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 reserved parking passes will once again be available this year. Passes will be offered for $150 and typically sell out within the first hour, so interested attendees are encouraged to purchase early. 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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
61°
Typical Low
35°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Townsend 5s, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Townsend, TN
Nearest Airport
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport · 16 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Cades Cove Loop Lope, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
153
Days to train
- Race
- Cades Cove Loop Lope
- Date
- November 8, 2026
Coming Up
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TN Arsenal Moonlight Mile & 5K
5K
13 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Cades Cove Loop Lope?
- Cades Cove Loop Lope is a running race held in Townsend, Tennessee on November 8, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Cades Cove Loop Lope?
- Sunday, November 8, 2026 in Townsend, Tennessee at Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Cades Cove Loop Lope?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Nov 8, 2026