66 running and walking events in Chattanooga, Tennessee

What's better than running by yourself? Running with a bunch of crazy fun people, that's what! Spend your Saturday morning running or walking along the beautiful Tennessee River, with a bunch of the funnest people you've ever met.

Available distances are 5K, 10K, and half marathon.

Other important stuff:

• Due to limited parking and space, prices will increase as the race fills up. There IS a cap.

• There are toilets that flush and sinks with running water and soap.

• This is a running and walking event that is MUCH more about camaraderie and fun, not competition. Everyone gets a finisher medal, but the only "award" is the coveted Sloth Society medal that goes to the person who completes the race last. (You must earn it HONESTLY!)

You will come back to the start/finish/super aid station area multiple times throughout the race. This means you're welcome to leave a drop bag to access your own personal goodies and you can shed layers as you warm up. This is also a good place to reapply sunscreen, address any potential issues such as blisters, etc.

Our races are super low-key and non-competitive; we'd prefer to race you vs. you, not you vs. anyone else. There is a 4 hour time limit for all distances. (If you're close to finishing past the time limit, we'll stick around to make sure you get a finish time and a medal - we're not in the business of taking your hard work away from you, nor do we want you to feel rushed in the heat - but we do have to be checked out of the pavilion.)

Your registration fee includes entry into the race distance of your choosing, race swag in the form of a beach/pool/lake/shower/we don't actually care what you use it for towel, finisher medal for all distances, and our usual aid station setup including Gatorade, water, Gu, banana smoothies, unlimited ice, all kinds of snacks and post-race food.

Our race swag has to be ordered by May 27th. If you register AFTER that date, we cannot promise you a beach towel, because our crystal ball never gets the prediction of last minute registrations correct, but we will make sure you get a swag item because that would be really mean not to give you something.

As with any other race put on by any other company, registration fees and add-on fees are final and are not refundable or transferable for any reason. The waiver that you agree to as part of your registration indicates your acceptance of this policy, which is standard in the industry. Prices are subject to change. The races will go on rain, snow (ha!), or shine. We will delay or cancel due to lightning or any other unsafe conditions.

5K • 10K • HALF

Experience the magic of Christmas in July at Run Santa Run, an enchanting evening half marathon race where the summer heat gives way to festive cheer. As the sun sets and the day cools off, runners don their Santa hats and holiday gear to embark on a spirited journey through the course. Along the way, indulge in the sweet delights of Christmas candy, fueling your energy for the miles ahead. But the magic doesn't stop there! Encounter the jolly man himself, Santa Claus capturing unforgettable moments amidst the twinkling lights and merry decorations. To further enhance the atmosphere, immerse yourself in the sounds of Christmas music echoing throughout the course, creating a magical ambiance that transports you to a winter wonderland. Join us at 'Run Santa Run' for a one-of-a-kind race experience that blends the warmth of summer with the timeless joy of Christmas.

#RunSantaRun

Celebrate the holiday spirit in the middle of summer at the Christmas in July 5K/10K/Half Marathon! This means Santa is on Vacay!

Come out and join us at Tennessee Riverwalk Trail Shelter #1. This festive race brings all the cheer of the season—without the cold—giving athletes a fun and energetic way to race during the warm summer months.

Whether you’re tackling the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon, you’ll enjoy a spirited race atmosphere filled with holiday flair, seasonal fun, and motivation from start to finish. Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome to join in the celebration.

All athletes who cross the finish line will receive a custom finisher medal and a spirited, race-themed shirt to commemorate their accomplishment. Awards will be presented to men and women for all three distances to the top finishers in the usual five-year age groups, starting at 10 & Under.

Break out the holiday cheer, lace up your running shoes, and make summer miles merry at the Christmas in July 5K/10K/Half Marathon.

What's a trash panda? It's a fun term for a raccoon...because they sort of look like giant pandas (in their coloring) and they sort of look like red pandas (which sort of look like raccoons) and also, they like to dig through the trash. It's also the slightly-bratty-but-still-kinda-cute little sister race to our perennial powerhouse, the spring Raccoon Mountain races.

