A few weeks ago, I flew to Tennessee and woke up before the sun came up to sample what I’m told is one of the most popular fitness trends in America—something called “running.” I still don’t get the appeal.
In all seriousness, I was invited to Dollywood for their media preview ahead of this weekend’s Run Dollywood Race Weekend. This sold-out event will feature a Kid’s Run, a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon (with plans to include a full marathon at next year’s spring event). And this is no ordinary race—not only will participants run through the actual theme park, but they will also be able to stop along the course and enjoy a classic Dollywood coaster.
During my preview, I had the opportunity to lace up and run an abbreviated course with Dollywood president Eugene Naughton, who proudly informed me just before we took off that he has run a marathon in all 50 states. Needless to say, while I kept pace with him for a while, those elevation changes in the park caused me to peter out on the back half.
This is an event that makes a lot of sense for Dollywood, even putting Eugene’s love of running aside, as Disney has been operating a very successful runDisney event series since 1994, with each successive year getting bigger and bigger.
It seems that a number of Dollywood’s new offerings this year are aimed directly at the theme park kings in Orlando, with the resort also opening an immersive “story coaster” in NightFlight Expedition this summer that promises to rival attractions at major international theme park destinations. The park is also dipping its toe into hard-ticket events—a longtime revenue engine for both Disney and Universal—with Neon Nights at its water park and Harvey’s Boo Bash at its main park.
With its location next door to the second most popular national park in the country, as well as Southwest Airlines’ arrival at the nearby Knoxville airport, it is entirely possible that the stars are aligning for Dolly Parton’s regional park to attract a much larger national audience.
