MoonPie Move Chattanooga

The MoonPie Move Chattanooga 2026 is a festive, themed athletic event celebrating one of the South's most iconic snacks. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM EDT, the race starts and finishes at the Red Bank Jubilee near Food City in Red Bank, Tennessee. Produced by RunRhino, the event combines a community race atmosphere with a "sweet" reward, offering participants MoonPies, coffee, and even MoonPie Stout from Naked River Brewing at the finish line.

The event features multiple distances to accommodate different skill levels, from beginners to endurance runners. The 5K, known as the "Mini Moonpie Dash," follows a fast and flat route through Red Bank, while the 10K ("Double the Moonpie Fun") adds a significant challenge with a climb toward White Oak Park. A portion of the event proceeds is donated to the local chapter of Girls on the Run, supporting physical activity and confidence-building for young girls in the Chattanooga area.

Red Bank is an incorporated city completely surrounded by the city limits of Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee. As of 2026, Red Bank has a population of approximately 12,000 residents, while the broader Chattanooga metropolitan area exceeds 570,000. The demographic profile of Red Bank is approximately 82.4% White (non-Hispanic), 7.1% Black or African American, and 6.8% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is roughly $55,000, reflecting a middle-class community that values its independent identity within the larger Chattanooga sprawl.

The local culture is deeply intertwined with the history of the MoonPie, which has been manufactured by the Chattanooga Bakery since 1917. This "working-class" snack has become a symbol of Southern hospitality and regional pride. Events like the MoonPie Move highlight Chattanooga's reputation as "Gig City"—a hub for both high-tech industry and outdoor adventure. The race draws from a diverse pool of local residents and "fitness tourists" who visit the area for its scenic trails and vibrant brewing scene. The partnership with Naked River Brewing for a MoonPie-flavored stout further emphasizes the city's modern craft culture built on historic foundations.

As of April 2026, the event has secured 54 registered participants, with many more expected as the race day approaches and the Red Bank Jubilee festivities begin. The "MoonPie Move" is designed to be more than just a race; it is an entry point for the annual Jubilee, which features local vendors, food, and entertainment. By donating to Girls on the Run, the event addresses local health disparities and social development for youth, ensuring that the "sweetness" of the event translates into tangible community growth.

For participants, the post-race experience is a major draw. Indulging in a MoonPie and coffee at the finish line is a local tradition that turns a standard 5K or 10K into a celebratory social gathering. Whether athletes are sprinting for a personal record on the flat 5K course or tackling the elevation of the 10K, the MoonPie Move remains one of the most uniquely "Chattanooga" experiences on the Tennessee racing calendar, blending regional heritage with a modern focus on health and community spirit.