2026 Race Registration & Info | 2026 Sponsors | 2025 Results | 2025 Photos
The 2026 Cades Cove Loop Lope is officially sold out!
Thank you to everyone who registered and continues to support this unique and beloved Smokies tradition. We’re thrilled by your enthusiasm and can’t wait to welcome our runners this year.
If you’d like to be added to the waitlist, please fill out the form below. We’ll contact you if spots become available. Thank you for your interest and support!
2026 Cades Cove Loop Lope Waitlist
Cades Cove Loop Lope
5K & 10-Mile Race
November 8, 2026
The 2026 Cades Cove Loop Lope will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026. This is the only organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers a 10-mile option around the entire scenic loop or a 5K option that cuts across Sparks Lane to reach the finish line.
Registration opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Cades Cove Loop Lope page on runsignup.com. When registration opens, a “Sign Up” button will appear at the top of the page. The event sells out quickly each year and parking passes are limited. Due to high demand, we recommend logging on early and being ready to register when it opens. Registration costs $107 (including a $7 fee).
A limited number of reserved parking passes will once again be available this year. Passes will be offered for $150 and typically sell out within the first hour, so interested attendees are encouraged to purchase early.
Proceeds benefit Friends of the Smokies to fund park projects and programs for historic preservation, wildlife conservation, native plant and grassland restoration, and many more park needs that would otherwise go unfunded. We are so grateful for the runners, walkers, volunteers, and sponsors who make this event possible.
Runners will need to pick up their race day packets and bibs at either of the following times/locations:
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 3-6PM at River Sports Outfitters – 2918 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN
Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 2-5pm at the Townsend Visitor Center – 7906 E Lamar, Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Please reach out to amy@friendsofthesmokies.org for any additional information!