Ditto Dash Details
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Where: Ditto Landing
Race headquarters, packet pickup, finish line festivities, food, awards, and vendor area will be located at Kingston Pavilion.
Kayak drop-off and race start are located at East Harbor.
Event Format
The Ditto Dash is a biathlon event beginning with an approximately 5-mile paddle and ending with a 5K run/walk. Participants may choose one of the following:
--Individual Challenge (Paddle + Run)
--Two-Person Relay Team (one paddler, one runner)
Course Overview
Paddle Leg
-Launch from East Harbor Boat Ramp
-Paddle clockwise around Hobbs Island
-Approximately 5 miles
-Return to Ditto Landing transition area
Run Leg
-5K course
-Travel through Ditto Landing and along the Tennessee River Greenway
-Scenic riverfront views
-Finishes at Kingston Pavilion
-Course maps will be available prior to race day.
Transition Area
Racers completing both portions of the race will be able to store and retrieve personal gear, such as dry socks and shoes, at the transition area between the paddle and run legs of the race.
Paddling Equipment Rentals
Rental of kayaks, PFDs, and paddles are available to race registrants at no additional cost beyond the race registration fee. Equipment rentals can be reserved during the registration process, while supplies remain available. If you need to reserve equipment when registering, you may simply check, Yes. I would like to use a provided rental kayak, at no additional charge.
Safety Information and Requirements
-Participants must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device during the paddle portion.
-Participants using event-provided kayaks will receive equipment orientation before launch.
-All participants will receive a water safety briefing on race day prior to the race.
-Race officials reserve the right to modify or cancel the paddle portion due to weather or river conditions.
-The paddle course is designed for recreational paddlers with basic paddling experience. Participants should be comfortable swimming and paddling independently on open water.
-Medical personnel will be onsite and ready on both the water and land portions of the race.
Schedule
6:00 AM -- Check-in and packet pickup opens
6:15 AM -- Shuttle service from Kingston Pavilion to East Harbor begins
6:45, 7:15, and 7:45 AM -- Safety briefings occur at East Harbor
7:30AM -- The last shuttle before race start departs Kingston Pavilion for East Harbor
8:00AM -- Race start
11:30AM -- The last shuttle departs from East Harbor back to Kingston Pavilion
12:00 PM -- Community celebration and awards ceremony
Shuttling
Race day check-in will occur at Ditto Landing's Kingston Pavilion,which is located within walking distance of Ditto Landing's main parking area, next to the marina.
Shuttling services will be available between the starting line at Ditto Landing's East Harbor and the finish line, located at Kingston Pavilion, beginning at 6:15AM.
The last shuttle will depart East Harbor back to Kingston Pavilion around 11:30AM.
Finish Line Festival
The Ditto Dash concludes with a community celebration at Kingston Pavilion featuring food, music, sponsor exhibits, awards, and outdoor recreation partners. Participants, families, spectators, and community members are encouraged to stay after the race to enjoy the festivities and celebrate the connections between trails, waterways, and communities across the Tennessee Valley.
Benefiting Organizations
The Ditto Dash benefits:
Tennessee RiverLine
Singing River Trail
Ditto Landing
Proceeds support outdoor recreation access, community programming, trail development, river stewardship, and initiatives that strengthen quality of life throughout the region.
Interested in promoting access to outdoor recreation in our region by volunteering at the Ditto Dash? Click the button below to explore opportunities.
