SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 HALF MARATHON & 5K SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 Vacation Races | National Park Half Marathon Series Race Guide

EVENT SCHEDULE WELCOME TO THE SMOKIES! FRIDAY Welcome! On behalf of Great Smoky Mountains If this is your first time to the area, I hope you’ll National Park, I would like to welcome the 2017 enjoy your visit as you explore and discover Race Expo & Packet Pickup Starts 11:00 am Great Smoky Mountain Half Marathon runners what the Smokies have to offer. If you have *We cannot accommodate runners before 11:00am and spectators to the area. We’re thrilled to have been here before, welcome home. How lucky we Race Expo Ends & 5K bib pickup closes 6:00 pm you as guests to our area and hope that while all are to get to share in the ownership of our 5K runners line up 6:15 pm you are here that you will take some time to visit National Parks, established and preserved “For 5K STARTS 6:30 PM Great Smoky Mountains National Park! the benefit and enjoyment of the people!” All of 1/2 Marathon Bib Pickup closes 7:00 pm us here wish the runners great success and hope 5K Awards Ceremony 7:15 pm On August 25, 1916 President Woodrow Wilson all the participants have an enjoyable and safe SATURDAY signed a bill that mandated the brand new experience. agency “to conserve the scenery and the natural Finish line parking area opens 4:30 am and historic objects and wildlife therein, and Sincerely, Shuttles load and depart for start line 5:20 am to provide for the enjoyment of the same in First prize raffle such manner and by such means as will leave (Every 5 minutes) 5:30 am them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future Runners line up and 6:45 am generations.” Thus the Cassius M. Cash last call for gear check was born and has spent the last century helping Superintendent National anthem 6:55 am RACE STARTS - ALL DIVISIONS 7:00 AM maintain the parks we love! Great Smoky Mountains National Park Awards ceremony 9:45 am

TABLE OF CONTENTS RACE INFORMATION Bib Details 8 VR INFORMATION Rules at a Glance 4 5k Race Details 9 Meet the Team 17 SCHEDULE & EXPO Aid Station Guide 5 Zero Waste Program 9 Lucid Images Race Photography 17 Welcome 1 Elevation Chart 5 Doubles & Triple Race Info 10 Vacation Races Series 18 Detailed Schedule of Events 2 Parking & Drop Off 6 Area Partners 19 AREA INFORMATION Partners and Sponsors 20 Expo Map 2 Finish Line Staging 6 Race Day Checklist 7 National Park Map 11 Half Marathon Series Calendar 23 Merchandise 3 Timing Specifics 7 Discovery Map 12 Collect the Expo Stamps 24 Expo Details 3 Cup-Free Racing 7 Clubs & Trifecta 14 Scavenger Hunt and Games 24 Vacation Races Campground 3 Post-Race Info 7 NPS Centennial 16 Demographics 8

1 SCHEDULE & EXPO SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

EVENT SCHEDULE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

11:00 AM 6:00 pm 6:15 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm RACE EXPO & Race Expo Ends 5K Runners 5K Starts 1/2 Marathon 5K Awards PACKET PICKUP - and 5K bib line up bib pickup Ceremony The expo will be held at the pickup ends ends Talley Ho Inn in Townsend, TN BYOB: Our expo is bag-free so don’t forget to Bring Your Own Bag!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 7:13 am Sunrise

4:30 am 5:00 am 5:20 am 5:30 am 6:30 am 6:45 am 6:55 am 7:00 am 9:45 am Finish line parking Start line First shuttle First prize raffle Last call for bib Runners line National RACE STARTS - Awards area opens bib pickup departs for (every 5 minutes) pickup/Pacers up/Last call for anthem ALL DIVISIONS Ceremony begins start line line up gear check

EXPO MAP

3 2 1 5 6 4 7 8

KEY VR CAMPGROUND/ EXPO PARKING 1 Bib pickup Parking PARKING - There will be plenty of parking at the expo, but please get there 2 Race shirt pickup early to avoid any rush. You can even walk from some hotels in town. Expo Vendors 3 Hydrapouch area Camping is not allowed in the parking lot. *See page 6 for race-day staging 4 Information Center and parking. 5 Race Merchandise 6 Broadcast Booth 7 DIY Bag Station 8 Campground/S’mores station

2 EXPO & MERCHANDISE SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

OFFICIAL RACE MERCHANDISE your accomplishment of running the Great Smoky Additionally, we’ll have merchandise for sale from We’ll have our official Great Smoky Mountains Mountains Half Marathon! Beach hoodies, t-shirts, Meridian Line: Check them out for some of the Half Marathon and Vacation Races merchandise sweatshirts, tank tops, water bottles, stickers, hats, greatest National Parks and wanderlust-themed for sale at the Race Expo and at the finish line! We patches, bags, and posters will all be available for designs you’ve ever seen! have a wide variety of options to commemorate you to browse and buy!

WOMEN’S MEN’S BEACH MEN’S WOMEN’S BASEBALL DESIGN DESCRIPTION T-SHIRT T-SHIRT HOODIE SWEATSHIRT TANKTOP TANKTOP TEE ($20) ($20) ($30) ($40) ($22) ($22) ($25)

The iconic layered mountain range is what the Great Smoky Mountains is known for!

Our popular bear design with the night sky inset is back for another year.

As elusive as a fox- this new design speaks to your instincts to run away into the mountains!

A new design with a wanderlust twist. Light the way and wander with us.

PROOF SHEET

PROOF SHEET

SIDE 1 IMPRINT: 1.5”H SIDE 2 IMPRINT: 2.25”W black black FASTDRAW 600 - $25 - 600 FASTDRAW FASTDRAW 350 - $20 $20 - 350 FASTDRAW POSTERS - $10 - POSTERS CHICO BAG - $10 - BAG CHICO

TRUCKER HAT - $10 - HAT TRUCKER IF FAXING APPROVAL PLEASE FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW AND NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. I LOVE N.P. MUG - $10 - MUG N.P. I LOVE SIDE 1 IMPRINT: 1.5”H SIDE 2 IMPRINT: 2.25”W ULTIMATE DIRECTION HANDHELDS DIRECTION ULTIMATE

STICKERS - $2 // PATCHES - $5 - PATCHES // $2 - STICKERS APPROVED APPROVED WITH CHANGESblack black REVISE AND REPROOF

EXPOIF FAXING APPROVAL PLEASE DETAILS FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW AND NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. APPROVED APPROVED WITH CHANGES REVISE AND REPROOF The expo will be held at the Talley Ho Inn (8314 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882). At the expo you can pick up your bib, race shirt, and other gear. Plan to stay for awhile and relax at the Vacation Races Campground, and shop our other vendors and sponsors!

