COVID-19 Updates
We WILL be providing an in person run for 2021, but also are providing a virtual run option for those who are not comfortable to run in person.
Under COVID conditions, the 2021 race will be limited to 250 in person 5k runners and 500 in person half marathon runners. The half marathon will begin at 9:00 am and the 5k will begin at 9:30am.
All staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks and gloves and will answer a health questionnaire upon arriving to their shift. There will also be a variety of sanitation stations at all half marathon related activities, and common areas will be frequently cleaned.
Start/finish area: Participants will be required to receive a temperature check and answer a brief health questionnaire before entering the corral area. People with a temperature with 100.4 or above, or failing the questionnaire will not be allowed to participate. In a continued effort to remain efficient and safe, the start line will be an individual time-trial format. This means participants will begin the race one at a time, with a few seconds between each start. There will be a start line queue, similar to if you were in line at an amusement park. The decision to move from a corral start came to allow better social distancing measures and allow a faster, more efficient start. Runners starting every few seconds allows everyone to cross the start line within several minutes, whereas corrals would take a longer start. Here is a quick video of what it will look like on race day. Rest assured, we will be providing greater detail in our final participant email of how the start line will be set up so there is no confusion. Our wonderful volunteers will guide you on race day to ensure you are in the right place. Participants may line up, 6 feet apart, at 8:30 am on race day after receiving a temperature check. All other safety measures, including mask usage in the start/finish area and other congested places on site are still in place. You may remove your mask once crossing the start line.
A few things to consider:
1. If you are traveling or riding with friends or family, you may want to coordinate your start times.
2. The course will close at 1pm. While the time trial start will be more efficient than corral starts, you will want to consider your start time if you need more time to make the cut off.
Please do not show up on race day if you have a fever, display symptoms of COVID-19, or have possibly been exposed.
All finish line activities will be self served. Volunteers will be onsite to replenish items as needed. Food will be pre-packaged and we will provide water bottles. Medals will remain in their packaging. We ask that you grab your materials and quickly leave the finishing area. Vendors will be required to comply with all guidelines.
Age group awards will not be handed out on race day. If you are an age group award winner, we will contact you after the race. Local winners must pick up their award. Out of town winners will receive their award by mail. More details on pick up and mailing to come. Age groups have slightly changed for 2020 only, due to a variety of factors.
Hydration Stations: We know a vast majority of participants can carry their own water, but not everyone will have access to do so. We will have 6 hydration stations as usual with water and gatorade and 2 stations with honey stinger gels. Again, everything will be self serve and volunteers will be onsite to replenish as needed.
Spectators: Spectators are allowed on the race course and venue but will be required to wear a mask in congested areas. Spectators will not be allowed in the start/finish area.
Packet Pick Up: PPU dates will still occur as normal: Thursday, November 18th 4-7pm, and race morning 7:30-8:45am. Thursday pick up will be at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
For virtual Runners: A reminder you have from November 13-27 to complete the virtual run. You will receive all your race swag via mail AFTER November 27th.
Oak Ridge, a bustling city created virtually overnight in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, was shrouded in secrecy for most of the 20th century; only appearing on maps in the mid-1960's. Today, Oak Ridge is on the map as a thriving city rich in cultural and recreational opportunities not to mention the cutting edge science and technology research for which the city is internationally known!
COME TO OAK RIDGE AND EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF.....A ONE OF A KIND TENNESSEE HALF MARATHON AND FUN 5K RACE EVENT!
TORCH aims to serve the homeless, those who are in jeopardy of becoming homeless, and those who are not able to receive services elsewhere due to lack of documentation (i.e. No ID, no phone, no address –or other limiting factors). We work to help them obtain the basic necessities to receive services.
Secret City Half Marathon and 5K Date: November 20, 2021
The half marathon route starts at the scenic Melton Lake Park peninsula. Considered a great PR course! Course runs along the beautiful Melton Lake then down by an operational quarry for a change of scenery. Continue along a serene tree-lined private road then wind through Oak Ridge. Finish your race along the water's edge right back to the peninsula. Course is USATF certified with certification # TN15066MS.
The 5K race route starts and finishes at the Melton Lake Park peninsula. The course follows the water's edge along Melton Lake to Elza Gate Park then double back down the walking trail to the peninsula. A very scenic, easy, and enjoyable 5K run. Cert #: TN15077MS
Have you been considering running a fall 5k or half marathon, but don't know where to start?
The Knoxville Track Club would love to help you! Whether you're new to running, targeting a personal record race performance, or just looking to log miles with friends, we have a space for you in our upcoming Fall RunKNOX Training Program.
What do you get?
The "RunDOWN", our weekly email newsletter which outlines your training recommendations and provides educational insight into how to properly work to achieve your goals.
Access to all RunKNOX Workouts:
Cost?
Only $10/week!
When does it start?
Fall session kicks off the week August 23rd in Oak Ridge!
Extra Benefits!
Sign up for the race by August 23rd and receive 10% off the training program! Email halfmarathon@oakridgevisitor.com for the code.
Questions?
Email them to runknox@gmail.com
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oak Ridge has created a direct booking link for guests of your group. Please feel free to share this with any and all of your guests who may need overnight accommodations for your event. They simply need to hold CTRL then CLICK on one of the following links to our website. Once on the site simply scroll down and Click “SELECT ROOM” to receive their Special Rate and enter the required information to complete their reservation:
Secret City Half Marathon
OR
https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=EX&localeCode=en®ionCode=1&hotelCode=OKRIT&_PMID=99801505&GPC=SCM&cn=no&viewfullsite=true
As another option, guests may call the hotel direct at (865) 298-1990 and request a room under the group name “Secret City Half Marathon.” A valid credit card will be required to guarantee the reservation and the cut-off date for reservations to be made is Friday November 6, 2020.
Secret City Half Marathon & 5K
697 Melton Lake Dr.
Oak Ridge, TN
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