5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons
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5k races
Name City Date Website Battle of Franklin 5k Wear your best historical costume for a chance to win the first ever costume contest at the Battle of Franklin 5k and Fun Run! This walker friendly race begins and finishes at the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. There is also a quarter mile kids run as well. Proceeds benefit the maintenance of the Carnton and the Carter House.see more detailsFranklin 17 November 2018 Battle of Franklin 5k Neon Nights for St Jude Help raise money for St Jude Children's Hospital at the Nights for St Jude 5k! The race will be held on the Dyersburg Municipal Golf Course. First 100 participants are guaranteed a shirt. There will also be finishers medals for participants. Runners are encouraged to dress in neon colors and Glow In the Dark or an outrageous golfing outfit.see more detailsDyersburg 11 November 2017 Neon Nights for St Jude Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories at the Chattanooga Hungry Turkey 5k! The course features beautiful views of the Tennessee River. Participants will receive a two-toned hoodie and for those who earned them, a finishers medal. Be sure to grab one of the famous cinnamon rolls at the finish line! 5k $37.99 until 11/23/19 Then it is $50see more detailsChattanooga 30 November 2019 Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Knoxville Turkey Trot The Knoxville Track Club host this popular Thanksgiving tradition - the Knoxville Turkey Trot! Participants will meet at the Southern Railway Station. Pre-registered runners are guaranteed a shirt. A "no shirt" option is available. The course has an hour and 15 minutes time limit.see more detailsKnoxville 22 November 2018 Knoxville Turkey Trot Gossett Gobble 5k Trail Run Looking for a trail Turkey Trot? The Gossett Gobble 5k is held at Harpeth River State Park. This is a family-friendly race and suitable for all ages. Proceeds go to the Friends of Harpeth River State Park. Registration for the 5k costs $20.see more detailsKingston Springs 23 November 2017 Gossett Gobble 5k Trail Run Hill YEAH! 5k If you are looking for hills, then it's no surprise that the Hill YEAH! 5k has got plenty of them! The course will take runners through West Meade in Nashville. Swag guaranteed if registered by December 14. The race begins at 8:30 am.see more detailsNashville 30 December 2017 Hill YEAH! 5k Rudolph's Red Nose Run Kick off the Nashville Christmas Parade in this 5k! This race is open to all ages and all levels and is walker friendly. Proceeds of the event go to NeedLink Nashville. Stick around after the race for the parade, festivities and Santa's arrival!see more detailsNashville 8 December 2018 Rudolph's Red Nose Run Jingle Bell 5k Runners are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas outfit in this 5k run/walk. Runners, young and old, will receive a pair of reindeer antlers. Participants will receive a shirt. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available. Proceeds benefit the St Christopher's Catholic Church crisis shelter.see more detailsDickson 10 December 2019 Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk 5K4MLK Join runners as they celebrate racial and cultural diversity in Nashville's 5K4 MLK race! Register early to ensure you get a t-shirt. The race begins at 7:30 am at the East Park Community Center. Proceeds will go to the Barefoot Republic scholarship fund. This race is open to all ages. (12 and under run for free!)see more detailsNashville 15 January 2018 5K4MLK Zen Evo Chocolate Lovers Valentine 5K Bring your loved ones for this Valentine themed 5k! Stick around after for post-race hot chocolate and chocolate dipped strawberries. Participants will receive a long sleeve tech shirt and chocolates. There will be a special prize for couples including fastest couple, costumes and more. This race is walker friendly and has a wave start.see more detailsKnoxville 16 February 2019 Zen Evo Chocolate Lovers Valentine 5K Dirty South Trail Marathon The course of this marathon goes through the Forks of the River Wildlife Area, William Hastie Park, Marie Myers Park, Ross Marble Quarry, Ijams Nature Center, Baker Creek Preserve and more. The course has a 7-hour time limit. This is a cup-less race and runners need to bring their own water bottle/container. Runners will receive a special edition tech shirt as long as they preregister.see more detailsKnoxville 8 December 2019 Dirty South Trail Half Marathon and Dirty Double Trail Marathon Cummins Falls Marathon Run along the beautiful Blackburn Fork State Scenic River in this marathon! Runners will be challenged by steep hills but treated to beautiful views as they run on rural back roads in Jackson County. Aid stations will be every 2-3 miles and the course has an 8-hour time limit. Finishers will receive a medal. This event will raise funds for the Cummins Falls State Park.see more detailsCookeville 23 February 2019 Cummins Falls Marathon About 5k races
A 5K is the shortest of the common running event distances, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). These events can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular event you are looking into running. 5Ks are the most popular of road running events because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers, and newcomers as well. Not just the 5K races in Tennessee, but generally all 5Ks are something fun for families to do together.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best 5K events in Tennessee?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.
