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

5K = Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 PM EST

10K = Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 5:30 AM EST

Kids Fun Run = Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:15 AM EST

Half Marathon = Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 5:30 AM EST

·        Will it still be dark at the start of the 10K and the Half Marathon?

Sunrise Saturday, September 26, 2026: 7:25 AM EDT

Sunrise Sunday, September 27, 2026: 7:26 AM EDT

·         Pacing Requirements

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

·         What is the Butterfly Challenge?

The Butterfly Challenge is designed for runners ready to take on all three races during the Run Dollywood Race Weekend. Participants who complete the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon will earn an exclusive Butterfly Challenge medal in addition to their individual race medals.

• The Butterfly Challenge includes the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon races.

• The 5K begins at 11:00 PM EST Friday, September 25, 2026.

• The 10K begins at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

• The Half Marathon takes place at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

• To earn the Butterfly Challenge medal, participants must complete all three races.

• The Challenge medal will automatically be awarded to runners who finish all three.

• The Butterfly Challenge medal is exclusive to this event and available only to those who complete all three races. You must register for the Butterfly Challenge. 

·         How far is the Kids Run?

The Kids Fun Run will be approximately one mile in length. 

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

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

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

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

Each child participating in the Kids Fun Run may be accompanied by one (1) chaperone or companion. Chaperones are not required to register but must wear a designated companion bib and sign a waiver during packet pick-up to access the racecourse. For safety and space management, only one adult per child is permitted on the course.

·         When can I register?

Online registration opens Tuesday, June 16 at Dollywood.com/RunDollywood.

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

Bib pick-up will be held on the following days/ times:

Thursday, September 24th from 12:00 PM EST - 7:00 PM EST

Friday, September 25th from 10:00 AM EST - 7:00 PM EST

Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 AM EST - 12:00 PM EST 

Days and times are subject to change

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

Yes.  A friend or family member may collect your packet with a photocopy of your photo ID. To help keep lines moving, please limit packet pick-up to four (4) runners per person.

·         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. All changes must be completed prior to registration cut off date of August 21, 2026. 

·         When and where is the Race Expo?

The Race Expo has been moved to the Race Hub. The Race Hub is now located in the Dollywood Theme Park Preferred Parking Lot.

The Run Dollywood Race Expo will take place on the following days/ times:

• Thursday, September 24th from 12:00 PM EST - 7:00 PM EST
• Friday, September 25th from 10:00 AM EST –7:00 PM EST located inside the Run Dollywood Race Hub. 
• Exclusive Run Dollywood Merchandise Sales ONLY: Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 AM EST - 12:00 PM EST. 

·         What can I do at the Expo?

Participants can pick up race bibs, shirts, and companion bibs, sign required waivers, and visit vendor booths featuring running gear, apparel, and local partners. It’s also a great opportunity to get race weekend information and connect with fellow runners.

·         Can I register for a race at the Expo?

No. Race registration cut off date is August 21, 2026. Participants must register through RunSignup.

·         Is there an admission fee for the Expo?

No. The Expo is free to attend for all registered participants and their guests.

·         Where should I park for the Expo? 

Complimentary parking will be available for all participants attending Packet Pickup and the Race Expo. Please have your race registration confirmation available and show it at the Dollywood entry toll booths to receive parking access.

·         Is the course hilly?

YES!  There will be varying elevation gains throughout the course. Select courses run 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 a designated course cut-off location for both the Half Marathon. Runners who fall behind the required 16-minute-per-mile pace will be directed to this point and required to return to the Runner Recovery Zone for safety and course management purposes.

Time limit: This is enforced by pacers who follow behind the last runner, sweeping those who fall behind the required pace. For the 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.

·         Do I need to provide proof of time?

No. Proof of time is not required for any Dollywood race events. 

·         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 participating runners. Only the provided Dollywood bag will be allowed within the race area and will be provided at bib pick-up or gear check.  All items checked must be picked up within an hour after the scheduled end of your race. Run Dollywood is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

·         Are there awards?

Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers in each race.

Age group awards will also be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age category for each race.

·      What is included with my race registration?

Each registered participant will receive:

• An official Run Dollywood race bib

• A commemorative event T-shirt. There will be a different color shirt for each event. 

• A finisher medal upon completion of their event

• Complimentary on-course photos provided by FinisherPix

Participants who can no longer attend may transfer their registration through their Account Management Portal by selecting “Transfer to Someone Else.”

• What transfer options are available?

- Gift Transfer: Transfer your registration to another participant without receiving a refund. The new participant pays the $10 transfer fee and any applicable processing fees.

• What are the deadlines and terms?

  • All transfers must be completed by August 21, 2026.

  • No transfers will be allowed after registration closes.

  • No refunds are offered by Run Dollywood. 

  • All transfers must be completed through the official registration system

• How do I Transfer My Registration? 
  • Participants may log into their registration account and select “Transfer to Someone Else” from the account management menu. From there, they may choose one of the transfer options listed above and follow the prompts to complete the transfer.

Can I transfer to a different race distance?

