Dollywood has announced its inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend for April 2026 amid a growing trend for wellness experiences in the attractions industry.
The Run Dollywood race weekend takes place on 25 and 26 April, during the park’s Flower & Food Festival.
Guests will race through a “fun-filled course” that winds through the theme park and the surrounding area, also enjoying live music and on-course entertainment.
For the inaugural event, a full calendar of races is planned, including the marquee half-marathon on the Sunday morning.
Races scheduled for the Saturday morning include a 1-mile fun run for kids aged 4 to 12, a 5k, and a 10k.
“I love to run myself, so the opportunity to host our very first Run Dollywood race weekend is exciting for me personally,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts’ president Eugene Naughton.
Wellness experiences in the attractions sector
“I can’t wait to welcome the runners here to experience one of the most beautiful – and fun – courses they will find anywhere.
“We’re going to have entertainment and a few surprises along the way that only Dollywood can provide.”
Runners in the event can win exclusive race medals, and all participants will receive an event T-shirt, race bib and commemorative medal.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts is home to the 165-acre Dollywood theme park, the 35-acre Splash Country water park, and two resort properties – the DreamMore Resort and Spa, and the HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
In an interview with blooloop last year, Naughton said: “Our master plan includes five resorts in total, plus an outdoor resort.”
He added, “The ball is rolling, the playbook’s been created, and we’re hitting historically high marks on attendance and visitation. It’s been a fulfilling time for us.”
Also, Dollywood‘s “new attraction for 2026 will be a game changer”, Naughton told us.
Images courtesy of Dollywood
