Color Me Mutt 5K & 1 Mile Color Walk/Run

Hosted in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Color Me Mutt 5K & 1 Mile Color Walk/Run offers an accessible yet energetic setting staged at NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains. The terrain consists primarily of hard surfaces, including paved park thoroughfares, parking transit lanes, and nearby municipal connectors. Given the urbanized layout of the venue corridor, the course profile remains predominantly flat to gently rolling, avoiding the severe grades characteristic of the nearby national park trails while still providing brief, subtle shifts in elevation.

The defining race-day dynamic is the integration of color stations and multi-ability participants, including runners accompanied by dogs and families. You will encounter frequent turns, bottlenecks around color zones, and powdered surfaces that can become slightly slick underfoot if moisture or dew is present. For competitive runners, navigating around pet leashes, strollers, and walkers requires heightened situational awareness and early positioning off the starting line to secure clear running lines.

Sevierville is located in East Tennessee and is most easily accessed by car via Interstate 40, connecting through Exit 407 down Highway 66 (Winfield Dunn Parkway). If you are flying in, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville is the closest major commercial hub, situated roughly 35 miles west of the race venue. Because Sevierville and neighboring Pigeon Forge are bustling tourist centers, lodging is plentiful along the Parkway corridor; choosing a hotel or rental cabin within two to five miles of the venue will keep your morning commute manageable.

Late October in Sevierville brings classic autumn conditions, with brisk morning lows typically ranging from 40°F to 50°F and afternoon highs climbing into the upper 60s. Dressing in lightweight, disposable layers or color-friendly warm-ups is advisable for pre-race staging. Dedicated parking is available on-site at NASCAR SpeedPark, but you should arrive early to clear vehicle security, pick up race materials, and allow adequate time to acclimate any participating dogs to the bustling, powder-filled environment before the start.