Description

2026 race date is subject to change based on permit approval

Townsend offers breathtaking scenery as well as an escape from the busyness of other parts of East Tennessee, why not host one of the FASTEST half marathon around from such landscape!

The Little River Rush Half Marathon course will feature spectacular views, peaceful back roads and boasts an impressive 600+ ft of total downhill and over 200 ft net downhill in this point to point race.  Course begins at the Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend and will travel in one direction to finish at Heritage High School in this Blount County exclusive race.Runner Check-In & Packet Pickup
You MUST pickup at one of the these times and locations.  There will be no bibs handed out at start line area!

Bib pick-up:

TBD

GIVEAWAYS:  Finisher Medals will be available 

AWARDS:  Award available the the Top 3 Overall (Male and Female), Top 3 for Age Groups (Male and Female) for 1-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+

RESTROOMS: Will be available from within the Heritage Visitors Center and at 3 locations on the course, as well as the parking/finishing area at Heritage High School.

AID STATIONS: Aid stations will be available at miles 4 , 7 & 10.  These will be stocked with Water and Gatorade.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION: Runners must park at Heritage High school as runners will be bussed to the start/ Staging area at the Smoky Mountain Heritage center of Townsend.  Parking will NOT be available from the Heritage center due to limited site size.  Please plan on arriving early enough to be transported to the start area.  Bus will leave promptly upon scheduled time, those who are are not on the bus will be expected to find their own transportation to the start line.  The Bus Company has asked that the last bus leave the School at 6:15. Runners are allowed to be dropped off at the starting line, but please be mindful of the bus drop off and yield to all buses at the starting area.  Busses will be for runners and volunteers only.

We will have a Bussing system set up to run from the Finish to the start/ area.  After crossing the Finish Runners can receive their medals and awards and freely depart once they complete the race.  Spectators may choose to set up their own transportation after crossing the finish line.

Proceeds for this race will go to benefiting the Heritage High School Cross Country & Track programs to support our youth athletes and their endeavors to practice and compete at local and regional events. 

For live results and Participant Tracking during the event follow runners using the below link:

LIVE RESULTS