Theme park race events are a popular way to experience your favorite park in an entirely new way: Disney Parks has been hosting them for decades, attracting thousands to each of its annual themed races. I’ve participated in several and have discovered along the way that they can be highly addicting, fun and challenging in ways completely different than your average race.
And now this beloved East Tennessee theme park is getting in on the action.
In late April, Dolly Parton’s Dollywood hosted the inaugural Run Dollywood Race weekend, building on the success of its long-running Light The Way 5k. I’ve visited Dollywood over 50 times and decided I had to check it out myself: and I had a front row ticket to all the action as a running participant. The weekend included a race expo, followed by the main events of a 5k, 10k, half marathon and kids’ 1-mile fun run. It’s the brainchild of The Dollywood Company’s president Eugene Naughton, a passionate runner and accomplished marathoner.
From on-course cinnamon bread to blonde wigs as far as the eye could see, here is what the inaugural Run Dollywood Race weekend was like.
Related: Dollywood Unveils New Look At ‘NightFlight Expedition’
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Pre-Race
I’ve done other theme-park races and recall feeling absolutely overwhelmed by the race expo and packet picket. I was thoroughly impressed with Dollywood’s process and easily picked up my bib from its on-site resort, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. The expo was also the spot to purchase adorable, exclusive race merchandise and pick up goods from specialty retailers. This immediately set the tone for the experience to come and you’d never know it was the event’s first year.
Race Experience
Races were held over the course of two days and began in the parking lot of Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park, adjacent to Dollywood Theme Park. Easing the stress of pre-race jitters, parking and arriving at the starting line was a breeze, an impressive task as nearly 6,000 people from around the world competed.
I opted to run the 10k as the course afforded the opportunity to travel through both Dollywood Theme Park and Splash Country Water Park. The 6.2 mile course was challenging with the Smoky Mountain’s signature hills, but that was eased by the sights along the way (there’s a particular thrill in passing dormant attractions before day guests arrive, like one of its newest, The Dolly Parton Experience).
And if you’ve been to the Smokies during springtime, you can attest to how stunning it is. The picturesque theme park is celebrating its annual Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival which sees the addition of over 1 million blooms and stunning flower structures throughout the park.
Related: Dollywood Goes Beyond ‘9 to 5’ With New After-Hours Event
Throughout the course, there was live entertainment, including the beloved Dollywood character Miss Lillian who was on hand to meet and pose for photos with guests. Undoubtedly a highlight was the on-course cinnamon bread. The theme park had created specialty molds for bite-sized pieces of its most iconic dessert. During the half-marathon, some attractions were open, including fan-favorite Blazing Fury. Staff was on hand throughout with words of encouragement and hydrating beverages.
Participants dressed for the occasion with many in themed attire—there were lots of butterflies, famously Dolly’s favorite animal—and even some dressed as the park’s dreamer-in-chief herself, Miss Parton.
Keeping in theme, I ended the race’s last mile with a constant loop of Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ blasting in my ears. The entire experience felt like a celebration.
Related: Tumble Out of Bed and Onto Allegiant’s New ‘9 to 5’ Fan Flight to Dollywood
What To Know
Staying on-site at one of Dollywood’s two resorts, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa, makes for the ultimate (and most convenient) way to experience Run Dollywood Race weekend. Each resort offers private shuttles to the race start adding ease to experience. There’s also other enhancements, like a pre-race dinner and theme park ticket packages. And for the running enthusiasts, there’s the Butterfly Challenge which rewards runners who truly earn their wings by taking on the 5k, 10k and half marathon with an exclusive medal. All runners, regardless of course, receive an event-specific t-shirt, race bib, and commemorative medal.
A minimum pace of 16:00 is expected. And don’t be surprised by the hills: this course might be a bit of a challenge for someone who hasn’t properly trained or is used to walking on flat terrains. Accommodations can be made in advance for racing wheelchairs, walkers and other devices.
Related: Dolly Parton Announces New Attraction
What’s To Come
The inaugural Run Dollywood weekend proved so popular that a second one has been added for Fall during the park’s acclaimed Harvest Festival—and you won’t want to miss the acclaimed Great Pumpkin LumiNights which adds thousands of carved pumpkins and light structures to the park. It’s expected to be held Sept. 26-27, and interested participants can sign up now to receive notification about registration details.
Voted the #1 theme park in the U.S. by Tripadvisor users, the Dollywood Resort is in the midst of an exciting and rapid expansion. Now in its 41st season, visitors can expect new experiences and attractions, including a first-of-its-kind indoor hybrid water raft ride and family coaster, NightFlight Expedition, opening soon.
Related: Dollywood Goes Beyond ‘9 To 5’ With New After-Hours Event
