Tennessee River Runoff 5K & Cheers to Clean Water Celebration

Join the Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA)*, University of Tennessee, City of Knoxville Solid Waste, and Knox County Stormwater for Knoxville's 2nd Annual Tennessee River Runoff 5K & Cheers to Clean Water Celebration -- an event showcasing the ways that we can help to protect our local streams and rivers with green infrastructure! The chip-timed race will take runners and walkers through the campus of the University of Tennessee, passing by rain gardens, bioswales, created wetlands, and other methods that UT uses throughout campus to lessen water pollution. Racers will also get to catch a view of the Tennessee River.

The race will begin and end at the UT Gardens, where the Cheers to Clean Water Celebration will celebrate the importance of clean water for happy and healthy communities. Here, attendees can enjoy local craft beer while exploring the world of water quality and stream health by visiting our educational vendor booths, and checking out a local band.  Kids can participate in the on-site scavenger hunt, as well as other kid-friendly water activities.

Participants who run the 5K will receive a bandana, and those participating in the Cheer to Clean Water Celebration will receive a custom aluminum pint cup with 2 drink tickets, each good for one craft beer (additional drink tickets may be purchased for $2). Participants in both the 5K and the Celebration will receive both gifts. First 200 registrants are guaranteed swag!

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place runners in Youth (14 yrs and under) male & female, Open (15-40 yrs) male & female, and Masters (40+ yrs) male & female categories. 

For a little extra competition, team discounts are also available! This option is great for organizations that have that competitive spirit and want to challenge others! Discounts ($5 per registration) will be applied during checkout for teams of 4 or more. There will be awards for the top three teams with the lowest average time!

Registration/check-in begins at 5pm, and the race will begin at 6pm. The Cheers to Clean Water Celebration will start at 6pm go until dark (about 8:30 pm). Valid identification must be shown at registration in order to receive a wristband for adult beverages at the Celebration. Free parking is available on site at 2518 Jacob Dr (Lot C4). Carpooling encouraged. Rain or shine. There will be a food cart (Burrito) on site. Dogs are permitted (on leash). 

Online registration closes at 11:59pm on October 4th. Tickets can be purchased at the door day-of. Children under 10 are free, $5 otherwise. Those wanting to attend the celebration still need to purchase the celebration registration for $15 in order to receive their beer coupons. Those who only want to enjoy the atmosphere and music need to purchase entry for $5 

*All proceeds benefit the Tennessee Stormwater Association, a nonprofit organization that advocates for protecting and improving the quality of the waters of Tennessee. The TNRR5K aims to raise awareness about protecting water resources in our region, and encourage the community to take action through on-the-ground projects. A portion of the proceeds generated from the TNRR5K will be given back to the community through one Tennessee River Healthy Watershed Grant. The award amount is fluid, as it is based on the proceeds from the event (no more than $2,500). Local non-profit organizations (NPOs) will have the opportunity to submit stewardship proposals that will be judged by the TNRR5K Planning Committee. The committee is seeking projects focused on Pollutant Runoff Reduction Implementation. Contest entries include any proposed project that involves the implementation/installation stormwater control measures (SCMs) that will improve stormwater runoff quality and/or reduce stormwater runoff quantity within a specific watershed.  Examples of SCMs include, but are not limited to, rain gardens or other bio-retention basins, tree plantings, downspout disconnection, rain barrels, etc.   

Eligibility: The TNRR5K Prize can be awarded to any NPO that submits an application with a signed Implementation Certification Statement that attest the award money will be utilized to implement the project as submitted in the contest entry form.  There is no match requirement.

Click HERE for grant application. Submit to stephanie.carlson@knoxcounty.org