Course Description: The run begins at the Townsend Abbey (7765 River Road, Townsend TN 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. View the race map.
Virtual Runners: Virtual runners will not receive a chipped bib and therefore will not be eligible for a race medal. Virtual run times should be self-recorded (via apps such as Strava or Map My Run) and reported to Keep Blount Beautiful, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you want to know your placement.
Awards: Awards will be announced to the top three finishers, both male and female, and the 1st and 2nd finishers, both male and female, based on the following age brackets: 0-16, 17-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75+. Awards will be announced at 12 p.m. outside of the Townsend Abbey, weather permitting.
Packet Pickup (and Pint Night): Runners registered for the 5th Annual Little River Run 5K can pick up their race packets on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 5-8 p.m. at Little River Trading Company at 2408 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville. During this time, each beer purchase will benefit the Little River Run 5K, so make sure to stay for a pint. Runners unable to make it to the packet pickup can get their packets on race day from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Those who register after the packet pickup on Nov. 16 will need to get their packet on race day.
Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to help with setting up/tear down, registration/sign-in, parking and course direction. If you would like to volunteer, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fill out the form at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D4AACAF29A2FB6-44519191-2022
Weather: This race is in mid-November, East TN weather is unpredictable. 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. Dress sensibly, and don't pile on layers; the rule of thumb is to add 10 to 20 degrees to the outside temperature to calculate your running temperature. Race personnel reserves the right to delay, cancel or suspend the race or modify the course due to inclement weather. As stated on the registration and race pages, there are no refunds or transfers. Participants must abandon the race if ordered to do so by the race personnel, medical staff, fire/paramedics or police personnel.
After the run, hang out at the Townsend Abbey for lunch, drinks, and raffle prizes. Runners and non-runners are welcome for the afterparty. Each runner will receive a free raffle ticket The raffle will be announced directly after the award ceremony.
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, or change all registrations to a virtual run, should government guidelines recommend no gatherings of the estimated size of the Little River Run 5K per the date of the race.
Additional race information can be found at http://www.keepblountbeautiful.org/little-river-run-5k.
Little River Run 5K November 18, 2023
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 for the 5th Annual Little River Run 5K at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Townsend Abbey. This race is a great way to support a clean, green and beautiful Blount County. The Little River Run encourages participants to engage with their community, enjoy the beauty of Blount County and help spread the message of environmental stewardship. All proceeds will support the many free events, programs and educational initiatives including litter pickups, stream cleanups, invasive removals, recycling events and educational programs.
In-person and virtual options for the race: This will be a chip-timed event. Participants of all ages are welcome. Race tickets will be $30 beginning, Sept. 5. Race registration increases to $35 starting Nov. 13. Children 12 and under can register for a rate of $15 at any time. Registration will also be available on race day. Virtual race runners are not chip-timed and are at a flat rate of $30.