Guests at Dollywood had an extra pep in their step before the theme park was even open on April 25. Thousands of runners lined up bright and early to kick off the inaugural Run Dollywood Race Weekend.
Before sunrise, the first event, a 5K run, started at 6:30 a.m., followed by a 10K run at 8:30 a.m. Kids were set to get their turn after the park’s 10 a.m. opening with a 1-mile run within the park.
Dollywood President Eugene Naughton is an avid runner, participating in over 80 marathons across the country.
“The opportunity to host our very first Run Dollywood Race Weekend is exciting for me personally!” he previously said. “I can’t wait to welcome the runners here to experience one of the most beautiful – and fun – courses they will find anywhere.”
The Dollywood marathon experience blends endurance with entertainment, sending participants through themed areas of the park with music, scenic views, cinnamon bread stops and other special Dollywood touches along the way.
The park expects 6,500 runners across the April 25 kids’ run, 5K, 10K and the main half-marathon event, which is on April 26.
A race designed for Dollywood fans
The Dollywood race courses guide participants throughout the park, including Wildwood Grove, Craftsman’s Valley, Timber Canyon and other scenic routes.
Most of the races start in the parking lot of Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. The 5K and 10K are entirely on Dollywood property, but the half marathon extends onto Jake Thomas Boulevard.
What are the Dollywood race prizes?
Runners can win inaugural race medals. All race participants will receive an event-specific T-shirt, race bib and commemorative medal. After finishing the race, participants can spend the rest of the day enjoying Dollywood.
When is Dollywood’s next race weekend?
After tickets for the inaugural event nearly sold out within a few weeks, Dollywood announced dates for a second Run Dollywood race weekend for the fall season.
The newly announced fall race weekend is Sept. 26-27. The fall race will be during the park’s popular Harvest Festival.
Details are being finalized, and registration information will be available soon at Dollywood.com/RunDollywood. Interested runners can fill out a form on the Run Dollywood page to receive information and updates via email.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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