Dollywood’s Race Weekend: Unique Adventures with Cinnamon Bread and Roller Coasters
Dollywood is launching a new running event across its park and nearby roads on April 25-26, 2026. The park previewed the inaugural weekend with a course run by Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton.
Event overview and logistics
Organizers expect about 6,500 participants across multiple distances. The schedule includes a kids fun run, a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon.
The half marathon sold out in roughly two weeks. A few entries remain for the shorter races.
Start, expo and bib pickup
All races begin in the Splash Country parking lot. The waterpark is closed at that time of year.
Bib pickup and the race expo are set for April 24 at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
Course and on-course features
The 5K and 10K stay completely within Dollywood property. The half marathon extends onto Jake Thomas Boulevard.
The half marathon climbs and drops about 1,400 feet through the Great Smoky Mountains. Organizers cautioned the course is hilly and demanding.
Entertainment and surprises
Runners will encounter entertainment and unexpected features along the routes. The event will include a cinnamon bread stop on course.
Participants may also ride select roller coasters during portions of the race. These touches reflect the park’s theme and local flavor.
Participation, medals and merchandise
All entrants will receive event-specific T-shirts, race bibs, and inaugural medals. Those who finish all three events will get a pink butterfly medal.
The butterfly design nods to Dolly Parton’s preferences. Organizers hope the keepsakes appeal to returning and new visitors alike.
Audience and local appeal
Park leadership says many daily visitors have never visited before. The race is designed to attract new guests to the destination.
More than 60 percent of registered runners are mothers. Officials expect families to attend and make memories.
Voices from participants
Donna Barnes, visiting from Ohio, said she recently returned to running and hopes to try the half marathon. She praised the park atmosphere and the idea of a race there.
Mychal Roye, visiting from Birmingham, Alabama, said the scenic course makes running easier. He called the weekend a family-friendly way to create lasting memories.
Future plans
Dollywood has scheduled a second race weekend for Sept. 26-27 during the park’s Harvest Festival. Details are still being finalized.
Officials may add more spots for the fall date after evaluating the April event. A full marathon is also under consideration, using 8.5 miles of nearby greenway.
Interested runners can sign up for updates at Dollywood.com/RunDollywood. Filmogaz.com covered the course preview and event details.
Coverage highlighted how Dollywood’s Race Weekend blends Unique Adventures, Cinnamon Bread stops and Roller Coasters. The format promises a race unlike many others.
