> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Run Dollywood Starts at 11 P.M.; Registration Is Closed
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/theme-parks-tennessee-2026-09-19/
- Published: 2026-09-19T23:09:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-19T23:09:53.000Z
- Description: Run Dollywood begins September 25 with an 11 p.m. 5K and early-morning 10K and half marathon. Registration is closed, park admission is separate, and runners face a 16-minute-mile requirement.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: Theme Parks, Tennessee

Run Dollywood Fall Race Weekend begins Friday, September 25, with an unusually late 11 p.m. 5K, followed by a 5:30 a.m. 10K Saturday and a 5:30 a.m. half marathon Sunday. Registration closed August 21, so the remaining planning window is for registered runners, their guests and spectators—not walk-up entrants. Dollywood’s [official race-weekend page](https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/run-dollywood-race-weekend/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) lists events from September 25 through 27, with packet pickup beginning one day earlier.

The schedule creates a tight turnaround for runners attempting the Butterfly Challenge, which requires finishing the 5K, 10K and half marathon. After Friday’s late-night 5K, the 10K starts only 6½ hours later. The event’s [official participant FAQ](https://runsignup.com/Race/RunDollywoodFallRace/Page/FAQ?ref=theamericanquorum.com) requires a 16-minute-per-mile pace for all timed distances and recommends training at 15 minutes per mile. The half marathon carries a 3½-hour limit, and runners who fall behind may be redirected to the recovery zone.

Bib pickup and the race expo are based in Dollywood’s preferred parking area. The [published schedule](https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/run-dollywood-race-weekend/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) sets expo hours from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 24, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. A smaller Saturday window from 10 a.m. to noon is for bib pickup and merchandise sales. Runners need valid photo identification; someone else may retrieve a packet with a photocopy of the runner’s ID, with pickup limited to four runners per person.

Race registration does not include regular Dollywood admission. The [event guidance](https://runsignup.com/Race/RunDollywoodFallRace/Page/FAQ?ref=theamericanquorum.com) says participants can race without a theme-park ticket, while discounted two-day park tickets purchased as registration add-ons are valid for two visits within five consecutive operating days between September 24 and 30\. Spectators may use designated areas at the race hub, but they cannot enter Dollywood or Splash Country during the races without appropriate access. Complimentary expo parking requires showing a race-registration confirmation at the entry toll booths.

The kids fun run begins at 8:15 a.m. Saturday and is open to ages 4 through 12\. The 5K minimum age is 5, the 10K minimum is 10 and half-marathon runners must be at least 14; younger 5K and 10K entrants need a chaperone who is 14 or older. Events proceed rain or shine unless officials determine conditions are unsafe, and the FAQ says weather cancellations or modifications do not generate refunds.

Visitors can monitor Tennessee park conditions through [TAQ’s live Tennessee park dashboard](https://parks.theamericanquorum.com/?country=US&state=TN&ref=theamericanquorum.com) and review continuing coverage on the [Tennessee Theme Parks page](https://www.theamericanquorum.com/tennessee-theme-parks/).