START/FINISH: Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee

STUFF:

• There will be swag. We have TECHNICALLY surpassed the amount of swag we ordered for this year, but in order to open up more spots to participate in the race, we have some alternative options for swag. If the swag item is something you're just going to toss in the trash, we’d rather you take the alternative swag. Tossing swag in the trash is raccoon behavior, not human behavior! We want to make sure you get something that will make your precious little heart happy.

• Laser burned wooden finisher medal. Produced by a real, live, actual Tennessean. Maybe that Tennessean will dress up like a raccoon to burn them. Maybe that Tennessean will eat out of the trash can, in the name of authenticity. You never know!

• Because we discontinued our Spring Raccoon Mountain race, and our favorite part of that race was the medals with your name on them, we're bringing that to this race. That's right, however you want your medal personalized, it'll be that way on race day! Burned right into the wood. Literally NOBODY ELSE will have a medal exactly like yours. (You MUST be registered by August 31st to guarantee your personalized medal. We’ll personalize what we can get to after that.)

• The most stocked up aid stations you've ever encountered. We won't even make you root around in a trash can for any of it. We won't even pull any of it OUT of a trash can. It's fresh!

We have restocked our Into The Forest I Go mugs, as well as our "Stay Trashy Chattanooga" and "I Run So I Can Eat Garbage" shirts, we've got all new shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve), tank tops, and hoodies and other apparel too! (We don't give these away as swag because everyone has a preference, and we also don't get the cheapest shirt known to man, nor do we cover the back with logos.) We will also have the bargain items out!

You can also register for future races here, with a little discount for registering in cash. Later this year, we have Spookasaurus and the winter Grab Bag, and Freeze Your Half Off in January is also open for registration. We prefer cash but can also take credit cards, Venmo, and CashApp.

COURSE:

We will be using only the trails that connect to Laurel Point. The loop is a little bit more than 3.1-ish miles long. We'll have an out-and-back section marked for each distance to get you to the appropriate mileage. The 5K is a little longer than 3.1 miles, which is why it is a 5-ish K, and if you're not cool with -ish measurements, you probably won't enjoy running/walking/hiking/dorking around with us.

The trail is technical in that there are roots and rocks, but it's not particularly difficult. There are no water crossings. Trail shoes are useful, but not necessary. Hundreds of people have done this race without trail shoes. Beginners, hikers, children of all ages are welcome, and we are supportive to EVERYONE. There is an eight hour time limit for all distances. Yes, ALL distances. You must be out on your last lap by 3:45pm. (That's because the mountain closes, not because we're meanie pantsers.) We don't DNF; we'll give you a finish time for the distance you did complete.

AID STATION:

AKA, what we're known for. There will be one aid station mid-course, and another one at the start/finish/end of the 5-ishK lap. So you're never more than 2 miles from food/drinks/frivolity. that you'll pass on each lap. At the aid station will be Gatorade, water, Coke, Mountain Dew, energy gels, a variety of chips, candy, and cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pickles and pickle juice shots, and a full array of non-food supplies like Vaseline, salt pills, etc.

Please bring your own painkillers if you think you will need them (our insurance prohibits us giving any painkillers to you) and use them responsibly!

You are welcome to leave a drop bag at the designated area near the aid station. Feel free to bring a chair to put your drop bag on, a full change of clothes, your teddy bear, whatever you think you'll need to make it through your chosen race distance. Pop up tents with your crew are fine too. We have plenty of space.

Our crew is also known for their unparalleled support. We'll get you to the finish line if you let us help you! We drain and bandage blisters (we will even prep your feet BEFORE the race in an attempt to prevent those blisters from ever happening!), we keep you cooled down with ice, we work on cramps, we give great pep talks and we'll talk you out of quitting with some tough love if that's what it takes. We're here to help you, just like we've helped thousands of people before you. We consider you family, not just another runner with a number like many races.

We're not saying our family isn't a little bit dysfunctional from time to time, but it keeps things interesting, doesn't it? Seriously though, all we want is to get you to the finish line and we'll do what it takes to help you get there, and we'll be waiting there to celebrate with you!

Packet Pickup:

Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:30am - 8:25am at Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain.

We might do a "quick and dirty" packet pickup on Friday night. We might not. Depends on how big the race gets. We'll email you if we decide to do it.

This race will be timed and results will be posted. You will be emailed a link.

