Dollywood’s fall race weekend begins Friday, Sept. 25, with an 11 p.m. 5K through the theme park, followed by predawn races Saturday and Sunday that will place runners and spectators around the resort before regular daytime visits begin.

The official weekend schedule sets the 10K for 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, the roughly one-mile Kids Fun Run for 8:15 a.m. Saturday and the half marathon for 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. The 5K route runs through Dollywood at night, while the half marathon extends through the park and surrounding area.

This is now primarily a preparation notice, not a last-minute invitation to register. The race FAQ says registration closed Aug. 21. Registered runners must maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace in timed events; the half marathon has a 3½-hour limit. Saturday and Sunday’s 5:30 a.m. starts are well before the listed sunrise times of 7:25 and 7:26 a.m., making lights and cool-weather layers sensible even though the operator does not require a personal light for ordinary runners.

Packet pickup and the free race expo are in Dollywood Theme Park’s preferred parking area. Pickup runs noon-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. A valid photo ID is required, and parents or guardians must sign waivers for minors. Someone else may collect a packet with a photocopy of the runner’s ID, with pickup limited to four runners per person.

For transportation, registered participants can show their confirmation at the toll booths for complimentary expo parking. Guests at HeartSong Lodge or DreamMore Resort can use complimentary race transportation after registering for the shuttle at hotel check-in. Off-property guests must arrange their own ride and may park in Dollywood’s theme-park lot.

Race registration does not include ordinary theme-park admission. Discounted participant add-on tickets are valid for two visits within five consecutive operating days, with eligible dates from Sept. 24-30. Spectators may use designated areas in the Race Hub, but the FAQ says they cannot enter Dollywood or Splash Country during the races.

The weekend is scheduled rain or shine. Organizers may delay, modify or cancel events for lightning or unsafe conditions, and the published policy says weather disruptions do not trigger refunds. Runners should monitor the email and text alerts connected to their registration.

Dollywood announced the expanded fall weekend after its inaugural spring races sold out. The operator’s June event announcement says the Friday-night course was added to pair the run with Great Pumpkin LumiNights during the Harvest Festival.

Visitors can check live Tennessee park information and browse the Tennessee theme-parks archive before traveling.