Get Ready For Cades Cove Loop Lope Registration June 2

If you are looking for one of the most unique foot races in the country and one of  very few totally inside a national park, then put June 2 on your calendar.

That’s when registration opens for the annual Cades Cove Loop Lope 10-Miler and 5K inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The 10-mile event has a suggested 3-hour time limit — 18 minute mile pace — but runners/walkers are given the chance to complete the 10 miles even after the park reopens.

Registration opens at 10 a.m. on June 2 and last year for the first time the 750-participant limit was reached in less than 24 hours. Go to friendsofthesmokies.org/looplope for more information and all proceeds from the event are used by Friends of the Smokies to provide extra needed funds for the national park.

Shuttle buses transport participants from Townsend to the start line and Cades Cove and back after the race. A limited number of parking passes inside the park can also be purchased for $100.

Amy Marshall is special events manager for Friends of the Smokies and race director for the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10-Miler and 5K. She shared this information on registration and the upcoming foot races.

Questions: What changes, if any, are planned for Cades Cove Loop Lope this year?
Marshall: “Great question!! We don’t have major changes this year, but as always, we try to listen to the runners’ feedback and make adjustments when possible!”

Question: How do Friends of the Smokies use the proceeds to help with national park needs?
Marshall: “Every registration for the Cades Cove Loop Lope directly supports Great Smoky Mountains National Park through Friends of the Smokies. Since 1993, Friends has raised more than $100 million to support critical park needs that would otherwise go unfunded. Proceeds from events like the Loop Lope help fund park projects including historic preservation, wildlife management, search and rescue efforts, trail rehabilitation, accessibility improvements, educational programs and much more!! When participants sign up, they’re doing much more than running through Cades Cove, they’re helping preserve and protect America’s most-visited national park for future generations.”

Question: Knowing that the race reached the maximum number of entries in a matter of a few hours last year, what are you expecting June 2 registration to be like?
Marshall: “We are hoping registration moves quickly again this year. The response to the Loop Lope has been incredible, and we continue to see tremendous enthusiasm from both returning participants and first-time runners. Because of the unique nature of the event and the limited capacity within the national park, participant numbers are capped. We strongly encourage anyone interested in participating to register as soon as registration opens on June 2.The excitement surrounding this race really speaks to how special the experience is, there simply aren’t many opportunities to run through Cades Cove without vehicle traffic while supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”

Question: If someone has never participated in either the full 10-mile loop lope or 5K, why would you encourage them to give this event a try?
Marshall: “The Cades Cove Loop Lope is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who simply enjoys being outdoors, the event offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Cades Cove in a completely different way. Participants get to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Cove without vehicle traffic, surrounded by mountain views, wildlife, and historic landscapes that make the Smokies so special. The atmosphere is welcoming, fun, and community-focused, making it a great event for serious runners, casual walkers, families, and first-timers alike. And at the end of the day, every mile supports the park we all love.”