
From the Organizer
The Fireball Classic 5K is a summer tradition that continues in 2026 for the 42nd year!
We are excited to welcome The Casual Pint - Northshore as our title sponsor for this year's event.
Date, Time & Place: Friday, July 3rd, 2026, Kid's Mile - 8:00pm, 5K - 9:00pm, Neyland Dr
Kickoff your 4th of July festivities with a fast 5k on Neyland Drive - it's the Fireball Classic 5k and Kid's Mile!
Course Description: Runners will begin in the river side lane of Neyland Drive near the UT Visitors Center, turnaround will be at the Lake Loudoun Blvd. traffic light, and as returning runners approach Jacob Dr. they will merge back into the river side lane to the finish. Kid Mile will follow the same course, half mile out and half mile back to finish.
Registration and Entry Fee (No refunds or bib transfers): Early Bird Pricing through December 31 - $30, Jan 1 thru April 30 - $35, May 1 thru July 2 - $40, day of race (7/3) - $45. Kid's Mile fee is $10 through Dec. 31, then $15 1/1 - 7/3. Only one coupon may be used at a time. No discounts on day-of registration.
Shirts: Adults shirts will be a UNISEX COTTON MUSCLE TEE; Kids will receive a shirt and finisher's medal. Shirt order will be placed on June 5. To ensure your correct shirt size, please register by June 4. Sizes can be exchanged after the race if supplies are available. We will order extra, but when the inventory runs out in RunSignup, there will be no more shirts.
Results: Results will be posted on Runsignup after the race.
Grand Prix Points and Team Competition: The Fireball 5k is on the 2026 Team Competition schedule.
Post Race Refreshments: Assorted refreshments will be provided post race in the event tent.
Race Etiquette: Due to insurance regulations, roller blades, strollers, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed on the course. The 5K course closes in 1 hour and 15 minutes. KTC discourages the use of headphones at events.
Information or Special Assistance: Please contact the KTC Event Manager at Jessica@ktc.org.
KTC Safety Policy: The Knoxville Track Club Board of Directors has approved an Event Safety Policy, viewable here: Weather Policy. Please familiarize yourself with it.
Events
Weather
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
88°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
36%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Knoxville Exp Stn, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
193,721
as of 2023
Elevation
1,007 ft
Nearest Airport
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport · 11 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Fireball Classic 5K and Kid's Mile, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
25
Days to train
Coming Up
Sharp's Ridge Rambler
Less than a mile away
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Knoxville, TN (25)
Less than a mile away
Medal Madness 5K, & 10K at Knoxville, TN (26)
Less than a mile away
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Knoxville, TN (27)
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
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.
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)
Fireball Classic 5K and Kid's Mile
Jul 3, 2026