Cades Cove Loop Lope
About this race
The Cades Cove Loop Lope is the only organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to benefit Friends of the Smokies. All funds raised benefit park projects and programs such as historic preservation, wildlife conservation, native plant and grassland restoration, and so much more.
There are two course options, a 5K or a USATF Certified 10-Mile Loop. Participation is limited to 750 total runners. This race sells out fast, so please don't wait to register!
You can pick up your race day packets and race bibs at either of the following times/locations:
- Thursday, November 5, 2026, 3-6PM at River Sports Outfitters – 2918 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 2-5pm at the Townsend Visitor Center – 7906 E Lamar, Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. A limited number of vehicle reservation passes for on-site access in Cades Cove will be available for purchase for an additional fee. Please note: Parking reservation passes typically sell out the day registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option from the Townsend Visitors Center. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available at the Townsend Visitors Center.
Join fellow runners on June 1, 2023 for the Cades Cove Loop Lope. It's a fantastic 5K, 16.1K featuring a flat and fast course in Townsend.
Pick your distance
Running
Virtual 5K
Can't join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher's medallion via mail.
Virtual 10 Mile
Can't join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher's medallion via mail.
10 Mile Loop Lope - November 12
Registration fee is the same for either the 5K or 10 Mile Loop Lope. Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle reservation passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available at the Townsend Visitors Center.
5K Loop Lope - November 12
Registration fee is the same for either the 5K or 10 Mile Loop Lope. Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle reservation passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies. A handicapped accessible shuttle will be available at the Townsend Visitors Center.
Weather Overview
These values reflect historical conditions on the race dates in Townsend in 2023, from Open-Meteo archive data.
About Townsend
Cades Cove Loop Lope takes place in Townsend, Tennessee, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.