Every upcoming 5K around Knoxville, with start times, entry fees, finish-time stats from past editions, start-line maps, and the local run clubs to train with.
35 upcoming 5K races found · 25 with finish-time stats
Knoxville running has a split personality that most cities don't: you can do a smooth riverfront greenway along the Tennessee one day and be on rooty, shaded Urban Wilderness dirt out by Ijams the next, without driving far. That range shows up in the race calendar too, where charity events, multi-distance weekends, and inclusive runs all share the same fall-heavy stretch of the city's racing year.
The social side of the scene clusters in Bearden and along the river corridor, with post-run stops at breweries and coffee spots baked into the routine. Whether you're new to the city or just new to racing, the field sizes here tend to feel like a neighborhood event rather than an anonymous mass start - close enough that someone will notice you cross the line.
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Knoxville races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.
Common Questions About Running a 5K in Knoxville
Will I be the slowest person out there?
Across the 23 RunSignup 5K editions with published results on RunSesh, walkers and charity entrants included, the median finisher crossed in 35:37 and the median last finisher came in at 1:05:08. The fields here tend to be mixed-pace community events, so there's a wide spread from fast to relaxed. The median field size across those editions was 87 people - small enough that no one gets lost in the crowd.
Is this a good calendar for a first 5K?
The field sizes are approachable - the median is 87 finishers - and many races here are charity-driven community events where the atmosphere is more encouraging than competitive. Several events also offer 10K and half marathon distances alongside the 5K, so if you want to step up later, the same race series often has a natural next rung.
What will it cost me, and should I register early?
Paid entries run from $10 to $40, with a typical fee of $30. One race is free to enter. Of the 34 races here, 12 already have a price increase scheduled, so registering sooner rather than later is worth it for any race you've got your eye on.
Do these races give out shirts or medals?
16 races say they give a shirt. None of the 34 races say they give a medal. The remaining 18 races haven't published any giveaway details, so they haven't confirmed either way - check individual race pages closer to race day for updates.
When are most of the Knoxville 5Ks, and is there anything in the quieter months?
Fall is by far the busiest stretch, with 19 races between September and November and 7 in October alone. Summer and winter each carry 7 races, so there are options year-round. February is the quietest month with just 1 race, and spring (March through May) has only 1 as well - so if your training block lands in early spring, plan ahead.
