9 running events in Alcoa, Tennessee

WELCOME TO YEAR 13 OF THE PISTOL PARTY!

March 14–16, 2026 | Alcoa, TN

An unforgettable ultra in the heart of East Tennessee.

WHY RUN THE PISTOL?

Kick off your spring with a blast at one of the most fun, welcoming, and exciting ultra events around! Nestled just outside Knoxville, The Pistol Ultra Run has earned its reputation as a must-do for both seasoned ultrarunners and curious first-timers.

With distances ranging from 10 miles to 100 miles, there’s a challenge for every type of runner. Push your limits, celebrate your milestones, and party with hundreds of other runners who understand that normal is overrated.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Epic Finisher Awards & Swag – Because you earned it.

• Heated, Fully-Stocked Aid Stations – Warm, welcoming, and legendary.

• Pampering Volunteers – Some of the best you’ll ever meet.

• Flat, Fast, Certified USATF Course – A greenway dream in East TN.

• Lit at Night – Literally. The course is lit for your safety & vibes.

• Push Rims & Walkers Welcome – Inclusivity is part of our DNA.

• Food Truck Meal Ticket – Free for the Ultra Runners (100M, 100K, 50M, & 50K)

COURSE OVERVIEW

The races start and finish at the Springbrook Pool Center in Alcoa. The paved greenway trail follows scenic Pistol Creek, with gentle terrain and night lighting for around-the-clock support. The loop layout keeps the energy high and the vibes strong with friends never far away.

Distances include:

10 Mile, 20 Mile, Half, Full, 50K, 50M, 100K, 100M

Try the Double Barrel Challenge – 50K and 50M!

Generous cutoffs mean you have plenty of time to achieve your goal (up to 32 hours for the big ones!)

🔥 DOUBLE BARREL CHALLENGE

Take on both the 50K and 50M for the exclusive Double Barrel Award. Medals, bragging rights, and a custom award await the bold. (Must start and finish both to qualify. Select during registration.)

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

Arrive Friday At the Hilton Knoxville Airport:

• Packet pickup

• Visit The Pistol Store

• Preview the Course

• Meet your tribe and soak up the hype

• Guest Speaker (TBA Later)

Set up your own support crew area along the course. Enjoy access to indoor heated restrooms, and expect a community atmosphere like no other.

BE PART OF THE MAGIC

Not racing? You can still be part of the party. We need passionate volunteers to help keep this show rolling. Runners can even volunteer AND race. It takes a village—and we want YOU in it.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Stay in the loop by liking our Facebook Page or Instagram Page Tell your crew, rally your friends, and come ready to run, cheer, and celebrate. The Pistol isn’t just a race—it’s a weekend-long experience.

Pet Policy: As much as we love animals, our insurance policy does not allow dogs or pets on the premises. We kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

This year, the 15th annual Butterfly Run will be staged to help some of East Tennessee’s biggest miracles by partnering with Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs (our third Butterfly Run). The Butterfly Fund family is honored to be working alongside this wonderful organization again this year to continue the event so many of you have supported for the past 14 years. This year, we will again stage our event in the beautiful foothills of Maryville on March 28, 2026. Proceeds will go to support Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs. This incredible organization works to enhance the potential of infants and young children with disabilities by offering support to their families and the early intervention professionals who serve them.

We are incredibly excited to invite you to mark your calendar for March the 28th to join us for FOT Babies' third annual Butterfly Run. Every mile completed, and every dollar raised means over 3,500 Tennessee children with special needs and their families will receive the support, resources and encouragement they need. More details about this year’s event will be coming soon. We look forward to joining you to celebrate and support East Tennessee’s babies with special needs!

Location:

Springbrook Park

1561 Dalton St, Alcoa, TN

Description:

3K and 1 Mile Celebration Walk 3K is USATF certified and eligible for Tennessee state records.

Check-In/Day of Race Registration and Packet Pick Up: Springbrook Park Gym, 1561 Dalton St, Alcoa, TN.

