3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville TN
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Little River Rush Half Marathon
Date: May 16, 2026
Location: 3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN
Race Overview
Experience one of the fastest and most scenic half marathons in East Tennessee. The Little River Rush Half Marathon offers a unique point-to-point course through the peaceful back roads of Townsend, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and free from the congestion of busier race locations.
Starting at the Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, the course travels one direction to Heritage High School, showcasing over 600 feet of total descent and more than 200 feet of net downhill, making this a truly fast and rewarding race experience. It's really downhill, like actually, check the course profile down below!
Race Details
Runner Check-In & Packet Pickup:
- Friday Evening: May 15, 5:00-7:00pm at Super Chix Farragut Location, 116 Brooklawn St, Farragut, TN 37934
- Saturday Morning: May 16, 5:30-7:00am from Parking / Finish area at Heritage High School, 3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804
Race Morning
- PARKING: ALL PARTICIPANTS SHOULD PARK AT THE HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL (FINISH AREA) AND BE BUSSED TO THE START!
- Transportation: Buses will transport participants from Finish to Start (Staging from Peaceful Side Social, Townsend Square Dr.)
- RACE START: 7:30am
- START: Peaceful Side Social (Townsend Square Dr.)
Finisher Medals and Awards
- Finisher Medals: All finishers will receive a custom finishers race medal.
- Registration: Register by May 1 to guarantee your finisher medal!
- Awards: Top 3 Overall (Male & Female) and Top 3 per Age Group (Male & Female): Under 19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+
- Shirts: Order deadline is May 1st!
Race Day Amenities
- Restrooms: Portable restrooms will be available at Heritage High School, and at the Start area, with additional locations TBA closer to race date.
- Aid Stations: Located at miles 4, 7, and 10, each station will offer water and Gatorade.
- Parking & Transportation: All participants must park at Heritage High School: buses will transport runners to the start staging area at Peaceful Side Social.
- Arrival: Please arrive early—the final bus will depart at 6:45 AM sharp. All vehicles must yield to buses.
Supporting Local Youth Athletes
Proceeds from the race benefit the Heritage High School Cross Country and Track & Field programs, supporting the next generation of student-athletes as they train and compete locally and regionally.
Contact Information
For Sponsorship information contact Race Director C. John Chavis at cjohnchavis@gmail.com
Donations are also accepted from the top of this page.
