Dollywood’s inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend in April marked several firsts for the nearly 6,000 participants who laced up their sneakers to run through the Pigeon Forge theme park, myself among them.
It was the first time I rode a theme park attraction during a half marathon; the first time I ate Dollywood’s iconic cinnamon bread during a race; the first time I saw a live band belting out Dolly Parton tunes at the finish line; and the first time I was nearly brought to tears by the early-morning sun as it peeked above the tree-covered Smoky Mountains, revealing a roller coaster shrouded in fog (Lightning Rod, for anyone curious).
Okay, the overflowing emotions brought on by that last one may have had something to do with being about 11 miles into a 13.1-mile race with fatigue, anticipation, and pride swirling simultaneously through my body as the finish line drew near. The tears almost made a second appearance when I crossed that finish line—with my husband by my side and my best friend Tanner (who is faster than I’ll ever be) already at the finish to cheer us on—and received a butterfly-shaped medal to commemorate my accomplishment.
Other than that, the weekend was all smiles. We rode roller coasters (including my seven-year-old’s first upside down coaster), played games and enjoyed Dollywood’s tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere. Dollywood is already planning its Run Dollywood Fall Race Weekend for September 26-27, so here’s everything you need to know to plan your own 9 to 5k (or 10k, or half marathon) Run Dollywood vacation.
Run Dollywood details
First and foremost, many of Run Dollywood’s inaugural races did sell out. If you want to ensure you get a bib for the fall race series (or stay up-to-date on next year’s races), sign up for the Run Dollywood mailing list.
For the inaugural event, there were several races and bib packages to choose from, with pricing starting at $27.50 per person for the kids’ fun run and $112.30 for the half marathon. On April 25, 2026, Run Dollywood hosted a back-to-back 5k and 10k (with enough time in between to accommodate runners who wanted to race in both) and a one-mile kids race. On the following day, Dollywood hosted its first-ever half marathon.
Runners could purchase packages that also included park admission and/or a pre-race dinner inside the park for an additional fee. You could also purchase a Butterfly Challenge bib that included entry into the 5k, 10k, and half-marathon, and included an exclusive finisher’s medal.
The 5k, 10k and half-marathon races took place in and around Dollywood, while the one-mile kids race was held at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. Because the races went through the theme park, the start times had to be early enough that runners would be out of the park before the posted 10 a.m. opening time. That meant a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call for my half marathon, but it was more than worth it.
A few weeks before the race, I received a runner’s guide in my email with details on everything from the pre-race expo and packet pickup to where to park on race day. The packet pickup took place at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort on the Friday before the first races. We received our race bibs and a t-shirt, and several vendors were on-hand for anyone who wanted to buy Run Dollywood merchandise or other race gear.
Whether you attend as a runner or spectator, the race hub in Dollywood’s Splash Country parking lot had tons of fun (and port-a-potties) to help you enjoy the weekend. All but the 5k started and finished here. Before or after the race (or during if you were spectating), there was a coffee truck and acai bowl truck, merchandise tent, bag check tent for runners, a stage that rotated live bands and karaoke, tables where kids could make posters and post-race water and snack boxes for runners.
Each race ran at least partially through Dollywood. The race packet had full maps for each race, including details on which characters and live performers you would see along the course. Big Bear Mountain and Blazing Fury were only open during the half marathon, but all three races included a stop for that sweet, gooey cinnamon bread.
Spectator information
I only ran the half marathon, so I got to play cheerleader during the 5k and 10k races. The runner’s guide had specific information for spectators on how early to arrive, where to park and instructions for taking the trolley to the starting line.
Spectators are not allowed on the race course. The only area for spectators was at the race hub, but that is where the start and finish lines were, so it was the most exciting place to be anyway.
If you are running, don’t worry, there were volunteers and performers along the race course that helped to cheer you along and keep the excitement up! My kids and some of my friends made posters the evening before the race so we could hold them up and support the runners.
Where to stay
Dollywood has two on-site hotels, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Staying on-site is a convenient option because you can take a trolley straight to the race hub instead of figuring out driving and parking at 5 a.m. before your brain is firing on all cylinders. During the packet pickup, on-site hotel guests could book a specific trolley pick-up time for race morning and then take a trolley straight back to the hotel to freshen up before a day spent celebrating at Dollywood.
There are several other perks to staying in one of Dollywood’s hotels, whether it’s a race weekend or not. Hotel guests get complimentary trolley transportation to the park and complimentary TimeSaver passes for unlimited skip-the-line access for most Dollywood attractions and preferred seating for select theater shows. If you do plan to stay on-site, I recommend booking as soon as you sign up for the race (or beforehand if you know you plan to sign up).
Because I was traveling with my family of five and some friends, we booked a cabin that was only about a 10-minute drive from Dollywood. If you’re visiting with a large group, this is a great option. Our cabin had video games, a pool table, and a hot tub for soaking our sore muscles after the race.
Planning your park days
The races are early enough in the morning that you still have almost an entire day to play and celebrate at Dollywood. From a recovery standpoint, it felt good to keep my legs moving after the race, but the park also had a really festive energy with so many runners there. Don’t forget to wear your race medal so you can snap some commemorative photos.
With so many runners and their families celebrating, the wait times for popular rides were on the higher side. If you aren’t staying on-site, I would recommend purchasing TimeSaver passes so you spend less time waiting in line.
I also always tell people to spend at least two days at Dollywood. We arrived on a Friday to pick up our race bibs and get settled in and then visited Dollywood Saturday and Sunday before heading home Monday. Allowing two park days ensures you get in all of your must-dos and also accounts for any time lost to rainy weather.
Run Dollywood tips
After experiencing my first Run Dollywood race weekend, here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Costumes are encouraged: From blonde Dolly Parton wigs and glittery dresses to flowy butterfly wings, I saw so many fantastic costumes throughout the course of the weekend. All I had was a Run Dollywood shirt, so I am already thinking of ways to step up my game next year.
- Train properly: If you’ve ever been to the Smoky Mountains, you know it is the opposite of flat. As you are training for your race, be sure to add in some hills so you are prepared. For the half marathon, there were several pace groups you could follow to help you maintain your goal pace.
- Butterfly Balloon Sweep Team: You must keep a 16-minute-per-mile pace to finish the race. “Balloon ladies” with butterfly balloons tied to their backs were on-hand to keep the 16-minute pace and anyone who fell too far behind was transported off the race course if necessary.
- Bring nutrition: Aside from the cinnamon bread stop, the other aid stations along the race course had water and Gatorade. If you are accustomed to taking gels, chews or other running fuel, bring some with you to take during the race.
- Race photos: On-course and finisher photo downloads are included in the cost of your race entry, but you could also purchase a separate photo wristband at the race expo or race hub for character photos inside the park. I didn’t purchase one, but Dollywood team members were on-hand to take photos using my phone instead.
