The Oak Barrel Half Marathon

The Oak Barrel is perhaps the best example of a community and sponsor being “all in” for an event that I have experienced. It is held in Lynchburg, TN and named for the oak barrels used by the title sponsor, Jack Daniels, to age their product. The experience starts with the packet pick up at the distillery which includes a free tour for everyone. The race starts in the town square and the entire town turns out to see you off. The course itself rolls through the country side around town and includes the infamous Whiskey Hill, an eight hundred foot climb a third of the way through. Along the way you are treated to numerous water stations, a high school band and people cheering at intersections throughout. The finish is back in the town square and that’s when the real extent of town’s hospitality hits you. There is free water, sports

drinks, soft drinks, pizza, burgers, stew, snacks and fruit not just for the runners but for everyone there. Throw in the gift shops and horse drawn carriage rides and the magic of small town America is complete! Maybe the only thing I can say negative is that the closest place to stay is 20 miles away. Oh, and you get some of the most unique race bling and favors I've ever seen!!!

Eastman Road Race

Another annual event held in Kingsport, TN, the Eastman Road Race is held in early September. This one

features youth events, a 10 K, a 3 K and a 10 K handcycle race.

This is easily one of the most inexpensive events you will find. Last year's fee got you entered in the event, a shirt, socks and a pasta supper the night before. The different events are timed so that the congestion is manageable but the delay between events is minimal. The 10K ends 1 hour and 20 minutes after it starts because the 3K is up next. This means that walkers cannot participate, the 10K run is just that, it's a run.The size of participants for me about perfect, not so many that you get clogged and not so small that you are alone. The course is listed as flat but has a few climbs in the second half that can catch you by surprise. There is also one section that has some quick turns and also goes through some uneven pavement. As with other events in Kingsport, the people along the way are great with crowds at the start/finish line and intersections and even standing in their yards cheering. Eastman makes sure that you are taken care of at the end with snacks, water and drinks and there is excellent parking close by because the start and finish lines are located beside the Eastman Chemical Company office complex. 

The Event website is here if you want more information:

Eastman Road Race

The Crazy 8's

The Crazy 8’s is an 8K race that’s held annually in Kingsport, TN as part of the city’s FunFest celebration. This race will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the first time I had ever been in a road race. That said it is a very unique experience that has a little bit of everything. For many of us it is our only chance to be in the same event as true world class athletes who come every year to break the world’s record for men or women but there are also runners and walkers of every size, shape and ability. It is held in mid-July just after sunset and there are several who wear glow in the dark items and one section is lit by candle light alone. In addition to the thousands of participants there is always a huge crowd that lines the streets offering water and cheering not just the leaders but also the average guys and gals and the walkers. They play music, offer high fives and turn their sprinklers on to cool you off. The course is in a figure 8 and then at the end you get to enter the stadium and finish under the lights. Everyone who finishes gets treated to more fluid, snacks and sandwiches and a finisher medal. It also has a companion 1 mile fun walk and kid’s events. The biggest down side of this race is caused by the sheer number of people of all levels of ability. At the start there is so much congestion that

unless you are in the front elite group it really takes at least the first half of a mile before you can hit your stride. To me this is worth it for the rest of the experience.

If you are visiting or new to the area be sure to plan to spend extra time in Kingsport as FunFest is over a week long and has daily events including block parties, concerts, fireworks and a bike race. 

For more information visit these sites: 

FunFest    We Run Events