Great Smoky Mountains 5K and half marathon Aug. 28–29, a two-day race weekend based just outside the national park.

The 5K begins at 6 p.m. Friday. The race expo and bib pickup open at noon and close at 5 p.m. for 5K and Black Bear Double participants. Organizers say runners should be parked by 5:30 p.m. before walking to the start area.

The half marathon starts at 7 a.m. Saturday. Parking opens at 4:30 a.m., with shuttle service beginning shortly afterward. The last shuttle to the start is scheduled for 6 a.m., making early arrival important for runners and anyone traveling through the event area.

Participants who register for the Black Bear Double complete both races within 24 hours. They receive the standard race items for each distance along with an additional challenge medal and a choice of bonus merchandise.

Vacation Races promotes the course as a mountain-view road race rather than a run inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Townsend serves as the gateway and event base, giving runners access to the quieter side of the Smokies while keeping the race itself outside park trails.

The weekend will bring concentrated early-morning traffic, shuttle activity and runners to Townsend. Drivers who are not attending should allow extra time around race operations Friday evening and early Saturday.

Runners should rely on the official race guide for parking assignments, bib pickup and any last-minute course changes. The organizer notes that details can change to meet local permit and safety requirements.