Half Marathon bibs will be available until 7:00 pm (you can also get your bib race morning at the start line). You can pick up your 5K bib at the expo until 6:00 pm, as the 5K race starts at 6:30 pm on Friday, the 8th.

When you pick up your packet at the expo this year, we’re encouraging you to Bring Your Own Bag! To keep in line with our tradition of waste elimination and conservation of the land, all Vacation Races expos are completely bagless! If you would like to purchase a reusable, foldable bag, we’ll have them available at our merchandise store. THE MERIDIAN LINE VACATION RACES CAMPGROUND Vacation Races is excited to partner with the Meridian Line brand to bring a selection of The expo will be held their clothing line to our merchandise store at outdoors and in keeping the expo and the finish line. a tradition of celebrating our National Parks, we’ll In the words of the artist and captain of The have a campground theme Meridian Line Jeremy Collins, “I wanted to build something with SOUL. Meridian Line throughout. Come pick up your race packet, was born to share the journey with others... shop at our merchandise store, check out our I wanted to celebrate those of us who choose vendors, and treat yourself to a s’more around the challenge rather than convenience, and a campfire! Our outdoor vendors will be demoing weekend in the dirt rather than the condo... gear and providing all the information you need my soul is always on the move. Join me.” to start your adventure. It’s going to be a party!

3 RACE INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

COURSE GEAR CHECK RECOVERY FOOD BOX This race is an open course. There will You will be given a Gear Check bag at At the finish line we will have a food be cars on the road as well as runners. the starting line if you wish. It will be a box (full of recovery snacks), bananas, There are sections on main roads where traffic white garbage bag that you can fill with anything and Evolve protein shake, as well as water and may be heavy. These spots on the course could get you want transported to the finish line. There will Gnarly hydration. Please help yourself to one food a little crowded. The course will be well marked be permanent markers you can use to write your box, Evolve protein shake, and banana per runner. but it is your responsibility to stay to the right name and bib number. Avoid putting valuables in In an attempt to reduce waste, we will provide a when running with traffic and be courteous and your bag. place to trade/leave any unwanted snack items. mindful of cars and other runners. DO NOT step *Gear check bags will be available at the finish off the course into traffic, you will be disqualified. line as soon as the first person finishes. STROLLERS We want you to stay safe. Be courteous. Strollers are welcome on our CLOTHING ON COURSE course, but please make sure you’re ELEVATION We will have a clothing bin to dump comfortable using your stroller on steep hills. Be You can see the elevation map on the items in at mile 3. Clothing dropped sure to familiarize yourself with the course, and next page. It looks a little daunting off at mile 3 will be picked up when the last be courteous to other runners by starting your being mostly an uphill course but it is a beautiful runner has passed mile 3 - so you may have to race in the last wave. run! The total race gain is 727 ft. with max wait for your clothing at the finish. Anything else elevation of 1156ft. found along the course will not be brought to the NO DOGS finish. They are a liability that our insurance TIMING does not cover. However, they are All masters and overall awards will welcome to greet you at the finish line with the be based on gun time. If you plan to NO LITTERING rest of your loved ones! compete for these top spots, you will need to line up at the front of the line. All age divisions and PARKING & SHUTTLES team awards will be based on chip time. If you All parking will be at the finish line AID STATIONS are standing towards the back, it may be a few (Talley Ho Inn - 8314 TN-73, minutes before you cross the start line. Your time We will have aid stations near miles Townsend, TN). We will have plenty of parking to does not officially start until you cross the starting 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. All aid stations accommodate all of our runners. Runners will be line (unless you are competing for an overall top will have bathrooms, water + Gnarly, and Honey shuttled to the start line. Shuttles will load and finisher spot), so please be courteous to others as Stinger energy gels. Mile 7 and 11 will also have leave from 5:20 am - 6:00 am. Please note there we start the race. oranges and bananas. There will be basic first aid will be no parking at the start line, and there will needs at each aid station, but the EMT will be at be no shuttles after the race. We will have a raffle If you will be walking, please start towards the Mile 7. in the morning and plenty of hot chocolate/coffee. back to avoid congestion at the start. TIME LIMIT SPECTATOR INFO PACERS All runners will have 4 hours to finish Because of the significant amount Pacers will line up at the start line the race. That is a 18.5 minute mile - of road control, spectators are not around 6:45 am. There will be a pacer plenty of time for walkers! If at anytime we deem allowed to stop along the highway at any point pacing the race in 10 minute intervals starting at a it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course along the race. Spectators are welcome at the 1h40m pace up to 2h30m. We will also have a we would hope for understanding and immediate starting line, but the starting line will be closed 2h45m, 3h, and 3h30m pacer. Please seed yourself cooperation. Failure to comply will result in being to vehicles. You can drop-off runners at the high near the time you expect to finish. banned from future events. school parking lot but do not park and leave your car there. WAVE START A wave start will help us organize the Spectators are encouraged to be at the finish line race and prevent overcrowding on the to cheer on all our runners. All spectators should course. When you line up to start the race, use park in designated parking at the finish line the colored shield on your bib and signs at the (Talley Ho Inn). If you are within walking distance start to determine where to stand (grouping based of the finish line feel free to walk over. on expected finish time runner indicated when registering for the race). Aside from the start and finish, we have a few Wave 1: 1:00-1:55  recommendations where to cheer. The course runs Wave 2: 1:55-2:05 along one side of the Little River and the highway Wave 3: 2:05-2:15 runs on the other side. Anywhere there is a bridge Wave 4: 2:15-2:25 you can pull off and walk to where you can see Wave 5: 2:25-2:35 your runners. A couple of the main bridges can be Wave 6: 2:35-2:45 found at: Wave 7: 2:45-3:00 1. Melrose Station Road and Old Walland Hwy Wave 8: 3:00-3:30 (near Mile 2) Wave 9: 3:30-4:00 2. E. Millers Cove Road and Old Walland hwy (near Mile 3)

4 RACE INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

We want you to be there to cheer on your runner, Masters Male- Eric Fillinger >> 1:30:37 (2015) CUP-FREE RACING but please recognize that the runner area at the Masters Female- Ann Black >> 1:42:29 (2015) Although we don’t have cups on the finish line is for runners only! Please do not enter course, we have plenty of aid stations MEDALS & AGE DIVISIONS the runner area or partake of runners’ food. with water and Gnarly! At all aid stations we Place medals will be given to the top COURSE RECORDS will have BLUE COOLERS WITH WATER and 5 male and female runners overall, as RED COOLERS WITH GNARLY (ELECTROLYTE Our course record holders receive a well as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the DRINK). Both will have the same speed valves FREE RACE ENTRY every year that top 5 in each of the following age groups will also attached. So at each aid station you will have your their time remains the course record! Daniel receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, choice of water or Gnarly. McGinley holds the record for the men and 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, Claudia Brinkruff holds the record for the women. 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older. CURRENT COURSE RECORDS: **There will be finisher medals for everyone who Male- Daniel McGinley >> 1:19:34 (2016) finishes the race. Female- Claudia Brinkruff >> 1:32:13 (2016)

