·         What are the dates for the 2026 Run Dollywood Race Weekend?

5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

·         What time do the races start?

Saturday, April 25: 5K – 6:30 a.m. | 10K – 8:30 a.m. | Kids Fun Run – 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, April 26: Half Marathon – 6:30 a.m.

·         Where are the start and finish lines?

Half Marathon, 10K, and Kids Fun Run: Start and finish in Dollywood’s Splash Country parking lot.

5K: Starts in Dollywood Theme Park parking lot and finishes in Dollywood’s Splash Country parking lot.

·         Pacing Requirements

Maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace for all distances. A 15-minute-per-mile training pace is recommended.

·         Kids Fun Run: Ages 4–12 on race day.

·         5K: Must be 5 years or older on race day (under 14 must be accompanied by a chaperone 14+).

·         10K: Must be 10 years or older on race day(under 14 must be accompanied by a chaperone 14+).

·         Half Marathon: Must be 14 years or older on race day.

·         When can I register?

Online registration opens Wednesday November 12th at Dollywood.com/RunDollywood.

·         Where do I pick up my bib and race shirt?

Bib pick-up and Expo will be held Friday, April 24, from 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at HeartSong Lodge & Resort. There is no race-day bib pick-up.

·         If I can’t attend packet pick-up, can someone else pick it up for me?

Yes. They must show a photocopy of your photo ID.

·         What do I need to bring to pick up my bib?

A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID). Parents or guardians must sign waivers for minors.

·         Can I change my race distance?

Yes. You can manage all changes and upgrades through your RunSignUp account.

·         Is the course hilly?

Yes. There will be varying elevation gains throughout the course, especially in the beginning of the route. The course runs through Dollywood Theme Park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, and surrounding areas, featuring rolling terrain typical of the Great Smoky Mountains.

·         Is there a course map or elevation profile?

Coming soon! 

·         What happens if I fall behind the required pace?

Participants must maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace. Those unable to do so may be redirected or transported to the Runner Recovery Zone.

·         Standard race cut-off

Pace: 16 minutes per mile for all timed races

There will be designated course cut-off locations for both the 10K and Half Marathon. Runners who fall behind the required 16-minute-per-mile pace will be directed to these points and required to return to the Runner Recovery Zone for safety and course management purposes.

Time limit: This is enforced by pace cyclists who follow behind the last runner, sweeping those who fall behind the required pace. For a half marathon, the time limit is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Recommended pace: A training pace of 15 minutes per mile is recommended to stay ahead of the cut-off pace.

·         Can I walk the race?

Yes, provided you maintain the required pace.

·         Are race photos included?

Yes! Racecourse photos provided by FinisherPix are complimentary.  

·         Are there additional photo opportunities?

Yes. Dollywood photographers will offer additional photo options available for purchase. There will be special locations throughout the racecourse within Dollywood where unique photo ops will be available.

·         Is bag check available?

Yes. A bag check area will be available for particiapting runners. Run Dollywood is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

·         Are there awards?

Yes! Top three male and female finishers in each race will be recognized. Age group awards for the Half Marathon will also be given.

·         Do I need a Dollywood ticket to participate?

No. A Dollywood Theme Park ticket is not required to participate in a Run Dollywood race. You may register for the race at Dollywood.com/rundollywood using RunSignUp. A discounted ticket package is available for participants during registration. Additional tickets for friends and family may be purchased by visiting www.Dollywood.com or by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

·         Does my race registration include park entry?

No. Theme Park admission is not included with your race registration. However, a discounted ticket package is available for participants during registration. Additional tickets for friends and family may be purchased by visiting www.Dollywood.com or by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

·       Does my race registration include park entry?

No. Theme Park admission is not included with your race registration. However, a discounted ticket package is available for participants during registration. Additional tickets for friends and family may be purchased by visiting Dollywood.com or by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

·        When can I purchase Dollywood Theme Park tickets for the 2026 Run Dollywood Race Weekend?

You may purchase 2026 Dollywood Theme Park tickets in January 2026. Please visit  www.Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD to purchase your admission tickets.

·         Is there a discount for Dollywood Resorts?

