Around the Bend Five & Ten

Blessings to all!  Especially entering another season of giving!  Proceeds for this event will go to our host, First Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains with the focus on supporting our neighbors who are hungry and in need.  Funds will go to building up the church's free community food pantry "The Blessing Box" a free food closet available year round with no hunger application requirement.  A portion of the proceeds will go to the Tennessee Endurance, our partners for hosting this race to help support local running athletes by offering competition opportunities and scholarship.

COURSE

To those who know or have run in Strawberry Plains, Big Bend is the best route east of Knoxville! The Big Bend race features 10K and 5K offerings. the 5K course is an out and back route that boasts a total elevation of 150ft.  

The 10K is our highlight course as this looped route gains less than 250ft over the entire 10K distance. Come ready to race on a new course with spectacular flats, gradual climbs and fantastic back country scenery!

Both courses begin at the intersection of Old Dandridge Pike & Old Andrew Johnson Hwy.  Both races will end in the East portion of the FBSP Church parking lot.

And of course we have a Kids 1Mile Route for the 10 and under crew who want to run, or, for those parents/ adults who are still young at heart who want to run/ walk to support!

5K Course Map

10K Course Map

1Mile Walk/ Run Map

GIVEAWAYS: All 5 & 10K registrants will receive a custom event T-shirt with their sign up along with other goodies provided by our sponsors.  Shirt orders close on 9/21/26- so sign up before this date to guarantee your shirt and size!

REFERRALS: When you register, you will receive a unique referral link.  If 5 other individuals use this link to register for any distance in our event, you will receive $20 refund of your registration fee. 

PICK UP: Registered participants can pick up their race numbers and T-shirts morning of the race from the front of the church under Parking Cover from 6:30am - 7:45am.

SATURDAY MORNING RACE START TIMES:

7:30am - 1Mile Walk/ Run

8:00am - 5K & 10K Run 

AWARDS:

Age groups awards for 5 & 10K race will be awarded in 10-year increments.

5 &10K AGE GROUPS: <12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

**Kids will receive a special finisher gift upon completing the Kids Mile run.

RESTROOMS: Will be available near the Start/ Finish/ registration.

No Restrooms will be available on the course.

WATER STOPS: Aid/ Water stations will be available at mile 1 & 3.  These will be stocked with water cups only.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION: Parking will be available on the West side of the Church Parking Lot and the rear parking areas of Rush Strong School.  The east side of the church lot will be closed for Race Finish area. 

*Walkers are encouraged to participate in the Mile or 5K events only, Runners only in 10K Please.

*Strollers are only permitted in the 1mile run/ walk event. No Pets allowed in any event at this time.

Want to support without the sweat?  Consider donating at the top of this page to directly help raise funds for our cause!

For Race sponsorship opportunities or Mile Marker/ Water Table sponsorship, please contact Stephanie Bailey: keassisttn@gmail.com