Smoky Mountain 24 Hour Challenge

For those who like big miles, good people, and races that feel more like a party than a competition. Perfect for curious first-time ultra runners, seasoned mileage collectors, and anyone who thinks chasing loops in the Smokies with a bunch of slightly off-centered trail runners sounds like a good time.

Run All Night. Shine All Day.

Some races are serious.

This one is serious and ridiculous in the best possible way.

This fall, two trail running communities that know how to throw a proper mountain party - Yeti Trail Runners and East Coast Adventures - are teaming up for something brand new in the foothills of the Smokies.

Welcome to the Smoky Mountain 24 Hour Challenge.

A race where runners gather in Sevierville to see how far they can go in a day, cheer each other on lap after lap, and maybe leave with a story that sounds a little unbelievable.

And because we’re just down the road from the hometown of Dolly Parton, we figured the finishers deserved something with a little sparkle.

Run 80 miles and you’ll earn a Dolly-themed belt buckle.

Not a medal.
Not a plaque.
A buckle worthy of the Smokies.

The Course

The race takes place at 1005 Park Road in Sevierville, Tennessee, right in the backyard of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The course is a 3-mile loop.

Now before you think 3 miles sounds short, remember this: the best endurance races in the world are built on loops. Why? Because loops turn a race into a community experience.

You’ll see runners every few minutes. You’ll hear cheers every lap. Volunteers will know your name by mile 30.

Your crew can see you constantly. Your gear is always nearby. And every lap becomes its own small victory.

Some runners will chase huge mileage. Some will chase personal bests. Some will just keep moving because the energy around the course won’t let them quit.

By the end of the day, everyone has a story.

Choose Your Challenge

The 24 Hour Challenge

This is the main event.

You have 24 hours to run as many miles as you can on the 3-mile loop. Run through the afternoon. Run through sunset. Run through the quiet hours when the headlamps come out and the miles start to feel a little magical.

Hit 80 miles and you’ll earn the Smoky Mountain Dolly buckle.

Registration: $250

The 9 to 5 Challenge

Not everyone wants to run all night. Some people just want a big adventure during daylight hours.

The 9 to 5 Challenge gives runners 8 hours to rack up miles on the same 3-mile loop.

It’s the perfect introduction to endurance racing - or a fast-paced challenge for experienced runners looking to see how far they can push in a single day.

Registration: $150

Aid Stations & Support

The heart of every ultra is the aid station.

This one sits at the center of the loop, meaning runners pass through every three miles. That means constant encouragement, easy access to your gear, and plenty of chances for volunteers to convince you that “just one more lap” is a great idea.

Expect snacks. Expect hydration. Expect cowbells.

And expect the kind of encouragement that only trail runners know how to give.

The Runner Experience

Trail running has a funny way of turning strangers into friends.

Somewhere between the early laps and the middle-of-the-night miles, conversations start. Runners share snacks. Volunteers cheer like you’re winning the race even if you’re walking.

That’s the spirit both Yeti Trail Runners and East Coast Adventures built their communities around.

This race isn’t just about distance.

It’s about showing up. Moving forward. And seeing what happens when a few hundred runners gather in the Smokies to do something a little ridiculous together.

Practical Details

• Location: 1005 Park Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
• Date: October 17, 2026
• Distances: 24 Hour Challenge, 9 to 5 Challenge
• Course: 3-mile loop
• Capacity: Limited to 300 runners
• Swag: Finisher medal and custom race T-shirt designed by Jason & David
• Special Award: Dolly-themed belt buckle for runners who reach 80 miles

East Coast Adventures X Yeti Trail Runners

This event is a collaboration between two trail running communities that believe running should be challenging, welcoming, and a whole lot of fun: East Coast Adventures and Yeti Trail Runners.

East Coast Adventures was founded by runners who believe the trail running community grows stronger when more people feel welcome to be part of it. Their roots are in ultra and trail running, and their events are built around the idea that running creates real connections between runners, families, volunteers, and local communities. Some days running feels easy and some days it feels impossible - but those tough days are the ones that shape us. East Coast Adventures hosts races to motivate, inspire, and bring people together to do something they are proud of while exploring trails and spending time outside.

Yeti Trail Runners brings a slightly off-center spirit to the trail scene - in the best possible way. Their philosophy is simple: no pressure, no expectations, just trail family and good vibes. Through grassroots races and community events in local parks and forests, Yeti Trail Runners celebrates the idea that every runner belongs out there. Go your own distance. No DNFs - every step counts. No sponsors, no nonsense, just running, laughing, and supporting each other while sharing miles and stories along the trail.

Together, they’re bringing that same community-first energy to the Smoky Mountains for a race where grit meets joy, every mile becomes a story, and runners gather to see just how far they can go.

Event's current local time: 5:38 PM ET