Vacation Races Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K - Race Recap
Last year, I had the pleasure of participating in the Vacation Races Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee. I did the Black Bear Challenge which meant doing both the 5k on Friday night and the half marathon Saturday morning. From the scenic course to the charming accommodations, it was a weekend to remember - with a few lessons learned along the way.
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Our Stay at the Blue Heron Inn
We stayed at the Blue Heron Inn during our trip, and it was such a fantastic choice! The bed was probably the most comfortable I've ever slept on, and we slept like babies as a result. The location couldn’t have been more convenient - it was maybe a 5 min drive to the start line for both the 5K and the half marathon, and was actually on the course for the half which saved me a trip to the porta-potty!
Breakfast from the Towns End Coffee Co (including in the nightly fee) in the morning was absolutely delicious, and the perfect way to refuel after the race! From the cozy atmosphere to the friendly service, everything about the Blue Heron Inn made our stay extra special. We would absolutely stay here again!
The Course: Easy and Scenic
The half marathon course was relatively easy, with gentle rolling hills and plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy. One of my favorite parts was running past the stunning houses along the route. I loved admiring their unique designs - it was such a fun distraction as I logged the miles.
Vacation Races always chooses scenic locations for their events, and this race was no exception. The Smoky Mountains served as a gorgeous backdrop, making every step of the run feel like an adventure.
The 5k Start Line Experience
While the course itself was lovely, the start of the 5k race left a bit to be desired. I understand that the previous course had its issues, but the wave start for this race was long. I’m talking 7–10 minutes between waves.
Adding to the challenge, the start line was on the opposite side of the highway from the parking lot. When we crossed the highway to get to the start, it was raining, so I was wearing a rain jacket and left my headphones in the car. By the time my wave started running, the rain had cleared, the sun was shining, and I was wishing I could toss my rain jacket and grab my headphones.
I really hope Vacation Races figures out a better way to organize the start line in future events. The delay and the inability to access my car/stuff definitely made the start more stressful than it needed to be.
Final Thoughts
Despite the hiccups at the start, the Vacation Races Smoky Mountains Half Marathon was a great experience overall. The scenic course, paired with the convenience and comfort of our stay at the Blue Heron Inn, made for a memorable weekend.
If you’re considering this race, it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and experience a relaxed, scenic run. Just be prepared for some logistical challenges at the start line, and plan ahead for weather changes!
Have you ever run a Vacation Races event or visited the Smoky Mountains? Let me know in the comments - I’d love to hear about your experiences! 🏃♀️✨