IMPORTANT!!!! IMPORTANT!!!! IMPORTANT!!!! IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!!

This is NOT a slick, corporate, super-professionally produced race. We're still the same grassrootsy, laid-back people we've always been. We cater to the non-competitive, fun-loving runners of the world. We are a bunch of dorks that can measure a course and decorate it with silly raccoon signs and we do our best to make it fun. If you are expecting Ironman-levels of infrastructure and an army of volunteers, you aren't going to get it from us. You have been warned and we won't take you seriously if you complain that we're not like a typical race, because, well, that's never been a secret. If you want to have a good time in an atmosphere that is more 'giant group run' and less 'super professional NYC marathon' or 'snooty judgmental if-you-are-not-fast-we-won't-be-nice-to-you'-type thing, we'd love to invite you to join us! If you're only worried about running super fast and not about enjoying your experience and being around good humans, this is NOT the race for you. We welcome the fast AND

the slow, we just don't want anyone to be disappointed in what they get when they register, so we don't keep it a secret that we value camaraderie over competition! And we make ZERO apologies for that.

Run4Kids - 5K, 1 Mile Walk, & Family Fun Fest

Saturday, September 19

Tennessee Riverwalk – Hubert Fry Center

9:00 am Race Start

10:30 am- 2:00 pm Festival

Ronald McDonald House Charities invites you to our 6th annual run, where participants come together to raise funds and provide a brighter future for families with critically ill or injured children. Be a part of this inspiring event and help us continue to keep families close through RMHC!

Swimmer Registration opens April 7, 2026 at Noon ET!

Swim the Suck (STS) is a 10-mile open-water race through the scenic Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded in 2010, the event attracts swimmers from across the U.S. and abroad for a unique adventure blending competition, community, and natural beauty.

STS 2026 will occur Saturday, October 3rd with a 9:30am start at the Suck Creek Boat Launch. It is hosted by the Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers (C.O.W.S.) and dual-sanctioned by US Masters Swimming and USA Swimming.

Participants can complete the 10 mile swim solo (limit of 125 USMS swimmers and 10 USA swimmers) or register as a relay team of 2 swimmers (new this year with a limit of 10 relays total). All swimmers over 18 must have a current USMS or USA membership or purchase a USMS single day event membership. Swimmers 14-17 must be current USA Swimming members.

All solo swimmers MUST be accompanied by a PILOT. Swimmers are STRONGLY encouraged to find their own pilot. Relay swimmers will switch between piloting and swimming. A small number of pilots and kayaks are available for a fee. All PILOTS must also register. There is no fee for pilots - swimmer's fee covers their pilot's costs.

A pre-swim briefing and pasta dinner will be held on Friday, October 2nd at 5:00pm at Waterhouse Pavilion, part of Miller Plaza in downtown Chattanooga. You will meet your pilot (if you requested one) and pick up your race packet during this event.

The following are included in every registration:

• One race entry (for a solo swimmer OR a relay team of two swimmers)

• Two Swim the Suck logo'd t-shirts (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)

• Two dinners for the Friday dinner (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)

• Two post-race meals on Saturday (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)

• Finisher award for all participants (swimmers and pilots)

• Race morning bus transportation from the finish line to the starting areas for swimmers and pilots

IMPORTANT Relay Instructions

For two-person relays, each participant provides their own USMS number as they register. The first person to register creates the relay team and enters their USMS number. The first person pays the full team fee. The second person then registers using the team their partner created and enters their USMS number. (Age group relay members do the same but do not have to enter the USMS number).

Highlighted Nonprofit for Donations

STS supports the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT). TRGT is a Chattanooga area land trust that serves as a leader in conservation, actively stewarding over 17,000 acres in the Tennessee River Gorge. Its mission for over 40 years has been "to conserve a healthy Tennessee River Gorge as a community treasure for generations." TRGT envisions a thriving future for the Tennessee River Gorge where the community has great access to outdoor recreation and wildlife flourishes. TRGT helps ensures STS and its participants experience a swim bounded by the beauty of the land and encompassed by the thriving waters. You can learn more about TRGT here.

If you would like to support TRGT, then indicate so upon completing your registration or click on the tab titled ""Give to TRGT" in the menu on the left.