What are the best 5K races in Nashville?
Nashville offers a variety of races, including popular holiday races like the Rudolph's Red Nose Run that precedes the Nashville Christmas parade and the 5K4MLK on Martin Luther King Day weekend. Other popular 5ks in Nashville include Hill YEAH! 5k and the Super Run 5k.
What are the best 5K races in East Tennessee?
There are many popular 5ks in East Tennessee! If you are looking for a holiday-themed 5k, there is the popular Knoxville Turkey Trot in Knoxville and the Chattanooga Hungry Turkey 5k. A popular Valentine themed race is the Zen Evo Chocolate Lovers Valentine 5K in Knoxville.
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10k races
Name City Date Website The Man Run 10k The UT Medical Center in Knoxville will be hosting its 10th Annual Man Run 10k to raise money for prostate cancer and men's health research. There will be water stations on the course and post-race refreshments will be available to participants. Register before October 22nd to be guaranteed a shirt.see more detailsKnoxville 5 November 2017 The Man Run Run to Remember 10k The Alzheimer's Association hosts the 5th annual Run to Remember 10k race! Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Registered runners will receive a shirt. The race begins at the Tennessee Riverpark at 9:00 am. Top finishers will receive medals.see more detailsChattanooga 18 November 2019 Run to Remember Chattanooga Gobble Wobble 10k If you are looking to get into the Thanksgiving spirit, then check out the Gobble Wobble 10k! Proceeds go toward funding the new field complex on Smith County High School campus. The course goes through Crump Paris park and running track, Old Carthage Highway and Smith County Middle School. Preregistered runners are guaranteed a shirt.see more detailsCarthage 18 November 2017 Gobble Wobble 10k/5k/Fun Run Frostbite 10k End 2017 off with the Frostbite 10k! This rolling course goes around the Sumner County Family YMCA. Proceeds benefit the YMCA of Middle Tennessee's Annual Giving Campaign. Pre-registered runners will receive a shirt. The race begins at 9:30 am.see more detailsHendersonville 30 December 2017 Frostbite 5k/10k YMCA Overton Park 10k Come run the Overton Park trails at this winter 10k race. The course will be on Old Forest Trails as well as cross country sections on the golf course. Stick around after the race for the party and entertainment. Registers runners will receive a shirt. The race begins at 8:00 am.see more detailsMemphis 26 January 2019 Mike Cooley Overton Park 10k Trail Race Shamrock Run 10k Put on your best St. Patrick's day attire and start the celebrating early at this 10k run. This flat course will take runners through historic downtown Gallatin. The 10k race will loop the course twice. The course limit is 90 minutes. Awards will be given to top finishers as well as best St. Patrick's Day costume. Register before February 11 to be guaranteed a race shirt.see more detailsGallatin 9 March 2019 Shamrock Run 5k/10k Solid Rock 10k There will be a new course for this year's Solid Rock 10k hosted by Cedar Bluff Baptist Church. There will be race day registration available. Pre-register to guarantee a shirt. The race begins at 7:45 am. Proceeds go toward the church's building program.see more detailsKnoxville 9 March 2019 Solid Rock 10k/5k/1 Mile Run/Walk Chasing Snakes 10k Put on your green and celebrate St. Patty's day with the Chasing Snakes 10k! There is no official time limit, but streets will be closed and support will be available for 90 minutes. Top overall finishers and top age group finishers will receive unique awards include a mug, shamrock medal, and handmade pottery. The course is USATF certified.see more detailsJohnson City 17 March 2018 DairyPure Dash 10k Get moving at the 19th annual DairyPure Dash! The course is flat and fast and has a 90-minute course limit. Finishers will receive a commemorative medal and pre-register runners will receive a long sleeve shirt. Post-race refreshments include Purity ice cream, milk, fruit, pasta, and other beverages. Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics.see more detailsNashville 13 April 2019 Purity Moosic City Dairy Pure Dash Ultimate 10k This USATF 10k course features rolling hills and takes runners through the Davies Plantation subdivision in Memphis. Finishers will receive a special medal. Packet pick up will be available at Fleet Feet Sports in Memphis and St. Philip Episcopal Church. The race begins at 8:00 am. There is also a 5k option.see more detailsMemphis 24 June 2019 Ultimate 10k & 5k Dirty South Trail Half Marathon and 10k Knoxville 2 December 2019 Dirty South Trail Half Marathon and 10k About 10k races
A 10K is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 (10 kilometers). These events can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular "box" or bracket you feel fit into. They are twice the distance of the 5K and still relatively short in distance. Fewer runners tend to participate than the 5K, but these events still get a lot of not only seasoned runners but novice runners and joggers in attendance.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best 10K events in Tennessee?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.
