Cades Cove Loop Lope
- Date
- November 8, 2026
- Distance
- 10 Mile Loop Lope · 5K Loop Lope
From the Organizer
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.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in TN
Diamond Dash 5k - CANCELLED
5K
One More Loved 5K
5K
The Mad Mallard 3, 6, 12 & 24 HR NIGHT TIME trail race.
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Jackson, TN (35)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Cades Cove Loop Lope?
- Cades Cove Loop Lope is a running event held in Townsend, TN. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Cades Cove Loop Lope?
- Sunday, November 8, 2026 in Townsend, TN at Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Cades Cove Loop Lope?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Nov 8, 2026