PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Dollywood Parks & Resorts will host its first Run Dollywood Race Weekend, April 25–26, 2026, offering participants the chance to race through the park and surrounding Smoky Mountain scenery during peak springtime.
The weekend will feature a full slate of races, headlined by a half-marathon on Sunday morning, April 26. Saturday’s events on April 25 will include a 5K, 10K, and a 1-mile fun run for kids ages 4 through 12. The race also will include live music and on-course entertainment.
“I love to run myself,” says Dollywood Parks & Resorts president Eugene Naughton, “so the opportunity to host our very first Run Dollywood race weekend is exciting for me personally. I can’t wait to welcome the runners here to experience one of the most beautiful—and fun—courses they will find anywhere. We’re going to have entertainment and a few surprises along the way that only Dollywood can provide.”
In addition to race-day fun, participants will receive an inaugural event T-shirt, race bib, and commemorative medal. Runners who finish each race will receive exclusive race medals.
Following their events, runners are encouraged to explore Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival, as well as the park’s award-winning attractions and entertainment. Dollywood was recently named the No. 1 theme park in the United States by Tripadvisor users.
Registration will open soon at Dollywood.com/RunDollywood. Race bib pickup is scheduled for Friday, April 24, at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Start times for each event will be announced at a later date.
