Run Dollywood’s inaugural race weekend took place, offering runners cinnamon bread and roller coaster rides. The event, held at Dollywood Parks & Resorts, included a kids fun run, 5K, 10K and half marathon.
Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, previewed the course, noting the half marathon sold out in roughly two weeks.
Unique Race Features
Naughton highlighted the unique aspects of the race. He said there would be a cinnamon bread stop and opportunities to ride coasters during the race. “Only Dollywood can pull that off and I think people are going to really like that,” Naughton said.
Course Details and Challenges
The races began in the parking lot at Splash Country. The 5K and 10K courses remained entirely on Dollywood property. The half marathon extended onto Jake Thomas Boulevard and included 1,400 feet of elevation change through the Great Smoky Mountains.
Naughton, a seasoned marathon runner, cautioned that the half marathon course is challenging. “Even if you’re just getting off the couch today, I still think there’s time to get ready, but be ready for the hills because we’re in the Great Smoky Mountains,” he said.
Entertainment and on-course surprises were provided along the route.
Expanding Dollywood’s Reach
Naughton said the event aimed to attract new visitors to the park. He stated that 60% of daily visitors have never been to Dollywood before. “We’re stretching our destination markets in a really big way,” Naughton said.
According to Naughton, over 60% of the runners were mothers. He added, “They’re going to be out here with their entire family and I know it’s going to be fun for them as well.”
Future Races
Dollywood has scheduled a second race weekend for Sept. 26-27 during the park’s Harvest Festival. Details are being finalised, and interested runners can register their interest at Dollywood.com/RunDollywood. Naughton mentioned the park might add more spots for the autumn race based on learnings from the April event.
Naughton also said a full marathon could be on the horizon, utilising the 8.5 miles of greenway space in the area.
Participants received exclusive inaugural race medals, event-specific T-shirts and race bibs.