AID STATION BANANAS/ WATER GNARLY HONEY STINGER BATHROOM EMT ORANGES MILE 3

MILE 5

MILE 7

MILE 9 MILE 11 MILE 12

ELEVATION CHART

5 RACE INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

1/2 MARATHON & 5K PARKING, DROP OFF, AND FINISH LINE STAGING

PARKING & FINISH LINE

FINISH 1 2 4

3 TOILETS

KEY

RACE-DAY STAGING

1 Runner area 2 Food 3 Stage/Awards 4 Gear Check PARKING Parking Areas Shuttle Pickup Runner Drop Off

PARKING to your next event with us. If you do not want to keep it, we will have a We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. There recycling bin as you exit the runner area at the finish line. will be no parking at the start line. All parking will be at the finish line. • Lucid Images (our event photographers) will have a designated spot near the finish line staging area to take photos of runners. These photos are TALLEY HO INN - 8314 TN-73, TOWNSEND, TN separate from those they will take of runners crossing the finish line and will be made available FOR FREE! Runners will be shuttled to the start line. Shuttles will load and leave • The awards ceremony will take place near the finish line at 9:45 am. from 5:20 am - 6:00 am. There will be no shuttles after the race. • If you aren’t able to make it to the expo, we will have our official *NOTE: The Finish line parking area will open at 4:30 am on race Vacation Races merchandise from the Great Smoky Mountains Half morning. Marathon after the race near the finish line! • After the race, feel free to hang out at the finish line to rest your legs and DROP OFF to cheer on your pals. If you are dropping a runner off, please enter the parking area and drop your runner off in the designated drop-off area at the Heritage High School (3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN). The drop-off is for quick unloading only and is not for parking. To avoid any traffic jams from START 4 runners being dropped off, please drop-off your runner and then exit the TOILETS parking area.

SPECTATORS, FINISH LINE, AND AWARDS DROP OFF ONLY • Spectators and runners are welcome around the finish line to cheer on runners. • At the finish line we will have a food box (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and Evolve protein shake. Please help yourself to one food box, protein shake, and banana per runner. There will be water at the finish line, but no cups. Please use your Hydrapouch or water bottle to fill up at the finish line. • If you checked gear at the start of the race, you will be able to pick it up in the finish line area. START LINE & DROP OFF • Your Hydrapouch is yours to keep. We encourage you to bring it with you

6 RACE INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

RACE DAY CHECKLIST CUP-FREE RACING

PRE-RACE DAY Having our races so close to the TRAIN National Parks, unnecessary Directions to hotel/campsite waste and trash are something Directions to race expo we are strongly against. We are Directions to race start/finish dedicated to hying a clean race and Photo ID preserving the beauty of the area Valid Military ID (if you we run in. There is nothing that registered with a Military will ruin a view more than seeing Discount) a piece a trash in plain view from a Study the race course breathtaking landscape.

RACE DAY One of the most important things in a half marathon is ensuring Bib that aid stations are plentiful and Cup Free Hydration efficient. Hydration will make or (Hydrapouch, hand held, break a race. What we do is offer a water bottle, pack, etc.) Hydrapouch for every runner that Running Shoes WATER and RED COOLERS WITH The aid station will have a few cups indicated they wanted one as part Socks GNARLY (ELECTROLYTE DRINK). in case of an emergency, do not of their registration. Other options Sunglasses Both will have the same speed valves plan on using them. Also, under no include running with a water Hat/Visor attached. So at each aid station you circumstances should you put your bottle, Fuel Belt, Camelbak or other Recovery plan will have your choice of water or head under the valve to get a drink. hydration backpack, etc. Every Enjoy the park! Gnarly. At some places, the water Not only does this waste water, runner prefers something different. will be hooked up to a system like it is pretty inconsiderate of other Just make sure you have some way the one pictured on above. Each of runners. to stay hydrated! Although we don’t these pipes will provide water from TIMING SPECIFICS have cups on the course, we have the several speed valves we have There will be water at the finish plenty of aid stations with water BEFORE THE RACE attached. Feel free to practice at the line, but no cups. Please use your and Gnarly! At all aid stations we • Your timing chip is found on the expo! Hydrapouch or water bottle to fill up will have BLUE COOLERS WITH back of your bib. at the finish line. • You don’t have to do anything. The bib chip looks like a sticker POST-RACE INFO LOST & FOUND on the back of your bib. Do not • There is no official lost & found. If we find lost items fold your bib. The awards ceremony will take place at the stage at the we will hold onto them and you can contact us at • NO CHIP = NO TIME! finish line and will begin at 9:45 am. If you checked [email protected] AFTER THE RACE gear at the start of the race, you will be able to pick it • There will be gear check at the start line. up just past the finish line in the runner area. • There will be a bin to dump extra clothing at mile • The bib chip is disposable and 3. Anything found littered on the course elsewhere can be thrown away or left RACE RESULTS will be considered trash and either thrown away or on your bib for you to cherish Results are available right away, scan the QR code on donated. always. your bib and your results will come up. They will also • All masters and overall awards be available later the day of the race online. We will MEDICAL AREA will be based on gun time. If post them on Facebook and also send them in a The medical area at the finish line is for athletes only; you plan to compete for these post-race email a day or two after the race. They will family members are not allowed. Overcrowding in the top spots you will need to line also be available on our website. medical area prevents medical staff from doing their job. up at the front of the line. All For information on an athlete receiving medical attention age divisions and team awards MEDALS please wait outside the area for updates. will be based on chip time. If All runners will receive a finisher medal. Place medals you are standing towards the will be given to the top 5 male and female runners over- POST-RACE SURVEY back, it may be a few minutes all as well as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the Within a week of race day we will be sending out a post- before you cross the start line. top 5 in each age group and the top 3 teams will also race survey. We would really appreciate it if you took the Your time does not officially receive a place medal. 8-10 minutes to complete the survey for us. The survey start until you cross the starting provides us with information that allows us to better line (unless you are competing If you qualify for a place medal but are not present at work with the local community and gain more support for an overall top finisher spot), the awards ceremony to receive it we will happily ship for future races, but more importantly it provides us with so please be courteous to others it to you. Go to our website and request your medal and valuable insight into what we are doing well and what as we start the race. pay the cost of shipping (about $10). we need to improve. We love our runners and couldn’t • Stick around until 9:45am for improve our race series without your feedback. Please our awards ceremony! watch for the email.

