3 events in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Secret City Half Marathon and 5K Date: November 14, 2026

The half marathon route starts at the scenic Melton Lake Park peninsula. Considered a great PR course! Course runs along the beautiful Melton Lake then down by an operational quarry for a change of scenery. Continue along a serene tree-lined private road then wind through Oak Ridge. Finish your race along the water's edge right back to the peninsula. Course is USATF certified with certification # TN15066MS.

The 5K race route starts and finishes at the Melton Lake Park peninsula. The course follows the water's edge along Melton Lake to Elza Gate Park then double back down the walking trail to the peninsula. A very scenic, easy, and enjoyable 5K run. Cert #: TN15077MS

Event Information

Participation Cap

This event will be limited to 50 participants total, accepted on a first-registered basis.

Event Purpose

The race is structured to provide athletes with the opportunity to achieve a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ) standard or a benchmark Half Marathon performance. The course has consistently produced qualifying results, and the intent is to attract competitors pursuing age-group standards for Boston or other national and international events.

Eligibility

This event is intended for serious competitors actively seeking qualification times.

Participants should register only if they are capable of meeting, or coming very close to, their Boston Marathon age-group qualifying standard.

Reference official standards here: Boston Marathon Qualifying Times.

Cut-off Times

Half Marathon: 2 hours, 5 minutes

Marathon: 4 hours

Race Format and Conditions

This event will be conducted in a low-profile, performance-focused format.

No shirts, awards, or amenities will be provided.

The course will be open to light vehicular traffic; runners will utilize the bike lane/shoulder. Headphones are prohibited.

The initial 30 minutes will be run in darkness under street lighting. Participants must wear high-visibility clothing, reflective gear, and a headlamp or flashlight until daylight improves conditions.

Course Certification and Details

Marathon

Out-and-back format on the Oak Ridge Turnpike

Less than 600 ft total elevation gain

USATF Certified Course (Certification Code: TN21010MS) – valid for use when registering for the Boston Marathon

Halfway split will be recorded

Half Marathon

Point-to-point format along a highway with bike lane/shoulder

Less than 400 ft total elevation gain

Participants must arrange their own transportation back to the start; a limited number of return seats will be available through race management

Course Support

Aid stations will be located at:

Miles 3, 7, 11 (outbound)

Miles 15, 19, 23 (marathon only)

Competitors are expected to be largely self-supported and should bring their own fuel and supplies as needed

Registration and Packet Pickup

Race Day Only: Beginning at 4:45 AM

Participation Cap: 50 runners (exceptions may be granted in limited circumstances, including slightly over-standard qualifying times or requests after the cap has been met; inquiries should be directed to the race directors).