Pre-Race Packet Pick Up: March 26th from 5-7 p.m. at Dick's Sporting Goods - 221 Hamilton Crossing Drive, Alcoa, TN 37701

3K Race Check-In and Pick-Up (7:30 am - 8:15 am) 3K Race Starts at 8:30 am 1 Mile Celebration Walk: Check-In (8:30 - 9:15) Walk Starts at 9:30 am

T-SHIRTS: All runners will receive a quality, cotton/poly blend T-shirt if registered by March 15, 2026. Shirts will be available at the early packet pick up on March 27, 2026 at Dick's Sporting Goods in Alcoa, TN (5-7 pm) and the day of the race at the race venue. Participants who register after March 15, 2026 will receive a shirt as long as supplies last. Those who do not get their packets at the early packet pick up or on race day, may pick them up at the Friends of TN's Babies office through the month of April. The event will offer additional shirts for purchase to participants who Register by March 15, 2026. Shirts will not be mailed and will only be available at the early packet pickup at Dick's Sporting Goods on March 27th, at the race venue on March 28th, or the FOT office through the month of April.

AWARDS/PRIZES: 3K Awards ceremony will be held on site at the Springbrook Park Pavilion immediately following the race at approximately 9:00 a.m. Awards will be given to the top three m/f finishers overall, top m/f master, grandmaster, and veteran, and the top three m/f finishers in each age group. All 3K runners who do not place and all 1-mile Celebration Walk participants will receive a participation medal.

AGE DIVISIONS: Male/Female: 1-10, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. Overall: Male and Female Masters: Male and Female (40 and older) Grandmaster: Male and Female (50 and older) Veteran: Male and Female (60 and older)

GENERAL INFORMATION: Non-competitive participants in the 3K race will be asked to allow serious timed runners to be in the front. The use of headsets is not recommended due to traffic on race route. **Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome for both the 3K and 1-mile Celebration Walk. Both courses are paved and accessible.

Refreshments: Pre/Post-race refreshments will be available before and after the race for all registered participants.

For more information regarding this race, please contact Friends of TN's Babies with Special Needs at www.helpingbabies.org

Spring Sprint 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk

Event Date: April 18, 2026

Event URL: https://www.parksrec.com/special-events/triple-crown-running

Mobile results URL: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/42444#resultSetId-373929;perpage:10

Photo URL: https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/TN/Alcoa/SpringSprintTN

Description: This is the 1st Event of the 2026 Healthy Blount Triple Crown of Running. 2nd Event - Scholars Run, July 25, 2026. 3rd Event - Reindeer Run, December 6, 2026. Those participating in ALL THREE TRADITIONAL events will be eligible for Triple Crown cash awards, door prizes, and a special memento. If you are unable to participate in ALL THREE events, you still have a chance at winning the great Triple Crown door prizes worth a minimum of $50 each if you participate in the Reindeer Run and at least one of the other two Triple Crown events. You are eligible whether you participate in the 5K Run or the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.

A portion of the race proceeds this year goes to Blount County's Special Olympics program and to the Leon Berrong Scholarship Fund that helps underprivileged kids participate in recreational programs!

CHECK-IN: 7:15 - 8:00 a.m. the day of the race.

RACE TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 5K Run

9:15 a.m. – 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Pre Race Package Pickup and Registration: Thursday, April 16, 5 to 7 pm Dick's Sporting Goods in Hamilton Crossing, 221 Hamilton Crossing Drive Alcoa, TN 37701 or pick up can be done on race day.

T-SHIRTS: All runners will receive a quality, 65/35 cotton/poly blend T-shirt. Shirts will be available on the day of the race for day-of-race entries as long as supplies last. Those who do not get their packets on race day may pick them up at the Parks & Rec. office approximately up to 2 weeks after the race. Participants who choose the Sleeping But Supporting option may pick up their shirts at the Parks & Rec office during this time frame also.

AWARDS/PRIZES: Awards and prizes will be given out on-site at the event. Award winners can view results after the race at https://totalracesolutions.com/event-results/ and awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group. All Fun Run/Walk participants will receive a ribbon. Race participants will be eligible for nice door prize drawings and winners will be randomly drawn from a generated race list. AGE DIVISIONS: Male: 8 and under, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and over Female: 8 and under, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and over Overall: Male and Female Masters: Male and Female (40 and older)

GENERAL INFORMATION: No baby strollers, bicycles, roller blades or dogs are allowed to be used by any participant during the race. The use of headsets is not recommended due to traffic on race route.

