Strawberry Jam Half Marathon

Half Marathon

December 14, 2023-March 31, 2024 – $70
April 1-30 – $80
May 1 – Race Day – $90

Friday, May 17 – 4:00-6:00 PM – Darnell Farms (2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC)

Saturday, May 18 – 5:30-6:45 AM – Darnell Farms (2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC)

You will go up the drive you came in, turn left out of the farm and proceed on US 19 into Bryson City. From there, you will go through town on your way to the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  While in Bryson City, we ask you to stay on sidewalks whenever possible.

After you leave the Park, you will be directed to turn right toward Mile 8 at the fourth aid station that will take you back to the Park.  After leaving the park for the second time, you will be directed straight toward Mile 11 and the finish line.  You will come back to Darnell Farms through a more direct route through Bryson City and then on US 19.

Click HERE to see the Half Marathon turn-by-turn directions

Click HERE to see the Half Marathon course map.

Time Limit 

All half marathon runners have 3 hours 30 minutes to complete the course in order to be provided full police protection and aid station support. Those still on the course at this time will be asked to stay to yield to vehicles and follow traffic rules. Race officials will stay with all runners on the course to make sure they arrive to the finish line safely.

Swag

All runners registered by May 8 are guaranteed to receive a race shirt.  Any registrations after this date will be based on availability.

All finishers will receive a commemorative finisher medal.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome at the event and the festival at Darnell Farms, which begins at 11:00 AM.

After you finish your race, we will have bottled water, protein bars, and fresh strawberries.

The half marathon Awards Ceremony will start at approximately 10:30 AM at the stage adjacent to the finish line.

The annual Strawberry Jam Festival will begin at 11:00 AM.

Special awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers for  Overall finishers and First place Masters (40 & Over) in each race.

Age group awards will go to the first, second and third male and female in the following age groups: 15 & Under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over. No double dipping!

Please plan on being present for the awards ceremony or make arrangements for someone else to pick up your award.

The race will utilize chip timing. A timing chip will be on the back of your race bib, which should be worn on your front and visible at all times during the race.

We love dogs but they are not permitted inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for an event.  For that reason, dogs are not permitted to accompany runners at the Strawberry Jam Half Marathon.

There will be a designated area at Darnell Farms for race parking on race morning.  Follow the signs and directions of farm staff to the designated area.

The Swain County Tourism Development Authority has a NO REFUND policy.

Transfers

To transfer your registration to another person please follow these steps:

1. Click on ‘My Account’ when logged into EnMotive
2. Go to your “Registrations” view and find the Registration you’d like to Transfer
3. Click on the action icon in the top right corner of the registration field
4. Select ‘Transfer Registration’
5. Enter the email address of the person you want to transfer the registration to
6. That individual will receive an email notifying them of the transfer, and they’ll be instructed on how to accept it

• The transfer will only be valid for 48 hours, so be sure they accept quickly!

Transfers may be made up to the end of online registration on May 16, 2024 but please allow time for the other person to accept it.

This is the only way transfers or the selling of bibs between participants will be allowed. Anyone who is discovered to have purchased or accepted another person’s bib without submitting this form will be disqualified and banned from future races.

2024 Half Marathon Overall Results

2024 Half Marathon Age Group Results

2023 Half Marathon Overall Results

2023 Half Marathon Age Group Results

2022 Half Marathon Overall Results

2022 Half Marathon Age Group Results

Would you still like to be part of this great event but don’t want to run? Volunteering is the perfect way to do that. We have spots available as course marshals and at the course aid stations. Please email visitorservices@explorebrysoncity.com if you are interested in volunteering yourself or have a group that wants to staff one of our aid stations.