7 RACE INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

RUNNER DEMOGRAPHIC 46 STATES

3 COUNTRIES USA | CANADA | GREAT BRITAIN

19 TEAMS Bling or Bust | Drug Dealers Gone Pro | Fastholes | John’s Angels | Knoxville Moms Run This Town | Not lost, Just wandering | Queen City Running | Red Hot Chili Steppers | RHusbandsRFishing | RUN365 | Runners of Gray | Running Wild for Wishes | Runtime Error 13.1 | Team CSUTK | Team Really | Team Tunami | The Dogtors | Western Shine Runners | Wisco Gals |

22% FIRST HALF MARATHON

25% FIRST TIME VISITING GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL 0-25 Runners PARK 25-50 Runners 50-75 Runners 75+ Runners

AGE DIVISIONS MALE <11 12-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75> 5 7 10 20 54 80 82 84 87 71 51 29 22 12 0 FEMALE <11 12-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75> 5 2 18 75 163 165 207 173 146 138 100 49 25 3 0

BIB DETAILS

Special Timing chip on back! indication** DO NOT FOLD BIB

Color coded Your bib to indicate number wave start *see pg. 4 Runner’s name Scan QR code for race results Team name (if applicable) Your race shirt size

Indicates if you requested a Reminder of free Hydrapouch when registering. Turn this in at the start line photo at finish! race morning. We will have a ** Charity Bib raised $1K for raffle from 5:30-6:30 am. the NPF! Military Bib Chimney Club Bunion Club LeConte Club thank you for We salute you! BC We salute you! We salute you! your service!

8 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS 5K RACE INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS 5K COURSE

There are no vehicles allowed on the course. The only vehicles allowed on the course will be for a medical emergency.

AID STATION P There will be one aid station on the course near the half way point (mile 1.5). The aid station will have water, Gnarly, and bathrooms. Like the half marathon, the 5K race will be cupless!

AWARDS Stick around for the 5K awards ceremony Friday night at 7:30 pm! Place medals will be given to the top 5 male and female runners overall, as well BIB PICKUP as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the top 5K and Black Bear Double runners will have 5 in each of the following age groups will also until 6:00 pm to pick up their bib at the expo on receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, Friday, September 8th. 5K fun-run registration is 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, available until 5:00 pm, and timed 5K registration 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older. is allowed until 2:00 pm. **There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race. PARKING 5K SCHEDULE All runners need to park or be dropped off at the finish line at the Talley Ho Inn parking area in the Bib pickup ends 11:00 am (expo at Talley Ho Inn) field. Please arrive early as runners will line up at 5K bib pickup ends 6:00 pm the start line at 6:15 pm on Friday evening. Runners line up 6:15 pm 5K STARTS 6:30 PM SPECTATOR INFO 5K Awards Ceremony 7:30 pm Spectators are welcome at the starting line, and encouraged to be at the finish line to cheer on all our runners. Spectators can also park in the field THE COURSE at the Talley Ho Inn property. The 5K course runs mostly on the Townsend Historical Trail. The race will start and finish at Please recognize that the runner area is for the Talley Ho Inn location (the same place as the runners only! Please do not enter the runner area expo)- 8314 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN or partake of runner’s food and recovery supplies. 37882

ZERO WASTE #dontfeedthelandfills

#dontfeedthelandfills We care deeply about keeping COMPOSTABLES (GREEN LID) the places that we run beautiful which is why we at Vacation Races Place your banana and orange peels on the course, and any are committed to sending as little uneaten food or drink items at the expo or start/finish lines. waste to the landfill as we possibly can. We do this by setting up “Zero Waste” stations at our events, RECYCLABLES (BLUE LID) where you can help us by sorting your trash into the appropriate container. Place any plastics with a #1-7 and recycling symbol You’ll notice three bins where you’d normally see a trash can- one labeled somewhere on it, aluminum cans, steel cans, paper, “Compostables”, “Recyclables”, and one labeled “Everything Else”. cardboard, and any glass items. Please empty any liquids/ food out of the containers and the lids back on before We actually sort through the items in the “Everything Else” bin and find a use recycling. for anything we can. For example, we make belts out of the used gel packets and compact all of the non recyclable plastics and styrofoam into blocks that we use as a building material. EVERYTHING ELSE (BLACK LID) Place everything else that is non-recyclable and non- At the end of an event, our goal is to send less than one bag of actual “trash” compostable waste, such as the wrappers from the items in to the landfill. We have managed to meet this goal at events with over 3,000 your post race food box, used gel packets, or styrofoam. participants!

9 BOBCAT DOUBLE, BLACKBEAR DOUBLE, & APPALACHIAN TRIPLE RACE INFO SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

DOUBLE AND TRIPLE RACE INFO PACKET PICKUP, SWAG, AND MEDALS

What are these? When we added the inaugural Shenandoah Half Marathon Those of you running a Double or Triple will still pick up your bibs and race to our annual schedule, we saw a unique opportunity to hold back-to-back shirt at the race expo. If you’re running the Bobcat Double or Appalachian race weekends with the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and 5K. Triple, you’ll do this at the Shenandoah race expo. If you’re running the We hope you take on this challenge as well as use it as an excuse to escape Black Bear Double, you’ll need to wait until the Great Smoky Mountains race responsibilities and disappear into the wilderness for a time. These multi- expo. race events provide that justification you were looking for to escape into nature for a little while. Those registered for a Double or Triple will receive:

The Doubles and Triple listed below are special race combinations that 1) 1 race shirt for each half marathon being run runners register for and participate in: 2) 1 finisher medal for each race finished 3) 1 special finisher medal for the multi-race event completed BOBCAT 4) 1 special swag item (unless you opted out during registration) DOUBLE PACKET PICKUP Combination: Shenandoah Half We’ll have Double and Triple race packets at their own pickup station at the & Great Smoky Mountains Half expo. We’ll have signage marking the table where you’ll check in and pickup Total Mileage: 26.2 your bibs. Once you’ve picked up your bib, you’ll be directed to the swag Packet Pickup: Shenandoah Expo table, where your item will be waiting for you! After that, you can move on to the rest of the expo to get your race shirt, hydrapouch (if chosen), etc. The Bobcat Double is a back to back weekend of half marathon races. Runners who complete The Bobcat Double will participate in the Shenandoah Half on Shirt Exchange: When you registered for the race, you indicated what size September 2, then (hopefully) spend the week hiking Old Rag, experiencing shirt you would like. If you get your shirts and find you don’t like the fit, you Skyline Drive, meditating in the Wilderness, climbing Charlie’s Bunion can exchange each shirt at the corresponding half marathon finish line. e’llW and getting lost in the beauty of Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Then on September 9 they will finish the Great Smoky have gear check at each race start line so you can have it waiting for you Mountains Half Marathon. Two half marathons, two Saturdays, and one week when you’re done with the race. of exploring in one of the most incredible areas in the United States. SWAG When you registered for the Double or Triple, BLACK BEAR you indicated whether or not you’d like to also receive a special swag item to commemorate DOUBLE your week! Runners were able to choose from Combination: Great Smoky a t-shirt, a tank-top, pint glass, mug, beach Mountains 5K & GSM Half hoodie, or a hat. If you didn’t opt out, you’ll pick Total Mileage: 16.2 up this item at the race expo. These designs will Packet Pickup: GSM Expo not change year-after-year so you can have the chance to collect them all!