Yes.  Save up to 20% per night at a Dollywood Resort during the Run Dollywood Race Weekend April 19 - 30, 2026. Book by April 23, 2026. Blackout dates may apply. Reservations are limited.  You may make your reservations by visiting the link below or by visiting Dollywood.com/RunDollywood or by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD and asking for the 2026 Run Dollywood Race Weekend Offer.

·         Is transportation provided for Dollywood resort guests?

Yes. Complimentary Dollywood Resorts shuttle service is available for guests staying at HeartSong Lodge & Resort or DreamMore Resort and Spa. Shuttle registration is required upon hotel check-in.

·         What if I’m staying off property?

Guests staying elsewhere should arrange their own transportation. Participants and spectators will be allowed to park in Dollywood Theme Park parking lot.

·         Will there be spectator areas?

Spectators are welcome in designated areas within Dollywood’s Splash Country parking lot. Access inside Dollywood Theme Park or Splash Country is not permitted during the race.

·         Costumes

Costumes are allowed at Run Dollywood events; however, they must be family-friendly and safe for all participants.

·         Costumes may not be obstructive, offensive, or unsafe.

·         No masks or facial coverings that conceal identity.

·         Costumes may not drag on the ground.

·         No real or simulated weapons or sharp objects.

·         Costumes must not restrict movement, impede the runner’s motion, or interfere with other participants.

·         Costumes must not block vision or create tripping hazards.

·         Participants who do not follow these guidelines may be refused entry or removed from the event unless their costume can be modified to meet these standards.

·         Can I use headphones?

Headphones and earbuds are permitted, though we recommend keeping volume low to hear announcements and on-course entertainment.

·         Will the race be cancelled for rain or bad weather?

Run Dollywood races are held rain or shine. In cases of lightning or unsafe conditions, event management may delay or cancel the race.

Full refunds (minus processing and fees) through Jan 1, 2026. No refunds will be offered after this date.

Athletes with Disabilities will have a designated tent in the staging area to prepare for the race and store any personal accommodation items not required during participation. This tent will be staffed with race officials to assist with questions or needs.

All participants will start with their scheduled start group unless a request for adjustment is made and approved in advance by Run Dollywood officials.

Athletes with Disabilities may leave prosthetics, day chairs, and other mobility devices in the tent during the race. All items must be picked up within one hour of race conclusion.

For additional questions related to atheletes with disabilites or to request approval for below items, please email Dollywood Accessibility at dwaccessibility@dollywood.com.

Approved Devices

·         Canes, crutches, trekking poles, and walkers are permitted for use during the race.

·         To request approval for alternate devices, email Dollywood Accessibility at dwaccessibility@dollywood.com.

Service Animals

·         Service animals are permitted on course with prior approval from DW Accessibility.

·         To request approval, contact dwaccessibility@dollywood.com and present confirmation at race registration for access to the staging area and route.

Push Rim Wheelchairs

·         Customized racing wheelchairs (push rims) may be used by athletes with physical disabilities.

·         Participants must check in at the Athletes with Disabilities Tent, wear a safety helmet, be secured with a safety restraint, have front and rear lights, and pass an equipment safety check before starting.

Handcycles

·         Handcycles are three-wheel arm-powered racing devices used by athletes with physical disabilities.

·         Participants must check in at the Athletes with Disabilities Tent, wear a helmet and restraint, have lights, and pass a safety inspection prior to starting.

Wheelchair Duo Teams

·        A Wheelchair Duo is a team of two, consisting of a runner or walker pushing a non-ambulatory person with a disability in a customized racing wheelchair.

·       Teams must check in at the Athletes with Disabilities Tent for a safety inspection prior to starting. The wheelchair participant must wear a helmet and be secured with restraints and lights. The pushing participant must use a tether connected to the chair.

·      The runner or walker pushing the wheelchair is not required to pay a race registration fee and will be allowed to participate without receiving a race bib.

Human Guides

·         Athletes who are blind, have low vision, are deaf or neurodivergent, or have another disability requiring navigation assistance may have one registered Human Guide.

·         Guides are for navigation and safety, providing visual or audio communication for the athlete throughout the event.

·       The Human Guide is not required to pay a race registration fee and will be allowed to participate without receiving a race bib.