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