The Black Bear Double is for runners looking to run two distances in one MEDALS weekend! Runners will participate in a little shake out run called the Great Once you’ve completed your final race at the Great Smoky Mountains Half Smoky Mountains 5K on Friday night (September 8) and then compete in Marathon, you’ll get to collect your special double or triple finisher medal! the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon the next morning (September 9). In their downtime, they’ll go explore the many wonders that Great Smoky Those medals will be waiting for you just outside the runner recovery area. Mountains National Park has to offer! Once you’re ready, make your way over to that table (which will be clearly marked) with your bib. A volunteer will then hand you the correct double or triple medal and the race portion of your vacation is officially complete! APPALACHIAN TRIPLE Combination: Shenandoah Half, Great Smoky Mountains 5K, & Great Smoky Mountains Half Total Mileage: 29.3 Packet Pickup: Grand Teton Expo

The Appalachian Triple is for those looking to be even more hardcore! With three races, we initially thought that would be too intense, but for you champions- the demand was there! Those who signed up will run the MEDALS AND SWAG Shenandoah Half Marathon on September 2, the Great Smoky Mountains CANNOT BE BOUGHT. 5K on September 8, and the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon on September 9. In between, they’ll get to hike and explore both parks, making THEY MUST BE EARNED. this one of the most hardcore vacations we can imagine!

10 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

To Knoxville To Knoxville To Newport

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Map provided by www.nps.gov/grsm

KEY PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE SMOKIES RACE LOCATION Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. The park receives approximately nine

Great Smoky Mountains million visits per year. However, even in the Smokies it is possible to find solitude. Here are some practical tips for Half Marathon avoiding the crowds. CLUB HIKES Visit during the “off season.” There are two peak seasons in the Smokies, mid-summer (June 15-August 15) and the 1 Charlie’s Bunion entire month of October. Weekends in October are especially crowded, and traffic delays should be expected. 2 Mt. LeConte (via Alum Cave) Tour early in the day. Visitors can avoid the crowds by traveling early in the day. Most people tour the park from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. TRIFECTA

1 Cades Cove Visit an “off the beaten path” destination in the park. The Cades Cove Loop Road and Newfound Gap Road are the most heavily used areas of the park and are busy year-round. Many lesser-used places are waiting to be explored. These 2 Laurel Falls include Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Cosby, Fontana Lake, Greenbrier Cove, Heintooga Ridge Road, and Foothills 3 Parkway east and west. Information provided by, “Avoid the Crowds,” article from www.nps.gov/grsm/

11 SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

12 13 CLUBS & TRIFECTA INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

CLUB HIKES

Presented by: To encourage our runners to get out and enjoy the EXAMPLE PHOTO park, we have 2 club hikes and a trifecta challenge. Our club hikes are a salute to the hardcore among After the race there will be a

TM us. All runners who complete a club hike within 72 submission form online where you hours of the end of the race will receive club hike can upload your photo(s) and send medallion, and completing the Trifecta earns you an official Trifecta pin! Any them to us. We have a hard cutoff runner who sends us a picture of him or herself at these destinations will of 72 hours! If you don’t get it to officially join the club! The photo must be sent within 72 hours of the race us before Tuesday at 11 am (MST) and must include: • A clear view of your happy face then we will only give you a virtual • Your bib with bib number clearly visible hi-five. • Your shiny new finisher medal in view This picture is from Charlie’s Bunion • A clear background that shows you actually completed the hike (Bunion Club) and is an example Following the 2017 Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon, we will post a link of what your Club and/or Trifecta to the website where runners can send us their photos and names. Good luck! submission photos should look like. GREATSMOKYMOUNTAINSHALFMARATHON.COM/CLUBS-AND-TRIFECTA/

Note: The Chimney Tops Club Hike is closed due to the fires in 2016. Some of the trail including the summit is inaccessible. Please do not attempt BUNION CLUB this hike as the area is being reforested, and trails being repaired.

Difficulty: Strenuous Total Mileage: 8 mi round-trip Charlie’s Bunion Trail is an 8 mile If you need to refill your water at Type of Hike: Out and back round-trip hike along the Appalachian Icewater Spring, make sure you have a Elevation Gain: 1,640 ft. Trail! The hike starts at the Newfound purification system to sterilize the water. Gap parking lot and begins climbing Trail head Elevation = 5,071 ft. Climbing around can be through a shady forest. You’ll get some Peak Elevation = 6,122 ft. dangerous, so be careful exploring the mountain views as you climb through area. Parking Lot Coordinates the trees. At about 2 miles the trail gets Latitude: 35.61084 steeper, but your views start to get more Longitude: -83.42509 dramatic. At 3 miles you’ll descend through a gully to Masa Knobb. The trail narrows as you finish the hike and reach CHARLIE’S BUNION TRAIL BUNION CHARLIE’S Charlie’s Bunion!

LECONTE CLUB Alum Cave Trail is a difficult 11 mile along the trail, but please be careful! Difficulty: Strenuous round-trip hike to Mt. LeConte, the You’ll reach LeConte Lodge at about mile Total Mileage: 11 mi round-trip third highest peak in the Smokies! The 5, but the peak won’t be for another half Type of Hike: Out and back trail starts at the Alum Cave Trailhead. mile. Elevation Gain: 2,763 ft. As you hike, you’ll see a lot of rock Trail Closure: This trail is under formations. Around mile 2 you’ll start some restoration and will be CLOSED Trail head Elevation = 3,830 ft. getting some really good mountain Peak Elevation = 6,593 ft. MONDAY-THURSDAY. If you’re MT. LECONTE MT. views. At mile 2.2 you’ll see Alum Cave interested in completing this hike, you’ll Parking Lot Coordinates (which is actually a concave bluff). Not need to do it Saturday after the race, or Latitude: 35.63014 too long after you’ll have to navigate Sunday. Longitude: -83.44936 some narrow ledges a small waterfalls. Don’t worry! There are cable hand rails

14 CLUBS & TRIFECTA INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TRIFECTA locations, and send them to us 72 hours after finishing the race. The Trifecta is meant to be challenging, but less strenuous. These are iconic activities There are 3 different activities- all 3 need to be done to officially complete inside the park that should be experienced, and are doable with children. the Trifecta. The same rules as the Club Hikes apply: Take your picture at The 3 activities that make up the Trifecta are: CADES COVE, LAUREL each of the 3 with your bib and finisher medal, make a collage of the 3 FALLS, AND CLINGMANS DOME.