Chattajack is set apart from similar races by its length. Its distance calls for athletes who have committed to their training and to their pursuit of endurance. The course is one that requires preparation, but is sure to be a fun, rewarding experience. Chattajack is comprised of a community of people who come together to commemorate a true love for this sport. They inspire one another, cheer each other on, and at the end of the day, they revel in the beauty of a shared victory.

Please join our mailing list for updates about the event and registration reminders.

Join us for the annual Spooky Sprint 5k/10k & Half Marathon! A fun, Halloween-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Free photos

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

• Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!

• Half Marathon registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

Empower your athlete within alongside the best companions in the great outdoors by participating in the Furry Scurry Fun Run/Walk! All levels welcome and dogs are not required for participation. Fun is guaranteed!

Choose from two distances of fun:

-Husky Hustle 5K (3.1 miles)

9 am Start

-Dachshund Dash 1 Mile

9:05 am Start

Water stations for pups and humans will be available at the turn around and finish line. There will be prizes available for participants, including the pets!

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Warrior Freedom Service Dogs. This organization raises and trains service dogs for veterans. Check out more information about their organization and cause on their website. https://www.warriorfreedom.org/

Packet Pick-up:

Friday October 30th - 4-6pm at Chattanooga Sports Chiropractic Institute

Saturday October 31st: 7:00-8:30am at Chickamauga Dam Riverpark

Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k/Half Marathon! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Free photos

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!

• Half Marathon registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k/10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

The 14th Annual Stuffing Strut helps prepare you for your Thanksgiving feast before you have it! Join us Thanksgiving morning for a 5K walk/run through Chester Frost Park. All paid participants will receive a race t-shirt to show off at the Thanksgiving table. Winners in each age bracket will receive a commemorative race medal.

All proceeds from this race benefit the Northside Neighborhood House, the Soddy-Daisy Food Bank, the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department, and the Soddy-Daisy Middle School's Jim Wilson Fund.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., Race begins at 8:30 a.m.

PACKET PICK will be on Wednesday, November 25, at Chester Frost Park Pavilion,

7872 Causeway Road. Drop by between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to pick up your race day shirt!

Not able to make Packet Pickup? Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. on race day!

Chattanooga Hungry Turkey

Burn off the Thanksgiving calories and don't get caught by the Hungry Turkey!

3 distances available: 5K (Run or Walk), 10K, and Half Marathon.

RACE UPDATES & HIGHLIGHTS

1. Fresh Tasty Donut Donuts waiting for you at the finish line.

2. Each Registrant Gets Long-sleeve technical shirt.

3. Medal for every finisher!

4. Aid Stations and bathrooms approximately every 1.5 miles

Routes: (updated Nov 12)

Half Marathon

10K

5K

Early Packet Pick Up (Friday, Nov 28):

Fleet Feet Chattanooga

307 Manufacturer's Road Suite 105, Chattanooga, TN 37405

3 pm - 6 pm

Race Day Packet Pick Up (Saturday, Nov 29)

Hubert Fry Center

4301 Amnicola Highway; Chattanooga, TN 37402

6:00 am to 8 am

5K/10K/Half Marathon

• Premium Run Santa Run Hoodie

• Christmas Tree Ornament Finishing Medal

• Christmas Music

• Holiday MoonPies!

Embark on a festive journey through our Christmas-themed race series, Run Santa Run, offering options for every level of runner with our 5K, 10K, and half marathon routes. As you RUN or WALK through the winter wonderland, the air is filled with the merry melodies of Christmas music, infusing every step with holiday cheer. Recharge at the finish line with an array of delectable sweets, from candy canes to ginger bread cookies ensuring a sweet reward for your hard-earned miles.

But the true prize awaits as you receive our magnificent finishing medals, each one a shining testament to your endurance and holiday spirit. And don't forget to grab one of our stylish participant shirts, featuring charming designs that capture the essence of the season. As the perfect finale, meet our live Santa Claus, ready to spread joy and pose for unforgettable photos, ensuring that your Christmas memories are as magical as the race itself. Join us for a celebration of fitness, fun, and the most wonderful time of the year!

#RunSantaRun

Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/10k/15k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Free photos

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $22!

• 5k/10k/15k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!