What are the best 10K races in Memphis?
Memphis offers a variety of races and in terms of 10k races, the best ones include the Ultimate 10k, the Overton Park 10k and the CHF Race for Hope 10k.
What are the best 10K races in Nashville?
There is no shortage of fun races in Nashville. The best 10k races include the DiaryPure Dash 10k and the Back in the Day 10k. Nearby races include the Shamrock Run 10k in Gallatin, Viva la Diva 10k in Franklin and the Frostbite 10k in Hendersonville.
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Half marathons
Name City Date Website Freeze Your Half Off Half Marathon Stay warm at the Freeze Your Half Off Half Marathon! This complete flat half marathon runs along the Tennessee River on a paved path by the Chickamauga Dam. Finishers will receive a mug finisher which will be pre-washed to be used at the all-you-eat-breakfast buffet after the race. Shirts are not included with registration but can be purchased separately. Aid stations will be stocked with Gatorade, GU, and other snacks.see more detailsChattanooga 4 January 2020 Freeze Your Half Off Nashville Half Marathon Runners will make there way through the most beautiful and historic parts of Nashville in this half marathon! The race begins and ends at the First Tennessee Park and has a 4-hour time limit. Gatorade and energy will be available on course. Finishers will receive a medal and registered runners will receive a gender specific tech shirt. Stick around for the post-race party with refreshments and entertainment!see more detailsNashville 9 November 2019 Nashville Half Marathon Rockin' Santa Half Marathon Get into the holiday spirit with the Rockin' Santa Half Marathon! Runners will make 3 loops on the fairly flat Greenway Course. Christmas music will be playing at the aid stations as well. Participants will receive a long sleeve Santa themed shirt and hat. Finishers will receive a medal. This race is walker friendly, but traffic control ends at 1:00 pm.see more detailsKnoxville 14 December 2019 Rock'in Santa Half Marathon Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Half Marathon Looking for some live music motivation on course? Then the popular Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Half Marathon is the race for you! The course will have water, energy gel, and energy drink on course. The course has a 4-hour time limit. Stick around after for the post-race concert!see more detailsNashville 27 April 2019 Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Half Marathon Fall Creek Falls Half Marathon With the highest free-falling waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, the Fall Creek Falls Half Marathon can't be missed! The course is entirely in Fall Creek Falls State Park. Swag includes a hoodie, gloves and more. Finishers will receive a medal. There will be post-race food and music.see more detailsPikeville 10 March 2019 Fall Creek Falls 50k and Half Marathon Oak Barrel Half Marathon This challenging course starts and finishes in Lynchburg, passing Jack Daniel’s Distillery and winding through beautiful rural Moore County. (Be prepared for the steep Whiskey Hill!) The course has a 4-hour time limit. Participants will receive a race shirt, and to those who earn them, a medal. Other swag to be determined. Stick around for post-race food at the finish line festival.see more detailsLynchburg 6 April 2019 Oak Barrel Half Marathon Great American River Run Half Marathon As part of the Memphis in May celebration, join runners for the Great American River Run Half Marathon. The course will take runners through Memphis and along the Mississippi River. Make sure to stick around after the race for a great post-race with food, drinks, and music!see more detailsMemphis 25 May 2019 Great American River Run Bluegrass Half Marathon Celebrate the musical heritage of East Tennessee at the 9th annual Bluegrass Half Marathon! The start and finish are at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion at Founder’s Park. The course is an out and back and mostly flat. There is no race day registration. The race begins at 7:30 am. Finishers will receive medallions and registered runners will receive a shirt.see more detailsJohnson City 29 September 2019 Bluegrass Half Marathon Cleveland Half Marathon The course of this race runs through Cleveland's downtown business district, Lee University, the Cleveland Greenway, and the historic district. Aid stations will be stocked with Huma energy gels and Nuun electrolyte drink. Finishers will receive a large and very unique finishers medal. Stick around for the post-race festival in downtown Cleveland. The race begins at 7:00 am.see more detailsCleveland 11 May 2019 Cleveland Half Marathon Warrior 1/2 Marathon Runners will be treated to beautiful views of the Great Smokey Mountains as they run down Veterans Boulevard in this half marathon. Proceeds of the race go to help local soldiers. Pre-registered runners are guaranteed a custom shirt and finishers will receive a special award. The race begins at 9:00 am. There will also be a 10 miler, 5k and 1-mile march.see more detailsSevierville 23 March 2019 Warrior 1/2 Marathon, 10k & 5k Chtttanooga Hungry Turkey 5K $37.99 or Half Marathon $74.99see more detailsChattanooga 30 November 2019 Dirty South Trail Half Marathon and 10k Knoxville 8 December 2019 Dirty South Trail Half Marathon and 10k About Half marathons
A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon of 26 miles. The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance, and its events have significantly grown since the early 2000s and they continue to do so, with massive events popping up all over the states. The growth rate of participants for the half marathon distance is currently higher than that of the full.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best Half Marathon events in Tennessee?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.
