Dollywood is lacing up for a different kind of entertainment experience, hosting its first-ever race in the heart of its theme park. Taking place during the vibrant Flower & Food Festival on April 25-26, 2026, the park promises runners the unique opportunity to dart through its famed attractions, bedecked in spring's full bloom. Eager participants can look forward to a smorgasbord of runs, including a half-marathon, a 5k, a 10k, and a 1-mile kids' fun run, as detailed by WVLT.
The centerpiece of the race weekend, the half-marathon, is slated for an early 6:30 a.m. start on Sunday, allowing runners to beat the Smoky Mountain heat. Race courses will meander not only through the amusement park but also extend into the surrounding landscapes. Companion activities scheduled for Saturday, geared towards the younger runners and those seeking shorter distances, have their starting gun going off at 7 a.m. "I love to run myself, so the opportunity to host our very first Run Dollywood race weekend is exciting for me personally!" President Eugene Naughton told WATE.
Those keen on joining the festivities can stay tuned for registration details, which are set to appear on the Run Dollywood page soon. As the race weekend nears, runners can collect their bibs on Friday, April 24, at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. With the promise of "a few surprises along the way that only Dollywood can provide," excitement is already building for what could become a staple event in the running community, aiming to attract visitors beyond its traditional theme park-goer base, as per WBIR.
