5K takes place on Friday, September 25th at 11:00 PM EST

10K takes place on Saturday, September 26th at 5:30 AM EST

Kids Fun Run take place on Saturday, September 26th at 8:15 AM EST

The Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 27th at 5:30 AM EST

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

• Thursday, September 24th from 12:00 PM EST - 7:00 PM EST (During Race Expo)
• Friday, September 25th from 10:00 AM EST - 7:00 PM EST (During Race Expo)
• Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 AM EST - 12:00 PM EST (No Race Expo, bib pick up only)

Days and times are subject to change

Yes. They must show a photocopy of your photo ID. To keep lines moving, there is a limit of 4 bibs that can be picked up by someone other than the race participant. 

A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID). Parents or guardians must sign waivers for minors.

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. 

Follow the instructions on this page: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062922-transfer-to-another-event 

During race registration you will have the ability to add a theme park ticket or a meal option to your race. If you've missed this during your registration process, you can add these items to your registration through your RunSignup profile and "Add-On Management" This help article will explain how to do this:

https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062916-add-on-management

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Coming soon! 

Participants must maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace. Those unable to do so may be redirected or transported to the Runner Recovery Zone.

Pace: 16 minutes per mile for all timed races

There will be designated course cut-off locations for both the 10K and Half Marathon. Runners who fall behind the required 16-minute-per-mile pace will be directed to these points and required to return to the Runner Recovery Zone for safety and course management purposes.

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

Yes, provided you maintain the required pace.

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

Yes! Racecourse photos provided by FinisherPix are complimentary.  

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.

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.

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.”

Gift Transfer: Transfer your registration to another participant without receiving a refund. 

Review this article to assist with transfer:

https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062921-transfer-to-another-runner

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

• All transfers must be completed through the official registration system

• No transfers will be allowed after registration closes.

• No refunds are offered by Run Dollywood.

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.

Review this article to assist with transfer:

https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062921-transfer-to-another-runner

• 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. 

• 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)

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 

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.

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.

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

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.  

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.

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.

There are no discounts available at this time.

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.

Guests staying elsewhere should arrange their own transportation. Participants and spectators will be allowed to park in the Dollywood Theme Park parking lot.

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 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.

Headphones and earbuds are permitted, though we recommend keeping volume low to hear announcements and on-course entertainment.

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.

•    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.

• 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.

If a participant purchased registration insurance during their registration and would like to file a claim or confirm their policy information, they can find more info on this help article: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000073422-claiming-event-insurance

These insurance policies are managed by RegShield. Dollywood does not manage these policies.

·         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 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.

·         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 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.

·        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.

·         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.