What are the best half marathons in Nashville?
There is no shortage of great races in Nashville and the surrounding areas. One of the most popular races series in the country is the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, and the Rock 'n' Roll Nashville half marathon is among one of the favorites. Also, Nashville's own Nashville Half Marathon is a popular and much-loved race.
What are the best half marathons in East Tennessee?
If you are looking for a half marathon with beautiful views, be sure to check out the Warrior 1/2 marathon featuring views of the Great Smokey Mountains. Another race with beautiful views is the Fall Creek Falls Half Marathon. And if you are looking for a fun, holiday race, be sure to check out the Rockin' Santa Half Marathon.
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Marathons
Name City Date Website St. Jude Memphis Marathon The scenic course of this marathon takes runners through the St. Jude campus, Overton Park, Overton square and historic neighborhoods and areas before finishing at Autozone Park. Finishers will receive a medal and all registered runners will receive a long sleeve tech shirt. The marathon has a 6-hour time limit and starts at 8:00 am. Runners are invited to fundraise for St. Jude, but it is not required. Powerade, Nuun, and GU will be available at aid stations.see more detailsMemphis 7 December 2019 St. Jude Memphis Marathon The Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon If you are looking for a challenge, check out the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon. The race takes place in Percy Warner Park and features plenty of rolling hills, coming out to over 7200 feet of overall elevation change. Runners must enter the lottery in order to run. Finishers will receive a medal.see more detailsNashville 24 November 2019 The Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon The Chattanooga Marathon The Chattanooga Marathon boasts a course that is great for first timers and marathon veterans alike. Post race party includes all you can eat food and beer. Participants will receive a short sleeve shirt and finishers medal to those who earned them. The course has a 6-hour time limit and has over 1200 feet of elevation gain.see more detailsChattanooga 6 March 2020 The Chattanooga Marathon Raccoon Mountain Marathon This challenging marathon begins at Laurel Point on top of Raccoon Mountain and features beautiful views, plenty of hills and a mix of trail and road surfaces. Aid stations will be approximately every 3 miles. Finishers will receive a local handmade wooden medal with your name on it and a glass beer mug. First-time participants receive a faux coonskin cap. The course has a 9-hour time limit. There will also be plenty of post-race food.see more detailsChattanooga 14 March 2020 Raccoon Mountain Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Andrew Jackson Marathon This marathon is Tennessee's oldest marathon! The race begins an ends in historic downtown Jackson. Runners will make two loops on the scenic 13.1 course. There will be engraved on site to engrave your name onto the finishers medal. This race is a Boston qualifier. Make sure to register in advance to guarantee shirt size.see more detailsJackson 6 April 2019 Andrew Jackson Marathon Knoxville Marathon Get a scenic tour of Knoxville in the Knoxville Marathon! The course of this marathon will feature 25 musical acts and 18 aid stations with select ones stocked with GU and Powerade. This Boston Qualifier has a course limit of 7 hours. Register runners will receive a technical t-shirt and all finishers will receive a medal and hat. The race begins at 7:30 am.see more detailsKnoxville 31 March 2019 Knoxville Marathon Mountain Man Memorial March Join runners in honoring American service members and their families in this marathon. This varied course features a mixture of paved road, gravel road and other uneven terrains as well as rollings hills and steep climbs. There will be aid stations on course about every 3.75 miles. The race begins in downtown Gatlinburg and goes into the Smokey Mountains.see more detailsGatlinburg 27 April 2019 Mountain Man Memorial March About Marathons
Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900s, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity and in 2017 there are currently more than 800 events being held in North America, and that number is consistently growing. Over 90% of these marathons are being held in the United States, with 7% being held in Canada. About 72% of these marathons are certified, which means they are Boston Marathon Qualifiers. September and October are the most popular months for marathon events, with over 100 in each month.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best Marathon events in Tennessee?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 26.2-mile course is.
What are the best marathons in East Tennessee?
There are several popular races in Tennessee. If you are looking for a challenge, be sure to check out the Raccoon Mountain Marathon in Chattanooga which features beautiful views and mix of road and trails. If you are looking for a great road race, the Chattanooga Marathon and Knoxville Marathon are great choices. Whether you are looking for a road race, a trail race or a race that has a mix of both, Tennessee offers plenty of great choices.
