Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon, Presented by Smoky Mountain News

October 31-December 31 – $70
January 1-March 14 – $80
March 15 – Race Day – $90

Friday, April 5 – 4:00-6:00 PM – Wells Event Center (33 Wells Events Way, Waynesville)

Saturday, April 6 – 6:00-7:30 AM – Wells Event Center 

The race will begin at the corner of Main Street & Branner Avenue, next to The Mountaineer and will finish on Boundary Street.  The course will include parts of Waynesville, Hazelwood and the Plott Creek area of Haywood County.

Aid stations will be located approximately every two miles.

Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon/Elevation Chart

Turn By Turn Directions

Time Limit
All half marathon runners have 3:30 hours to complete the course in order to be provided full police protection and aid station support. Those still on the course at this time will be asked to stay to sidewalks and follow traffic rules. Race officials will stay with all runners on the course to make sure they arrive to the finish line safely.

Stuff

All runners registered by March 27 are guaranteed to receive a race shirt.  Any registrations after this date will be based on availability.

All finishers will receive a commemorative finisher medal.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome at both the start and finish areas.  Please see the Parking section below for the best place to park.

Photos – Courtesy of Paul King

2024 Batch 1

2024 Batch 2

2024 Batch 3

2024 Batch 4

2024 Batch 5

We will be holding our traditional post-race program near the finish line on Boundary Street, including water and light snacks and the award ceremony at approximately 10:45 AM.

All weekend, Frog Level Brewing will be providing a complimentary beer to all of-age participants.  Simply use the Glory Hound stub on your race number to redeem it.

All finishers will receive a commemorative award at the finish line.

Special pottery awards from Mud Dabbers Pottery will be presented to the top three male and female finishers for  Overall finishers and First place Masters (40 & Over) in each race.

Age group awards will go to the first, second, and third male and female in the following age groups: 15 & Under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & Over. No double-dipping!

Please plan on being present for the awards ceremony or make arrangements for someone else to pick up your award.  They are fragile and cannot be mailed.

The race will utilize chip timing. A timing chip will be on the back of your race bib, which should be worn on your front and visible at all times during the race.

Your time will start when you cross the start pad and end when you cross the finish line.

We love dogs but we don’t feel that running 13.1 miles with one is a good idea.  For that reason, dogs are not permitted in the half marathon, however, they are allowed in the Mighty Four Miler.

All racers and spectators are encourage to park in the Haywood County Courthouse parking deck on Branner Avenue.

Glory Hound Events has a NO REFUND policy. 

Transfers

To transfer your registration to another person please follow these steps:

1. Click on ‘My Account’ when logged into EnMotive
2. Go to your “Registrations” view and find the Registration you’d like to Transfer
3. Click on the action icon in the top right corner of the registration field
4. Select ‘Transfer Registration’
5. Enter the email address of the person you want to transfer the registration to
6. That individual will receive an email notifying them of the transfer, and they’ll be instructed on how to accept it

• The transfer will only be valid for 48 hours, so be sure they accept quickly!

Transfers may be made up to the end of online registration on March 4 at 9:00 PM but please allow time for the other person to accept it.

This is the only way transfers or the selling of bibs between participants will be allowed. Anyone who is discovered to have purchased or accepted another person’s bib without submitting this form will be disqualified and banned from future races.

2024 Overall Results

2024 Age Group Results

2022 Overall Results

2022 Age Group Results

2021 Overall Results

2021 Age Group Results

Would you still like to be part of this great event but don’t want to run? Volunteering is the perfect way to do that. We have spots available as course marshals and at the course aid stations. Please email greg@gloryhoundevents.com if you are interested in volunteering.