Around the Bend Five & Ten

Race Information

The Around the Bend Five & Ten will take place on October 3, 2026, at 3100 W Old Andrew Johnson Hwy, Strawberry Plains, TN. For more details, visit the race website.

Purpose and Beneficiary

• Community Support: Proceeds from the event will benefit First Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains.
• Food Pantry: Funds will assist in building "The Blessing Box," a community food pantry available year-round.
• Local Running Support: A portion will go to Tennessee Endurance to support local athletes.

Course Description

• 5K Course: An out and back route with a total elevation of 150ft.
• 10K Course: A highlighted looped route gaining less than 250ft over the entire distance.
• Starting Point: Both courses begin at the intersection of Old Dandridge Pike & Old Andrew Johnson Hwy.
• Kids Route: A 1-Mile route for participants 10 and under or young at heart adults.

Course Maps

• 5K Course Map: View Here
• 10K Course Map: View Here
• 1 Mile Walk/Run Map: View Here

Giveaways

• Event T-Shirt: All 5 & 10K registrants will receive a custom event T-shirt.
• Shirt Deadline: Shirt orders close on September 21, 2026.
• Fun Run Shirts: Available for an additional $12 ordered by September 21, 2026.

Referrals

• Unique Referral Link: Provided upon registration.
• Referral Bonus: Refer 5 friends, get a $20 refund on your registration fee.

Race Day Details

• Pick Up: Race numbers and T-shirts can be picked up on race morning from 6:30am - 7:45am.
• Start Times:
  • 7:30am - 1 Mile Walk/Run
  • 8:00am - 5K & 10K Run

Awards

• Age Group Awards: Awards will be given in 10-year increments for 5 & 10K races.
• Age Groups: <12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
• Kids Finisher Gift: Special gift for completing the Kids Mile run.

Facilities

• Restrooms: Available near the start/finish/registration area: none on course.
• Water Stops: Aid stations with water cups at mile 1 & 3.

Parking and Transportation

• Parking Locations: Available on the West side of the church lot and Rush Strong School rear parking.
• East Side Closure: East side of the church lot closed for race finish area.

Participation Notes

Walkers are encouraged to participate in the Mile or 5K events only. Runners only in 10K. Strollers permitted in the 1 Mile run/walk event. No pets allowed in any event.

Support and Sponsorship

If you wish to support without participating, consider donating directly on the race page. For race sponsorship opportunities or Mile Marker/water table sponsorship, please contact Stephanie Bailey at keassisttn@gmail.com.