Cades Cove Loop Lope
- Date Sun 8th November 2026
- Time 7:30AM EST
- Location Townsend, Tennessee
- Price $107.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances 10 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Cades Cove Loop Lope on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in beautiful Townsend, Blount, within the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This unique footrace is the only organized event of its kind in the park and is dedicated to supporting the Friends of the Smokies. Runners can choose between two exciting distances: a scenic 5K or a challenging USATF Certified 10-Mile Loop. With only 750 spots available, this popular race tends to fill up quickly, so it's essential to secure your registration early!
The Cades Cove Loop Lope not only offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Smokies but also contributes to vital park projects, including wildlife conservation, historic preservation, and native plant restoration. Participants can pick up race packets at designated locations in Knoxville and Townsend in the days leading up to the event. To ensure a smooth experience, carpooling is highly encouraged, and limited reserved parking passes will be available for purchase. Join fellow runners for a day of fun, fitness, and philanthropy in one of America's most cherished national parks!
The Cades Cove Loop Lope not only offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Smokies but also contributes to vital park projects, including wildlife conservation, historic preservation, and native plant restoration. Participants can pick up race packets at designated locations in Knoxville and Townsend in the days leading up to the event. To ensure a smooth experience, carpooling is highly encouraged, and limited reserved parking passes will be available for purchase. Join fellow runners for a day of fun, fitness, and philanthropy in one of America's most cherished national parks!
Organiser's Description
The Cades Cove Loop Lope is the only organized footrace held inside GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, to benefit FRIENDS OF THE SMOKIES. All funds raised benefit park projects and programs such as historic preservation, wildlife conservation, native plant and grassland restoration, and so much more.
There are two course options, a 5K or a USATF Certified 10-Mile Loop. Participation is limited to 750 total runners. This race sells out fast, so please don't wait to register!
You can pick up your race day packets and race bibs at either of the following times/locations:
* Thursday, November 5, 2026, 3-6pm at River Sports Outfitters 2918 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN
* Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 2-5pm at the Townsend Visitor Center 7906 E Lamar, Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. A LIMITED NUMBER OF RESERVED PARKING PASSES WILL ONCE AGAIN BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR. PASSES WILL BE OFFERED FOR $150 AND TYPICALLY SELL OUT WITHIN THE FIRST HOUR, SO INTERESTED ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE EARLY. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option from the Townsend Visitors Center. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available at the Townsend Visitors Center.
There are two course options, a 5K or a USATF Certified 10-Mile Loop. Participation is limited to 750 total runners. This race sells out fast, so please don't wait to register!
You can pick up your race day packets and race bibs at either of the following times/locations:
* Thursday, November 5, 2026, 3-6pm at River Sports Outfitters 2918 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN
* Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 2-5pm at the Townsend Visitor Center 7906 E Lamar, Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. A LIMITED NUMBER OF RESERVED PARKING PASSES WILL ONCE AGAIN BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR. PASSES WILL BE OFFERED FOR $150 AND TYPICALLY SELL OUT WITHIN THE FIRST HOUR, SO INTERESTED ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE EARLY. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option from the Townsend Visitors Center. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available at the Townsend Visitors Center.
Races
-
10 Mile Loop Lope
Incl. $7.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 8th November 2026 (7:30AM EST)
$107.00
Registration fee is the same for either the 5K or 10 Mile Loop Lope. Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle reservation passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available at the Townsend Visitors Center. -
5K Loop Lope
Incl. $7.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 8th November 2026 (7:45AM EST)
$107.00
Registration fee is the same for either the 5K or 10 Mile Loop Lope. Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle reservation passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available at the Townsend Visitors Center.
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Cades Cove Loop Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, 37882, TN, United States
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Cades Cove Loop Lope
