Bluegrass Half Marathon
The Bluegrass Half Marathon offers a well-organized, community-focused race experience in scenic East Tennessee.
Race Date
Sep 27, 2026
Location
Johnson City, TN
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Location
- Johnson City, Tennessee
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 5,599
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Bluegrass Half Marathon, first run in 2010 and now in its 16th year, has grown into a premier regional event. Drawing runners from about 13 states, it attracts a median field of around 311 finishers, with a growing trend and a loyal repeat-runner rate of roughly 27%.
Runners can expect a well-organized course, with ample volunteers and police support at intersections, and well-stocked aid stations. The course winds through pleasant old neighborhoods, though a couple of miles may be along a divided four-lane road. The race is USATF certified, with a slight net drop and minimal separation between start and finish, suggesting a fast potential for personal bests.
Set against the backdrop of Buffalo Mountain and the Appalachian crests, the race takes place on a clear fall morning, with leaves just beginning to turn. The finish at Johnson City's Pavilion at Founders Park offers usual refreshments and a nice medal, making it a worthwhile destination, especially with the town offering good dining options post-race.
Race-provided description
7:30 am (7:00 am early start). 16th Annual Bluegrass Half Marathon. Join us for one of the premier half marathons in the region. All races start & finish at Johnson City's Pavilion at Founders Park. Race organized by The Goose Chase & Electronic timing by We Run Events.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
225 Commerce St., Johnson City, TN, 37604
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain, Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.14 m
Separation
0.6%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
TN16006DR
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8315 years running
~311 finishers a year
growing or steady
27% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 13 states
winner 1:10:51
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
57°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.3"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 5,599 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
5,599
Median time
2:12:28
Latest turnout
360
States
34
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Bluegrass Half Marathon?
The Bluegrass Half Marathon is held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Bluegrass Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Johnson City, Tennessee.
What distances does the Bluegrass Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles.
Is the Bluegrass Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Bluegrass Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Bluegrass Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 5,599 runners who have completed the Bluegrass Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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