Upcoming Races in Knoxville, Tennessee 2026

Written By: Jeremy N

If you are looking for races in Knoxville, Tennessee, you have come to the right place. Knoxville has a growing running scene with 39 races listed in our directory, including 12 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.

Upcoming Races in Knoxville, Tennessee

Here is a look at the top upcoming races in Knoxville this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.

Run with HOPE | Walk for Life

Date: August 29, 2026

Lace up for the 9th Annual Run with HOPE on August 29th at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, where you can choose between a 5K or 10K run, or a dedicated 5K walk option. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Cherokee Farms Community XC 2-mile

Date: August 29, 2026

Lace up for a speedy 2-mile run on the University of Tennessee’s beautiful all-grass cross country course in Knoxville this Saturday! Runners of every age and skill level are welcome to participate, with the fastest 10 finishers in each gender taking home placement awards. Read full details →

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Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Knoxville, TN (36)

Date: September 5, 2026

Distance: 10K

Join us for a fun, community-focused race day featuring 5K, 10K, and half-marathon options in Knoxvillewhether you’re after a personal record, collecting themed medals, or just enjoying a run with friends. Read full details →

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Cotton Candy Classic 5K

Date: September 12, 2026

Distance: 5K

Get ready for a fun-filled morning at Knoxville’s beloved fair! Starting at 8am from Patriot Circle in Chilhowee Park, you’ll have the chance to run, walk, or skip your way through the festivities while supporting the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation’s commitment to preserving… Read full details →

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Pilot Y Tri Super Duper Sprint

Date: September 13, 2026

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Looking to kick off East Tennessee’s triathlon season with a quick and fun challenge? This speedy sprint event features a 100-yard swim, 5.2-mile bike ride, and 2.8-mile runyou’ll be finished before you know it! Read full details →

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Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim

Date: September 13, 2026

Distance: 10K

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you dive right off the iconic Star of Knoxville Riverboat and paddle 10K downstream through the heart of Tennesseegliding under five historic bridges, past the legendary Neyland Stadium, and along the stunning Knoxville skyline before… Read full details →

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Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Knoxville, TN (38)

Date: September 19, 2026

Distance: 10K

Get ready for a fun, laid-back racing experience in Knoxville where you can run or walk a 5K, 10K, or half marathon while collecting a awesome themed medal and connecting with a welcoming community of runners just like you. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Medal Madness 5K & 10K at Knoxville, TN (39)

Date: September 26, 2026

Distance: 10K

Join us in Knoxville for a laid-back yet well-organized 5K or 10K where runners and walkers of all levels can have a blastwhether you’re gunning for a personal record, hunting for another cool medal, or just enjoying a fun morning with fellow running enthusiasts. Read full details →

Register for this Race →

Why Run in Knoxville?

Running events in Knoxville offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.

Find More Races in Tennessee

Knoxville is just one part of a thriving Tennessee running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for Tennessee — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.

Get Ready to Race

Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.

Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.

Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in Knoxville!

Hi, Jeremy Here, 

I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journeyAbout Jeremy. 

I have run over 250 races including the California International Marathon, Clarksburg Country Run, and various other 5K & 10K races throughout the United States. I am a former Athletics department employee at University of the Pacific and Shoe Consultant with Dicks Sporting Goods

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