Refreshments: Refreshments will be on-site after the race for race participants.

For more information regarding this race or the Triple Crown of Running, please contact the Parks & Rec. office at (865) 983-9244.

Register for all three events before the Spring Sprint race and receive a $5 discount off the entry fee for each event. Best discount ends on 4/6/26, but other discounts available through 4/18/26.

This series consists of the Spring Sprint (Sat, April 18, 2026), the Scholars Run (Sat, July 25, 2026), and the Reindeer Run (Sun, December 6, 2026). To be eligible for the Triple Crown cash awards and a special memento, participants must compete in all three races. To be eligible to win door prizes valued at a minimum of $50, participation in two races is required. Both runners and walkers at each event are eligible for great door prizes.

The Spring Sprint will be staged Saturday, April 18, 2026. - Springbrook Recreation Center - 1537 Dalton Street, Alcoa, TN 37701

CHECK-IN: 7:15 - 8:00 AM the day of race. Packet pick up on the Thursday before the event, 5 - 7 pm at Dick's Sporting Goods in Alcoa.

THE COURSE: 5k and 1-Mile course includes area streets. Visit https://www.parksrec.com/special-events/triple-crown-running for info on the course.

RACE TIME: 8:30 a.m. 5K / 9:15 a.m. 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

The Scholars Run will be staged Saturday, July 25, 2026 - Cooper Athletic Building on the Maryville College Campus

CHECK-IN: 6:45-7:30 a.m. the day of race. Packet pick up on the Thursday before the event, 5 - 7 pm at Dick's Sporting Goods in Alcoa.

THE COURSE: 5K Course includes area city streets. The 1 Mile Fun Walk/Run is situated entirely on the Maryville College campus. Visit https://www.parksrec.com/special-events/triple-crown-running for info on the course.

RACE TIME: 8:00 a.m. – 5K Run / 8:45 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

The Reindeer Run will be staged Sunday, December 6, 2026 - Race starts in front of Blackberry Corp. Office, 150 W. Church Ave, Maryville, TN

CHECK-IN:12:30 - 1:30 p.m. the day of the race at the Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater, 325 Court Street, Maryville, TN in Jack Greene Park

THE COURSE: Course is on Maryville City and Alcoa City streets starting and ending on Church Street. Visit https://www.parksrec.com/special-events/triple-crown-running for information on the course.

Race Time: 2 p.m. 5K Run / 2:45 p.m. 1 Mile Fun/Run/Walk

Awards: Prizes will be presented to two youth and two adults with the best Christmas costume. There will also be an awards ceremony, door prize drawings and grand prize drawing for the Triple Crown of Running held on site immediately following all Reindeer Run activities at the Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater in Jack Green Park.

All Events Will Utilize the Following Guidelines:

AGE DIVISIONS: Male: 8 and under, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and over Female: 8 and under, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and over Overall: Male and Female Masters: Male and Female (40 and older)

T-SHIRTS: All runners will receive a quality, 65/35 cotton/poly blend T-shirt. Shirts will be available on the day of the race for day-of-race entries as long as supplies last.

Those who do not get their packets on race day may pick them up at the Parks and Rec. office up to 2 weeks after the race.

AWARDS/PRIZES: An awards ceremony will be held on site immediately following the race. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group. All Fun Run/Walk participants will receive a ribbon. Race participants will be eligible for nice door prize drawings immediately following the 5K race.

GENERAL INFORMATION: No baby strollers, bicycles, roller blades or dogs are allowed to be used by any participant during the race. The use of headsets is not recommended due to traffic on race route.

Refreshments: post race refreshments will be served immediately following the race for all registered participants.

For more information regarding this race or the Triple Crown of Running, visit www.parksrec.com or please contact the Parks & Rec office at (865) 983-9244.

JOIN US FOR OUR SECOND ANNUAL STRUT YOUR MUTT 2K/5K WALKATHON!