1) CADES COVE 2) LAUREL FALLS 3) CLINGMANS DOME Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest by mountains and is one of the most popular are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen point in the National Park. It is the highest point destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some shrub which blooms along the trail and near the in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in falls in May. The waterfall consists of an upper of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft) and the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are and a lower section, divided by a walkway which Mt. Craig (6,647 ft), both located in Mt. Mitchell frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and Laurel Falls is one of the most popular The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans other animals are also possible. An 11-mile, one- destinations in the park and parking at the Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists trailhead is limited. and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. 1/2 mile walk to the tower at the top.

These hikes are challenging and can be dangerous. Please take the hike seriously, and do not act irresponsibly if you decide to attempt the hike. It is not intended to be accessible to everyone. Bring lots of water and make necessary preparations. Weather can be unpredictable.

Check the NPS website to help plan your hikes and check with park rangers to get up to date trail conditions. Also remember these parks belong to all of us. Take time to plan your hike and be sure not to disrupt the environment. Leave nothing but footprints, and be careful!

PARK INFORMATION

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles where no entrance fees are charged. Fees are the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, charged for activities such as overnight camping part of the , which are ($14-23 per night) and pavilion rental at picnic a division of the larger Appalachian Mountain areas. chain. The border between Tennessee and North Carolina runs northeast to southwest through the Visit www.nps.gov/grsm for more information and centerline of the park. Great Smoky Mountains to help plan your visit. National Park is one of the few national parks

15 DONATIONS & NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

Great Smoky Mountains National Park NEW!

JOIN US AT THE BROADCAST BOOTH America’s national parks AT THE EXPO TO SHARE YOUR STORY! are as unique and varied as the people who visit them. So much more than just vast The Broadcast Booth is something new you will landscapes—there are urban, cultural, and find at the expo! We will have a tent where runners historical treasures—all within the National can come share their story. Whether it's a major milestone, your first half marathon, or simply want Park System. Places where you can find your to give a shout-out, you can step into the booth and serenity, your history, or your adventure. share it via Facebook Live.

With more than 400 national parks and thousands of historic and recreational lands across the country, there are endless ways for you to find your unique connection.

Get out there and find your park.

Join the National Park Foundation in THANK not only discovering these amazing places, but also taking an active role in preserving them. Find your park and donate today at nationalparks.org. YOU!

Through generous donations from registrants of the 2017 Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon, more than $5,800 has been donated to the National Park Foundation! We continue to be amazed by our runners, and hope to instill the value of preserving our National Parks for generations to follow. We honor and thank each of you who donated funds, and are responsible stewards of these beautiful parks. Dave Allen Photography/Shutterstock Dave

NPF_Vacation_Races_Ads-2017master.indd 15 4/26/17 11:39 AM NATIONAL PARKS FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP

Vacation Races is with us and help ensure our national parks are partnered with protected now and forever. the National Park Foundation to support Additionally, the National Park Foundation will our mission of park promotion and preservation! attend several of our races throughout the year. When you register for any of our races, you will have the opportunity to join the #FindYourPark Their Mission – The National Park Foundation, movement by donating to the National Park in partnership with the National Park Service, Foundation. 100% of your donation goes to their enriches America’s national parks and programs organization! through private support, safeguarding our heritage and inspiring generations of national We have committed to donate at least $150,000 park enthusiasts. and with your help it can be even more! Come run

16 VACATION RACES INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

MEET THE TEAM

SALEM STANLEY Founder Favorite Course: Grand Canyon GSM Activity: Hiking Chimney Tops Food at GSM: Ruby Tuesday (where I met my wife!) PRE-ORDER ONLY DEHN CRAIG Series Director Favorite Course: Lake Powell GSM Activity: Sunset at the Chimney Tops Food at GSM: Fried Pies from Apple Valley Country Stores LYLE ANDERSON Director of Race Operations Favorite Course: Grand Canyon GSM Activity: Anything other than a traffic jam in Cades Cove Food at GSM: Fried Pickles DUSTIN ROBERTS Director of Race Operations Favorite Course: Yellowstone GSM Activity: Just driving into the park Food at GSM: No favorites- It’s all good CHERIE SANTIAGO Registration Manager Favorite Course: Yellowstone GSM Activity: Driving into Cades Cove and seeing a bear Food at GSM: BBQ and Sweet Tea (We’re in the South!) KATHERINE BRUCE Event Director & Partnerships RACE PHOTOGRAPHY FROM FREE PHOTO Favorite Course: Great Smoky Mountains LUCID IMAGES In addition to photos of runners on the GSM Activity: Chimney Tops hike & Tuckaleechee Caverns course and crossing the finish line, Lucid Food at GSM: Elvira’s Cafe and The Artistic Bean Images will have a designated area near KAELEE CLIFFORD Lucid Images will be taking photos at the Customer Service start line, on the course, and at the finish the awards ceremony stage where runners Favorite Course: Grand Teton line. They will be at the expo so be sure to can pose for a finisher photo. This photo GSM Activity: I have not been to the Smokies yet stop by and say hello! To be sure you can will be made available FOR FREE to Food at GSM: No favorite yet find your picture later, wear your bib with runners! MEGAN STANLEY Merchandise the numbers clearly visible at all times. If PHOTOS ON COURSE Favorite Course: Rocky Mountain the photographers cannot identify you by GSM Activity: Chimney Rock your bib then your photo will end up in As a heads up to runners, there will be Food at GSM: Cherokee Grill in Gatlinburg an “unidentified runner” folder on their signs on the course to let runners know ROBIN RODGERS website. they are coming up on photographers. Ya Communications know, just in case you wanted to freshen Favorite Course: Lake Powell up, wipe away any snot, pick up the pace GSM Activity: Visit Cades Cove at sunset Photos will be available on Lucid Images Food at GSM: Burgers at Black Bear Cafe website on Friday, following the race. We or otherwise pose for the photo :) ANNA BASSO will send out an email to notify all runners Marketing & Design LUCIDRACES.COM and post it on Facebook. Favorite Course: Grand Teton GSM Activity: Hiking to Abrams Falls Food at GSM: Ice cream at Burger Master Drive In SOCIAL MEDIA

We will be making a slideshow video using all the GSMHALF pictures YOU post! Be sure to follow us and use # the official race hashtag #GSMHalf. We will be giving out prizes from our store (t-shirts and other merchandise) to the best photos featuring: @VACATIONRACES • Pictures Of The Course • Race Prep • Race Recovery GREATSMOKYMOUNTAINSHALFMARATHON.COM • Enjoying The Park

