Little River Run 5K

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The 6th Annual Little River Run 5K is set for 11 AM on Saturday, November 16th at the Townsend Abbey (7765 River Rd. Townsend, TN 37882). Join Keep Blount Beautiful (KBB) and Little River Watershed Association (LRWA) for a run (or walk!) by the Little River in view of the Great Smoky Mountains! The Little River Run 5K is a joint fundraising effort that brings together hundreds of people to celebrate the beauty of Blount County and promote a clean, green, and beautiful community. All proceeds from the event benefit KBB and LRWA's many free programs, events, and initiatives that focus on environmental education and sustainability.

📝 Registration Details

• Options: Both in-person and virtual race options are available and participants of all ages are welcome.
• In-Person Race: A chip-timed event that starts promptly at 11 AM.
• Early-Bird Registration: $25 ends at 11:59 PM Monday, September 9th: increases to $30 on September 10th and $35 on November 11th.
• Children's Rate: Children 12 and under can register for a rate of $15 at any time.

📱 Virtual Runners

• No Chipped Bib: Virtual runners will not be eligible for awards.
• Self-Recording: Run times can be self-recorded and reported to Keep Blount Beautiful.
• Contact: Email director@keepblountbeautiful.org for submission of times.

🏞️ Course Description

The run begins at the Townsend Abbey (7765 River Road, Townsend, Tennessee 37882) and moves along a flat course by the Little River. The course then curves to connect with the Townsend Historical Greenway for a short time before turning down a side road and then ending back at the Townsend Abbey. Watch a video of the racecourse here. You can view the race map here.

T-Shirt 👕 Information

• Deadline: Runners should register before October 31st to be guaranteed a T-shirt.
• Availability: Limited quantity of shirts for those who sign up after October 31st.
• Distribution: T-shirts may only be available to those who attend the race in-person unless picked up at packet pickup.

🏆 Awards

• Categories: Awards will be given to the top three finishers, both male and female.
• Age Brackets: 0-16, 17-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75+.
• Ceremony: Awards to be announced at 12 PM outside of the Townsend Abbey, weather permitting.

📦 Packet Pickup

• Date & Time: Thursday, November 14th from 5-8 PM at Little River Trading Company/Cycology Bicycles.
• Benefit: Each beer purchase benefits the 5K during the event.
• Race Day Pickup: Available from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the Townsend Abbey.

🚗 Parking

Please arrive early to ensure you get to the start line on time. Parking will be available by 8:50 AM on the grass lot to the left of the Chocolate B'ar on Depot Ave. when entering the Townsend Abbey. Additional parking will be available at CBBC Bank and overflow at the Post Office.

🤝 Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help with setting up/tear down, registration/sign-in, parking, and course direction. Volunteers can sign up by clicking the Volunteer tab on the race website.

🍺 Pint Night

Join Keep Blount Beautiful, the Little River Watershed Association, and Peaceful Side Brewery on October 17th for a Pint Night benefitting the Little River Run 5K! All day, $1 from each beer purchase (two beers will be selected) will benefit the 5K. Race registration will also be available at this time.

🥳 Post Run Celebration

After the run, hang out at the Townsend Abbey for lunch, drinks, and prize giveaways. Runners and non-runners are welcome for the afterparty.

🌤️ Weather

This race is in mid-November, but we all know how unpredictable East TN weather can be! Historically, the high in Townsend in November is 59 and the low is 35, so plan for a chill but be ready to get warmed up.

🦠 COVID-19 Precautions

For the safety of others, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19, please refrain from participating in the Little River Run 5K. We reserve the right to postpone/cancel the race should government guidelines recommend no gatherings of the estimated size of the Little River Run 5K per the date of the race.

🔗 More Information

For more details, visit the official race page: Little River Run 5K.