• Participants may transfer to a different race distance through their Account Management Portal by selecting “Transfer Event.”
• Transfers into other events are based on availability and capacity limits. 

What are the deadlines and terms?

• Transfers must be completed by August 31, 2026

• No transfers will be allowed after registration closes

• If upgrading, participants pay the price difference

• If downgrading, no refunds will be issued

• No refunds will be issued (refund deadline is July 31, 2026)

How do I transfer my event?

1. Log in to your RunSignup account

2. Go to Manage Registration

3. Select “Transfer Event”

4. Follow the prompts to complete the transfer

Use the link below for detailed instructions on how to transfer your event within your account management section of RunSign Up. 

https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062922-transfer-to-another-event 

·         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 is available for participants during registration as an add-on to race 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 is available as an add-on for participants during registration. Additional tickets for friends and family may be purchased by visiting www.Dollywood.com or by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

·         How do I pick up my Dollywood Tickets that were included in my race package?

Your Dollywood Theme Park tickets will be available during your packet pickup.  

·         How do the Dollywood Theme Park add-on tickets work?

The add-on ticket option is a a two-day Dollywood Theme Park ticket. This ticket allows you to visit the park on any two days within five consecutive operating days. For the most up-to-date schedule, please refer to the 2026 Dollywood Operating Calendar.

• The first valid entry date for these tickets is Thursday, September 24, 2026.
• Tickets are valid for any two park visits between September 24 - 30, 2026.
• Tickets included in your race package can be picked up during packet pick-up.  

·         How do I purchase Theme Park tickets for my friends and family?

Additional Dollywood Theme Park tickets for friends and family can be purchased  by visiting www.Dollywood.com or calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

Discounted tickets will also be available for participants during race registration through RunSignUp.

·         Is there a discount for Dollywood Resorts?

Limited discount reservations are available. Blackout dates may apply. You can make your reservations by visiting the link below, by visiting Dollywood.com/RunDollywood, or by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD and asking for the 2026 Run Dollywood Race Weekend Offer.

·         Is there a discount for Season Passholders or the military?

There are no discounts available at this time.

·         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 the Dollywood Theme Park parking lot.

·         Will there be spectator areas?

Spectators are welcome in designated areas within the Race Hub located in the Dollywood Theme Park preferred 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.

·         Do standard Dollywood Park Rules and Polices apply to race participants and spectators?

Yes. Dollywood Parks and Resort Rules and Polices are to be followed by all race participants and spectators. All Guests entering the Race area (Start/Finish/Recovery Area/Spectator area) will be security screened upon arrival. Please visit the link below for a full list of theme park policies and FAQ.

Run Dollywood races will take place rain or shine. However, the safety of our participants, volunteers, and spectators is our top priority.

·       In the event of lightning, severe weather, or unsafe conditions, the Run Dollywood Event Management Team, in consultation with local law enforcement and emergency services, may delay, modify, or cancel the race.

·       Delays may occur to allow weather to clear before resuming safely.

·       Course modifications may be made as necessary to ensure participant safety.

·       If the event is cancelled in its entirety due to severe weather or other circumstances beyond the control of the organizers, no refunds will be issued.

·       If the race is postponed or rescheduled to a new date, all entries will be automatically transferred to the new date and no refunds will be issued.

·       No refunds will be given for weather-related delays, partial cancellations, or early termination of the event once it has started.

·       Communication: All important race updates, including weather alerts or schedule changes, will be distributed through email and text message notifications. Participants are encouraged to opt in to race messaging alerts during registration and to check spam or junk folders to ensure they are receiving all official event communications.

• Full refunds, less processing fees, will be available through July 31, 2026. Refund requests must be submitted on or before this date and may be completed by using the refund button in your confirmation email or by logging into your RunSignup account.

  After July 31, 2026, no refunds will be issued for any reason, including but not limited to injury, illness, medical conditions, travel disruptions, scheduling conflicts, weather, acts of nature, or circumstances beyond the participant’s control.

  The event will take place rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by race officials. In the event of cancellation, postponement, or modification due to weather, public safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances, refunds will not be provided.

How do I request a refund?

• If refunds are allowed for the Race, you can request for a refund by logging on to RunSignup > Profile > Manage Registration > Request Refund.

• Once under the “Request Refund” tab, you will be able to make sure that you have selected the correct registrant and event for this refund, and a breakdown of the refund, including the deducted fees, can be found below.

  When you have reviewed all of the information, and you are ready to remove yourself from the event, click on the button for “Issue Refund”. At this point, a confirmation message will let you know that you have been removed from the event.

  Once processed your refund will be applied back towards the original card that was used for your registration. This should post within 5 business days of the refund request. If you do not see this refund as being credited to your account within that time frame please contact finance@runsignup.com.

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 athletes with disabilities or to request approval for the ADA 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.

Human Guides and wheelchair pushers will not be issued official race bibs but are required to wear a designated companion bib and sign a waiver for approval to access the racecourse. Companion bibs and waivers must be completed and picked up during the official packet pick-up time.

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.