17 ULTRA ADVENTURES VIRTUAL RUNNING CLUB OTHER RACES SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 Vacation Races is proud to host our ultra race We are excited to present the Virtual Running series, Ultra Adventures! Whether you want Club! We have been hosting virtual races since the challenge of a longer distance, or just 2013 and now have 24 different races throughout want to go off road, Getting off the beaten the year. From Martin Luther King, Jr Day to Earth path and being able to see the parks from a Day to Summer Solstice, virtual races are a great way to establish goals whole new perspective is very rewarding. We hope you will join us at one throughout the year and celebrate days that are important to you without of the trail and ultra events with distances ranging from a half marathon the logistical hassles of race day! Plus, it’s a cost effective way to fill out up to a 100 miler! Use the discount code VR2017 to save $10 when your medal rack. registering for any distance! Vacation Races is the sponsor for the virtual races held on the National Of all the paths you take in life, Park Fee Free Days (National Park Week, Earth Day, NPS Birthday, etc). We make sure a few of them are are also proud to be hosting the annual Surgeon Generals Virtual 5K Run, dirt. -John Muir Walk, Roll in May. As we develop the Virtual Running Club over the next year you will be able to earn discounts to virtual and traditional races as well as some swag from our sponsors. Look for our booth at the expo to learn more!

What is a virtual race? - A virtual race is a low cost running event where the location of the race is chosen by the individual participant rather than the event company. You still get a shirt and finisher medal shipped to you, but on race day you track your own time and you select where you run. Through pictures on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter we run together virtually.

WWW.GRANDCIRCLETRAILS.COM WWW.VIRTUALRUNNINGCLUB.COM

TRAILFEST

3 PARKS, 3 TRAILS, 1 PARTY! We are proud to report that our inaugural Grand Circle Trailfest was a success, and 2017 is going to be even better. The Trailfest is a 3 day trail-running festival which takes place in the heart of North America’s most scenic national parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion, & Grand Canyon on October 5-7, 2017. The festival will be centralized in Kanab, UT. This year’s event is sold out, but we are excited to introduce our newest event: Coastal Redwoods Trailfest! This event will take you on trails in Big Basin, Mt. Tam, and Pescadero in California on April 12-15, 2018. Registration is now open! Trailfest is an amazing experience you don’t want to miss out on. Activities include trail running (of course), food, live entertainment, and trail running film festival screenings. WWW.THETRAILFEST.COM

TRAINING

Meet Terry Chiplin, the TRAINING As a Vacation Races runner you can save $100 on official training partner of Terry’s camps consistently receive high marks from any 2017 women’s camp, use code 2017VR100, and the Vacation Races series participants, with reviews like these: save $50 on one of their trail camps in 2017, use code and creator of Active 2017VR50! at Altitude. Terry offers “Among the top ten adult running camps in the USA” You can also earn a referral commission for free race specific training -CNN, March 2015 introducing a friend who registers for any of the programs for beginner “A once-in- a-lifetime fitness retreat for women!” 2017 camps. We couldn’t be happier to have Active and intermediate runners, as well as a training app for -Shape Magazine, March 2015 at Altitude as a part of our race series. Contact camp the same programs for a small cost! He also organizes director Terry Chiplin with any questions Training Camps, Running Vacations, Endurance Active at Altitude hosts running camps all year long regarding camps, coaching, and Coaching & Positive Race Workshops before each race including Women’s Running Camps (June, July, and training. in the Vacation Races series. He has years of experience August / September), Trail Running Camps (May and [email protected] and just happens to be one of the nicest guys around. September), and Running Vacations! www.activeataltitude.com (303) 304-9159

18 AREA INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

RESTAURANT PARTNERS

MISS LILY’S CAFE THE CHOCOLATE B’AR Miss Lily’s Café & Catering has been serving the The Chocolate B’ar, located on E. Lamar Alexander community now for 16 years. We are located in Pkwy in Townsend, offers delicious coffee, Townsend, TN, the gateway to the Great Smoky espresso, fine handmade candies and market- Mountain National Park on the Cades Cove side. style lunch and pastries. We also serve a made We are excited to welcome half marathon runners to order breakfast Friday-Sunday from 9am to to town and will be hosting the 2nd annual pasta 12pm including biscuits and gravy, omelet station, dinner on Friday night, September 8th from 5pm- monkey bread, French toast and a variety of other 8pm for all runners and their family and friends. delicious items. Please mention race participation Reservations are appreciated but not necessary. at the counter to receive 10% off your entire Please call 865-448-8697 to reserve your spot order! today! The Chocolate B’ar of Townsend Miss Lily’s Cafe 7807 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy 122 Depot Street Townsend, TN 37882 Townsend, TN 37882 Phone: (865) 448-9433 Phone: (865) 448-9895 www.thechocolatebaroftownsend.com misslilyscafeandcatering.com

HOTEL AND LODGING PARTNERS

TREMONT LODGE LILY BARN CABIN RENTALS LITTLE RIVER CAMPGROUND Tremont Lodge & Resort would like to welcome The nicest thing about staying in the Smoky Little River Campground & RV Resort is offering and invite the runners of the 2017 Great Smoky Mountains is getting back to nature…..sitting on race participants 10% off your site rental. Please Mountain Half Marathon to stay with us! the porch and listening to crickets sing or birds visit our website to view our property. Book your Complete with 134 rooms, suites, and cabins, chirp. Sometimes it is just quiet, and you actually stay with our office by calling 865.738.3665, and many featuring fireplaces and jetted tubs, you’re hear the wind and the leaves rustle. This is the mention you’re in town for the for race to receive sure to enjoy your staff. All runners will receive a experience The Lily Barn Cabins give you. Lily your discount. Discounts can only be applied by 10% discount when calling 865.448.3200 directly Barn Cabin Rentals is offering 10% off your stay placing reservation with the office. We are located and mentioning race participation! We look in one of our seven beautiful properties. We have on The Peaceful Side of the Smokys, the side that forward to having you! cabins and rental homes that can accommodate is known for relaxation, hiking, horseback riding, groups of 2 up to groups of 15. Please check and photography. We also have a golf course in Tremont Lodge and Resort us out at www.lilybarncabins.com, and book our little town! Our goal is for our campers to 7726 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy your stay directly with our office to receive your have a great experience while experiencing our Townsend, Tennessee 37882 discount. Call 865.448.8697 and mention the Smokies! Some of these sites back up to the Little Phone: (865) 448-3200 Smoky Mountain Half Marathon to receive your River for your viewing enjoyment, and of course www.tremontlodge.com discount! We look forward to having you stay with fishing abounds on the Little River, trout being the us! number one catch! We look forward to having you join us! Lily Barn Cabin Rentals 7807 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Little River Campground Townsend, Tennessee 37882 7261 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Phone: (865) 448-8697 Townsend, Tennessee 37882 www.lilybarncabins.com Phone: (865) 738-3665 www.littlerivercampground.com

19 EVENT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

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Welcome Runners! All you can eat Pasta & Salad! Sept 8th from 4:30 til 8:30 pm $15 Miss Lily ‘s Cafe Across the street from Tremont Inn. Nice selection of Craft Beers too!

