Panther Creek Challenge

Panther Creek Challenge Half Marathon, 10K and Kids Trail Mile

TIME & PLACE

• Start Time: Half Marathon and 10K races start at 9:00 am.
• KIDS RACE: Starts at 8:30 am.
• Location: Starts/finishes at The Overlook pavilion of Panther Creek State Park off US Highway 11E North in Morristown.
• Maps: Google Maps Link to Start. Latitude/Longitude 36.2121° N, 83.4061° W

DIRECTIONS

• From Knoxville: Take Exit 394 (Hwy 11E North) and travel 35 miles.
• Turn Left: onto Panther Creek Road (by the BP Station) and travel 2.5 miles.
• From North on I-81: Take Exit 12 (Hwy 160) and head right on Hwy 160 (North) to Hwy 11 E.
• Park Entrance: Look for the BP Station, take a left on Panther Creek Road, and travel 2.5 miles: the park entrance is on the right.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Course Options: The longer distance option is near a half marathon, and the shorter race covers 10k.
• Scenic Trails: Both courses offer a delightful tour of the park with good tests of fitness.
• Starting Point: Both courses begin at the overlook in the northwest corner of the park.
• Terrain: Descend a steep single track and wind through the woods along the lake.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

• Registration: KTC member discount accepted. No refunds and no bib transfers.
• Sign Up: Not a member of KTC? Sign up here!
• Season Pass: Sign up online for 7 for $109 Season Pass, or Kids 7 for $29 Kids Pass bundle deals and SAVE BIG!
• Bundle Expiration: Expires June 1. Trail Series Bundle

T-SHIRTS

• Limited Edition: Special shirts will be printed for the series.
• Season Reminder: One shirt per runner PER SEASON, please.
• Donation Impact: Taking multiple shirts minimizes funds we can donate to trail-friendly causes.

GRAND PRIX POINTS

• Long Race: Full points (i.e., 100, 90, etc.) awarded for the long race.
• Short Race: Half points (i.e., 50, 45, etc.) awarded for the shorter race.

TTT SERIES AWARDS

• Top 3 Awards: Free race entries will be awarded to the top 3 in each division.
• Special Drawing: Two lucky runners may win a pair of shoes, thanks to Runners Market.
• Awards Ceremony: Awards will be presented at the KTC Holiday Party in December.
• Qualification: Must be a KTC member and volunteer twice during the season for awards eligibility.

RESULTS

• Availability: Results will be available on this RunSignup page at the Results link.

COURSE ETIQUETTE

• Disqualification: Unsportsmanlike conduct or abuse to volunteers may result in disqualification.
• Course Regulations: No headsets, earphones, bicycles, baby strollers, roller blades or pets on the course due to insurance regulations.

SAFETY

• Provisions: Aid and water stations will be provided, but runners are urged to carry their own water.
• Insect Stings: Strongly recommend carrying personal medication for insect stings or bites.
• Training Tip: Engage in pre-race training offroad: experience is invaluable.
• Enjoyment: We want you to have a good time.

SAFETY POLICY CLARIFICATION

• Age Requirement: Runners under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the adult race.
• Pace Rule: Enforcing an 18:00/mile minimum pace, with a sweeper for compliance.
• Avoid Disqualification: Don't get caught by the sweep!

DON'T TAKE A BIB IF YOU'RE NOT RUNNING

• Safety Concern: Only runners should take a bib: ensures participant safety.
• Drop Out Protocol: Inform race officials if you need to drop out.
• Bib Care: Do not crunch, fold, or tear bibs to ensure time recording.

INFO FOR RUNNING OR VOLUNTEERING

• Contact: TTT Series Director Michael deLisle at trails@:ktc.org or 865.548.4718.
• Volunteer Sign-Up: Available on Runsignup.com: volunteerism is highly valued.
• Grand Prix Ranking: Required volunteering for placement in Grand Prix Rankings.
• Fun Factor: Volunteering might be more enjoyable than running!

KTC SAFETY POLICY

• Policy Overview: The Knoxville Track Club Board of Directors has approved an Event Safety Policy.
• Policy Link: Viewable here: Weather Policy.

RACE DATE & LOCATION

The Panther Creek Challenge will take place on September 5, 2026, at 2010 Panther Creek Park Rd, Morristown, TN.

Visit the official race page for more information.