As the season begins to roll into spring and the temperature begins to rise, many of us are itching to get back to the outdoors. For those looking to do a bit more than simply stretching your legs after all the rainy days, snow storm of ’24, and cold weather, we’ve got the lowdown on all upcoming 5Ks happening in Blount County! So lace up your running shoes and stockpile your GU gels, because the races are about to begin (literally, with some of these!).
Be sure your Apple watch is charged for this one, because it’s happening TOMORROW!
Spring Sprint 5K Road Race & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk is kickin’ off in Alcoa on Saturday, April 13th.
This one is special as it’s part of the 2024 Annual Healthy Blount Triple Crown of Running! This year marks the 26th annual event and consists of the Spring Sprint (April 13), Scholars Run (July 27th), and the Reindeer Run (December 8th). To win the Triple Crown grand prize, you must complete all three races.
If you want to join in on the fun but don’t have the time or ability to race, you can still donate and show up at the finish line to support your friends!
What makes this race special: A portion of the proceeds benefit Blount County’s Area 15 Special Olympics and the Leon Berrong Scholarship Fund that allows underprivileged children to participate in recreational programs.
You can leave your capes at home, because when you participate in the Heroes For Hope 5K, you’re already a hero.
The 5th Annual Heroes For Hope 5K takes place on Saturday, April 27th in Maryville. This amazing event brings the community together to help raise awareness for child abuse prevention. The race is a rain-or-shine event, so come prepared to face the elements!
There’s also a Fun Run option for kids and those of us who need a little breather while we run! For those who can’t make it in person, the event is also hosting a virtual option. If you want to support the kiddos but don’t have the time or energy to race, there’s still an option to donate!
What makes this race special: All proceeds benefit the New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center!
Some say it takes a village to raise a child, and we say it takes a community to help support Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs.
This year’s 13th annual Butterfly Run occurs on Saturday, May 4th in Alcoa, and the proceeds go directly to supporting a wonderful organization that works to enhance the potential of infants and young children with disabilities. Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs supports these children and their families and the early intervention professionals who serve them.
This specific race is actually a 3K, so it’s perfect for those who are wanting to see if running is for them! There’s also a 1-mile Fun Run option as well. If you want to support the cause but don’t have the time or ability to race, you can still donate!
What makes this race special: 3,500 Tennessee children with special needs and their families will receive the support, resources, and encouragement they need thanks to every mile completed (and every dollar raised!).
Join in on the fun on Mother’s Day weekend during Harmony’s 12th annual Mudder’s Day Madness! On Saturday, May 11th, be at the starting line for one of the most fun runs of your life!
In addition to their 5K, there’s also a 10K challenge with six more obstacles for those who aren’t afraid to get a little muddy! To make the day a little sweeter, you can even run the courses in a costume of your choosing. Mudder’s Day Madness is all about having fun, and there will be vendors, food trucks, refreshments, and music on-site for everyone to enjoy.
What makes this race special: The money raised from this event will support Harmony’s therapeutic programming at Camp Montvale, which includes their equine therapy program and therapeutic camps for foster and adoptive children and families.Â
Whether you’re planning on lacing up your race shoes or prepping your signs the night before to support your friends and loved ones as they cross the finish line, we at Let’s Be Blount are proud of you! It’s amazing to see the community coming together in events such as races, and we can’t wait to see all your hard work pay off!
Best of luck from your friends at Let’s Be Blount!