Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
Townsend, United States of America · Thursday 26 November 2026
For those who love trail running and mountain scenery, the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is a dream race. Set on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this half marathon follows scenic roads and forested paths, treating runners to stunning mountain vistas, winding rivers, and vibrant autumn foliage. The gently rolling course is not overwhelmingly difficult, but high humidity and unpredictable weather can add an extra challenge.
Difficulty Calculator
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:m
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Adjusted Time
1:51:09
Time difference: +6.1 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain138m
Elevation High316m
Elevation Low260m
Weather Forecast
High27°C
Low19°C
Chance of Rain0%
How hard is Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon?
Moderateharder than 71% of half marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon plays about 6 minutes slower than an average road half marathon for a 1:30 runner. It ranks #130 hardest of 450 half marathons we analyse, and #40 of 145 in United States of America. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road half marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30:00 | 1:34:28 | +04:28 |
| 1:45:00 | 1:51:09 | +06:09 |
| 2:00:00 | 2:07:58 | +07:58 |
| 2:15:00 | 2:24:54 | +09:54 |
| 2:30:00 | 2:41:57 | +11:57 |
| 2:45:00 | 2:59:06 | +14:06 |
| 3:00:00 | 3:16:21 | +16:21 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is a half marathon held in Townsend, United States of America. It is scheduled for Thursday 26 November 2026. The course is run on road surface with 138m of total climbing, with its high point near 316m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
With 138m of total climbing, this is a gently undulating course. The elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't greatly affect your pacing.
Expected Race Day Weather
Based on historical weather data for November, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 19°C and 27°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in distance running - for every degree above 15°C, finish times can slow by roughly 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.
Surface Type: Road
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon against other half marathons to find the right race for your goals.
Half marathons of similar difficulty
If Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.
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