Ditto Dash Details
Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Location
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 Launch
- Paddle clockwise around Hobbs Island
- Approximately 5 miles
- Return to Ditto Landing transition area
Run Leg
- 5K course
- Travels 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.
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
Paddle Safety 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.
Experience Level
The paddle course is designed for recreational paddlers with basic paddling experience. Participants should be comfortable paddling independently on open water.
Schedule
- 6:30 AM – Check-in and packet pickup opens
- 6:45 and 7:15 AM – Safety briefings
- 8:00 AM – Race start
- 12:00 PM – Community celebration and awards ceremony
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:
Proceeds support outdoor recreation access, community programming, trail development, river stewardship, and initiatives that strengthen quality of life throughout the region.
