About
Escape to the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" with a gorgeous Half Marathon course through the woods. This point-to-point course is paved, and you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful destination! With the Smoky Mountain Half Marathon, 5K and Black Bear Double (Half Marathon + 5K) you can choose your own adventure.Black Bear Double, 5k and Half Marathon
Where and when
Location8314 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882, USAStart timesFriday, Aug 28, 2026
5k: 6:00 PMSaturday, Aug 29, 2026
Half Marathon: 7:00 AMRoute information
Half Marathon~21 km (13.1 mi), moderate difficulty, paved roads + walking paths. The elevation gain is about 727 ft (≈ 222 m). The course is point-to-point; finish line is at Talley Ho Inn in Townsend.
Open-road sections (traffic may be present), especially on main roads. Runners are expected to stay to the right, follow course markings, and respect traffic.
5K
Evening run on the Friday before. Starts and finishes at the Talley Ho Inn, using local trails/walking paths. More relaxed but still with good organisation.
What's included
- Finisher’s medal, race shirt, and swag (incl. special items if you sign up for the Black Bear Double – both the 5K + Half Marathon)
- Chip timing and official finishing results
- Aid stations along the half-marathon course with water, hydration (e.g. “Gnarly”), bathrooms, and basic first aid
- Expo & packet/bib pickup at Talley Ho Inn the day before, plus race-morning options
- Race day gear check, shuttle service to the start line, race announcements, post-race awards ceremonies