NEW - 5K RUN!

May 9, 2026 at Springbrook Park Pavilion

Pet owners, animal welfare advocates, and people just searching for a fun family-friendly time are invited to attend. You do not need to be a dog owner to participate, but if you are, bring your well-behaved furry friend along for the fun.

This year, we've also added a 5K run for those of you who enjoy 5Ks. Medals will be awarded to our top racers.

Early registration for the walkathon is $25, and for the 5K, $35, which includes an event t-shirt and swag bag. Kids 12 and under are free. Please note fees increase by $5 after April 30.

Fats BBQ, Floyd's Snack Shack, Taco Mafia and Snobiz will be on hand with tasty treats for humans, while Salty Paws will have doggie ice cream and treats for your furry friends. Vendors will offer a variety of goods and services, and Blount County Animal Center will be there with some our favorite dogs available for adoption.

Proceeds from Strut Your Mutt benefit Friends of the Blount County Animal Center, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides all funding for medicines, veterinary staff and services to the center.

RULES

You are solely responsible for your pet's behavior and agree to carefully monitor and control it at all times.

Your pet must be either on a leash, not exceeding 6’ in length or in a suitable harness/containment system. Retractable leashes are not acceptable. Please note: dogs are not allowed on the timed 5K run due to safety and liability concerns, as leashes can create tripping hazards. Dogs are welcome during the walk portion of the event.

You must clean up after your pet.

You must report any incidents that may result in injury to the walker or pet to event volunteers immediately.

Your pet must be current on all vaccinations and to your knowledge be free of any contagious diseases or conditions.

Your pet cannot be aggressive, in heat, or deemed to be dangerous or potentially dangerous in the past. Event organizers, in their discretion, reserve the right to refuse admittance to or eject any unruly, aggressive, unsuitable, or obviously ill pet.

Wanna go for a run! How bout a Walk? Either way bring yourself or your best four-legged friend for this one of a kind event on Blount County!

Come run yourself in our 5K race (Humans only this year) or go just Doggone WILD in the pet friendly Mile walk/run. Awards will be given to all Human runners in the 5K, the dogs (...and their owners) get the satisfaction of being together in the Mile walk/ run with a nice treat for the pets at the finish line. If that isn't enough fun, after the main events wrap up we will have a "Field of Fun" for all dogs to be dogs in ranging from obstacle courses, toys and other pet friendly activities so long as everyone is a good boy or girl.

During this time we will host giveaway contest for various dog awards such as Cutest Dog, Smallest Dog, Biggest Dog, Most like their owner, and others!

Be sure to visit with our vendors and supporting sponsors for the event as we know you wont want to miss them!

The 5K course will Start and end at the Alcoa Public Works & Engineering Building Near the Springbrook Pool & Alcoa Elementary School. Course will be an out and back using local roads and the Alcoa/ Maryville Greenway system. the 1mile course will follow similar roads and pathways and will not interrupt 5K foot traffic.

*Dogs are only allowed in the 1mile walk run event- No dogs allowed in the 5K this year.

GIVEAWAYS:

All 5K Runners will receive an event T-shirt! Cut off for shirt sizes is 6/1/26 so register before to ensure your BCAWS Shirt!

AWARDS:

Age groups awards for 5K race will be awarded in 10 year increments.

<10, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

Dogs who participate in the walk/ run will receive a tasty treat at the finish line for their participation!

RESTROOMS:

Will be available at the start/ finish area only. No Restrooms will be available on the course.

WATER STOPS:

Aid/ Water stations will be available at the turn around point. This will be stocked with water.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION:

Parking will take place at the address listed above.

Proceeds for this race will go to benefiting The Blount County Animal Welfare Society (BCAWS) who is a 501-c3 non profit operation in pursuit of helping domestic pets stay with their owners, provide vet bills and other necessities that animals need to be healthy. BCAWS provides a number of services for animals based on the support of community sponsors and donations in order to keep pets and animals off the street and keep their wellbeing at the center of our attention.

Want to support without the sweat? Consider donating at the top of this page to directly help raise funds for our cause!