Title: A Recap of Dollywood’s Light the Way 5k

Author: Joshua Hodge

Published, Nov. 18, 2022

Category: Trip Planning

I ran my first 5k at Dollywood! That’s right. This November I participated in the Light the Way 5k.I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, and I had not been running since the spring. I was wondering if I would be able to finish the whole race running. Only time would tell.

Approaching 11:00pm, runners were crowding around the starting line. The race was open to the first 1,500 registrants. This was the place to be this Friday night. There were people of all ages: children, adults and groups of teens bussed in as teams. I found two other Dollywood Insiders, Aaron and Katie. A number of runners were dressed for the holiday occasion, and so I would be running with a few Santa clauses and elves. Just before the horn sounded to mark the beginning of the race, I told Aaron and Katie I’d see them at the finish line… and I was off!

It was such a novel experience running through Dollywood amongst all the 6 million Christmas lights of its Smoky Mountain Christmas festival and with the jolly tunes of Christmas playing all throughout the park. As we made our way to Jukebox Junction, we became more dispersed and I began to pick up pace. Some pathways of the park were cautioned taped off, to keep everyone en route, and volunteers were stationed at pivotal points to motion people with illuminated wands.

I initially signed up for the race for the Christmas lights and novelty of experience, but there was such an energy in the air that I became competitive. There was another runner I consistently tried to outpace. He was wearing some festive jingle bells, so I could always hear him approaching and knew when to pick up the pace. As I raced through the far end of Craftsman’s Valley, I began to feel a bit winded, but a bald eagle from Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary called out. I took it as he was cheering me on.

The race was two laps around Dollywood. On my second lap, when I was racing down Timber Canyon, I gave it my final push and crossed the finish line strong at the front of the park. I was handed a medal and there were mounds of bananas, apples and granola bars on tables, as well as bottles of water and milk.

I felt so accomplished. I ran the whole race, and my time wasn’t bad at all. I stood there for a while, cooling off, snacking, and watching others come across the finish line. At 12:15am there was an awards ceremony in the Showstreet Palace Theater. Awards were divided into male and female categories with a first, second, and third place category in each age division. In total there were eighty runners recognized. Each one was awarded a special Light the Way 5k ornament. What fun! My first 5k was excellent. I will not pass this up as an annual tradition.

Proceeds from this 5k went to benefit Keep Sevier Beautiful(KSB) which promotes good stewardship and the beautification of public places in Sevier County, and also the Share It Forward program (SIF) which helps Dollywood's employees and families in times of need. Next year come be a part of the Light the Way 5k! It’s an excellent way to ring in the holiday and get you in the Christmas spirit. See you at the finish line!

Insider Tips:

- There is a walking option as well. Walkers start 15 minutes behind runners.

- Some bathrooms in Dollywood remain open during the race.

- Every participant gets a Light the Way 5k medal and t-shirt.

- The park is well lit with all the Christmas lights to keep you on your way!

- You can register in a team. I registered with the other Dollywood Insiders.

- There is more information at https://www.lighttheway5k.net/