21 EVENT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

EXPO VENDORS

THANKS TO OUR EXPO VENDORS WHO SUPPORT OUR RUNNERS:

Aetna FootRX Asheville Running Works Altra Lucid Images Wrappin’ Osborne Goodr Leave No Trace Gnarly Roo Sport Tiger Balm Las Vegas Fusion Hip Wraps Lily Trotters Evolve

22 VACATION RACES INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

NATIONAL PARK HALF MARATHON SERIES

Don’t stop at the Smokies! With 3 new races beautiful half marathons and get people to visit added to the series in 2017, we’ll have 12 total and enjoy our amazing national parks. National Park Half Marathons on the calendar! This year includes several 5Ks, Double Races, and Vacation Races also puts on other race series: even Triples (Caldera Triple, and Appalachian Ultra Adventures- a trail and ultramarathon Triple)! series, Trailfest- a 3-day festival with trails, food, music, speakers, and more, and Virtual Running Vacation Races was founded in 2012 when we Club- where you can run your race whenever VACATIONRACES.COM launched registration for the Inaugural Zion Half and wherever you want. In addition to saving #ZIONHALF | #YOSEMITEHALF | #TETONHALF | #YSHALF | #GLACIERHALF | #RMHALF | #SHENANDOAHHALF Marathon. Since then, we’ve added eleven more a little on the expense of traveling, portions of #GSMHALF | #GCHALF | #LPHALF | #JTHALF races to our calendar, each centered around a registration fees are donated to charities. #EVERGLADESHALF| #RUNYOURPARK | #VACATIONRACES different National Park. Our goal is to put on

DESCRIPTION ELEVATION CLUB HIKE AVG YEARS ROAD TRAIL STROLLER 5K MAX/GAIN TEMP RUNNING HANDCYCLE ZION OBSERVATION POINT APRIL 1ST 2017 6545 ft/631 ft 62° Mt Carmel, UT DOUBLE ARCH ALCOVE 5TH YEAR 36° Runner Cap: 2,500 EAGLE CRAGS YOSEMITE MAY 13TH 2017 NEVADA FALLS 5448 ft/486 ft 77° Bass Lake, CA UPPER YOSEMITE FALLS 3RD YEAR Runner Cap: 2,500 CLOUDS REST 44° GRAND TETON BRADLEY LAKE JUNE 3RD 2017 6169 ft/580 ft 67° TABLE MOUNTAIN 3RD YEAR Jackson Hole, WY 35° Runner Cap: 2,500 AMPHITHEATER LAKE YELLOWSTONE JUNE 10TH 2017 6665 ft/361 ft MT WASHBURN 67° 4TH YEAR West Yellowstone, MT OSPREY FALLS 35° Runner Cap: 3,000 GLACIER GRINNELL GLACIER JUNE 24TH 2017 5980 ft/1230 ft 73° SCENIC POINT 1ST YEAR East Glacier Park Village, MT 46° Runner Cap: 2,500 ICEBERG LAKE ROCKY MOUNTAIN 7505 ft/844 ft AUGUST 12TH 2017 HALLETT PEAK 79° 5TH YEAR Estes Park, CO CHASM LAKE 47° Runner Cap: 2,500 SHENANDOAH OLD RAG SEPTEMBER 2ND 2017 1377 ft/985 ft 81° 1ST YEAR Luray, VA OVERALL RUN FALLS 58° Runner Cap: 2,500 LITTLE DEVILS STAIRS GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS SEPTEMBER 9TH 2017 893 ft/727 ft CHIMNEY TOPS (TEMP. CLOSED) 80° 4TH YEAR Townsend, TN CHARLIE’S BUNION 56°

Runner Cap: 2,500 MT LECONTE (VIA ALUM CAVE) GRAND CANYON 6651 ft/279 ft OCTOBER 14TH, 2017 58° SKELETON POINT 4TH YEAR Tusayan, AZ 31° Runner Cap: 2,000 LAKE POWELL RAINBOW BRIDGE 70° OCTOBER 21ST, 2017 4361 ft/151 ft 5TH YEAR Page, AZ ANTELOPE CANYON 47° Runner Cap: 2,500 JOSHUA TREE NOVEMBER 4TH, 2017 2696 ft/693 ft 70° TBD 1ST YEAR Joshua Tree, CA 46° Runner Cap: 1,500 EVERGLADES SLOUGH SLOG DECEMBER 2ND, 2017 22 ft/64 ft 82° TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS 2ND YEAR Everglades NP, FL 64° Runner Cap: 1,200 AIRBOAT RIDE

23 SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

COLLECT ALL THE STAMPS AT THE EXPO SUDOKU

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7 6 Info Booth 7 1 2

5 From merchandise, s’mores over a campfire, learning more about our Zero Waste program, shopping our vendors, and getting more information about the local area/National Park(s) nearby; the expo has something for 8 4 3 everybody. You can earn a stamp at certain expo booths. Once you earn all the stamps, come to the info desk for a prize! 7 6

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Get your bib and Make a S’more at the a race guide Vacation Races Campground (This one’s on the house!) WORD SEARCH

YGPELMVDERYUADC NRVHKEOEAIQPSAE GATDHGDEGSPDWEM TURTLE CJRNWRBIYAIRWHE MAGNOLIA LTOOUKGMLJXENLT TRAILHEAD HPOOCOTAAZYVBIE APPALACHIAN Learn how to re-use a shirt Chat with a park ranger and BLACKBEAR and make a bag out of it ask them about the area IDMAKWCSNGFIIAR WATERFALL WDLSDHVKENNRDRY CAVE LBNTINBMCRBOQTY ELM RIVER LMQAQSVHTAOFLYL CATALOOCHEE XZNCQRDSWYBFQII DOGWOOD WATERFALLWQTUMA BACKCOUNTRY CEMETERY EEHCOOLATACIMQF FOREST LHYGPFENELTRUTC Visit the Broadcast Booth to share your story ‘live’ or post a photo from DLBVDWRJLKYFJSE the event using the tag #GSMHalf

EXPO SCAVENGER HUNT! Find the scrambled letters placed inside the tents throughout the Great Smoky Mountains Half Expo and enter to win prizes including items from Mountain Khaki and Buff! 1. Solve the mystery puzzle 2. Fill out the entry form 3. Turn it in at the Information Booth First & Last Name

Phone # Puzzle Answer I B O A L VACATIONRACES.COM We’ll announce prize winners throughout the day! THANKS FOR RUNNING WITH US!

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