Runners await the start of the 2024 Cades Cove Loop Lope outside Townsend, Tenn. (Friends of the Smokies Photo)
What keeps Courtney Landt of Clyde, N.C., coming back to run the Cades Cove Loop Lope every year?
“Where do I start? The views, the people, the course, the environment, the vibes, the unknowns,” she said. “My second year running the race it was 19 degrees and snowing outside. Then last year it was spring weather and I ran in shorts and a tee!
“Oh the views, they are spectacular! I always suggest that people take in the first two miles because those are the most beautiful! You are running down the hill and you have the beautiful mountain range in the distance and the wide open fields on both sides.”
Landt enjoys the wildlife and says she has seen some type of wildlife each year she has participated.
“The occasional bear, frequent turkey and sneaky deer to catch you off guard while you’re running,” she said.
She also likes the unique race environment.
“It’s very organized, yet casual. No cell phone service (in Cades Cove)? Perfect. We can enjoy the post race with our family inside the park when it’s over,” she said. “You also can’t pass on the ice cream cone from the camp store when your race is over.”
Last year her daughter and husband both ran the 5K (3.1 miles) while she did the 10-mile Loop Lope course in 1 hour, 33 minutes, 45.67 seconds.
“My daughter met me at the finish line and was able to give me my medal. A lot of organized races will not allow family inside the finish line area, but the folks giving out finisher medals let my daughter give mine to me as I crossed the finish line,” she said. “It makes it a little more special when it comes from somebody like that.”
