Secret City Half Marathon and 5K

Secret City Half Marathon and 5K      Date: November 14, 2026

The half marathon route starts at the scenic Melton Lake Park peninsula.  Considered a great PR course!  Course runs along the beautiful Melton Lake then down by an operational quarry for a change of scenery. Continue along a serene tree-lined private road then wind through Oak Ridge.  Finish your race along the water's edge right back to the peninsula.  Course is USATF certified with certification # TN15066MS.

The 5K race route starts and finishes at the Melton Lake Park peninsula.  The course follows the water's edge along Melton Lake to Elza Gate Park then double back down the walking trail to the peninsula.  A very scenic, easy,  and enjoyable 5K run. Cert #: TN15077MS 

***FUN 5K RACE ROUTE!!***
Certified 5K course!  The 5K race route starts and finishes at the Melton Lake Peninsula.  The course follows the water's edge along the Melton Lake walking trail to Elza Gate then double back to the peninsula.  A very scenic and easy 5K run.  Course certification code: TN15077MS.  

Click the PDF document at the bottom of this page to view a course map.

All 5K participants receive:

• A Race-Logo Dri-Fit Tech Shirt (while supplies last)
• A Custom Finisher Medal

START RULES:

• All 5K participants start at 9:15AM
• Walkers are welcome but must start at the back of the pack
• The time limit for the 5K is 2.5 hours.  Once streets are re-opened and course support is shut down, any remaining runners/walkers can continue at own risk.

HYDRATION/AID STATION AND BATHROOMS

• Hydration/Aid station available approximately at half-way point along course.
• Nice public restrooms and porta-johns located at start/finish with one porta-john located at half-way point.

5K AWARDS*

• Overall Male, Overall Female, Overall Masters Male (40+), Overall Masters Female (40+) 
• Male and female top three finishers in the following age groups: 8-12, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-60, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+
• No duplicate awards.
• Award pick up on race day.

*  Based on chip timing. 

1. Where is the start and finish lines?
The start/finish area is on the Melton Lake Peninsula, 697 Melton Lake Drive

2. What time does the race start? 
The half marathon begins at 9am and 5k at 9:15am.

3. Where should I park?
VIP Parking can be purchased during the registration process or on site to park in the lot for $5. Free parking can be found along Melton Lake Dr. The VIP parking lot will close at 8:45am. We recommend pre-purchased VIP parking to arrive by 8:30am. If you do not pick up your packet on Thursday, a parking attendant will have a list of pre purchased parking on Saturday  

4. Where/when is packet pick up?
Packet pick up is  Thursday, Nov 13th at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce (1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike) from 4-7pm. Race day pick up is available from 7:15-8:45 for out of town guests at the race site (697 Melton Lake Drive).

5. Are deferrals available?
Yes! Email halfmarathon@oakridgevisitor.com for more info. All requests to defer must be made by Friday, November 14th at 10:00pm.

6. Is there race day registration?
Yes! Unless, we are sold out! We will share on our Facebook & Instagram if we are sold out.

7. Are there time limits?
3.5 hours for the half marathon, 2.5 hours for the 5k. Please review the half marathon info page for more details on time limits.

8. Are there bathrooms/aid stations on the course?
Yes, aid/hydration stations and bathrooms are located about every 2 miles. Honey Stinger gel is provided at approximately mile 4, 8 and 10.

9. Are walkers allowed?
Yes!

10. Are strollers allowed?
Strollers are allowed for the 5k, but not the half.

11. Can someone pick up my packet for me?
Yes - please provide a copy (mobile or paper) of photo ID.

12. Where can I find race results and pictures?
Result and pictures will be posted within a week after the race - follow us on social media for updates!

13. I'm running virtually, what do I do? Can I switch my registration to virtual?
Virtual participants may complete their run between Nov 15-29. Results may be uploaded by visiting secretcityhalfmarathon.com, click "results" and "submit virtual results." Virtual participants will receive their swag after November 29th. Virtual participants will not pick up their race swag at PPU. Requests to switch to a virtual race must be made by November 10th at 10:00pm. Email halfmarathon@oakridgevisitor.com to request.

14. How are age groups awards distributed?
Age group awards will be distributed on site on race day. There are no age awards for virtual participants.

15. Are spectators allowed?
Spectators are allowed around the course, start/finish area, but not on the course.

16. Are dogs allowed? Furry friends are not allowed for either race unless for medical reasons. Furry friends can be spectators, though!

17. Can I exchange my shirt size? Any leftover sizes will be available to switch after completion of the race.

18. I tried to sign up, but the website says full. Is there anything I can do? Unfortunately, if the website says there are no more spots, we are sold out!  You can join our waitlist.

19. Is there a waitlist in case someone defers? Yes. Enter your information on the sign up page. You will receive an email if a spot becomes available.

20. Can I run without a bib? No. Bandit runners will promptly be asked to leave and be banned from the race.

21. I joined the waitlist. How does the waitlist work? When should I hear if I am selected? You will receive an email if we have a spot available. There is no sure way to know if/when a spot will become available as additional spots are determined by deferrals. Spots are given in order of waitlist sign-ups. All waitlist opportunities will be notified by 11/14 at 10pm. 

• Race Time Limits: Half Marathon - 3.5 hrs ; 5K - 2.5hrs - Please review time limit guidelines under each section. 
• NO early starts
  NO transfer of race bib numbers
• NO strollers allowed on half marathon course

Registration:

• Register online only
• NO phone entries accepted.
• No relay teams.
• Non-transferable.
• No refunds. If you would like to drop distance, there will be no partial refunds.
• Deferrals available.

Race Day Registration: Yes!  You will be able to register on race day.

Packet Pickup:    Yes, you can pick up someone else's packet but you must have a picture of their photo ID.  A picture on your phone works fine.

Thursday - Nov 12th, 4-7pm, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike. 
Saturday morning - Nov 14th - on site at 7:30AM - 8:30AM

Age Restrictions and Liability Waivers:

• All runners in half marathon must be at least 12 yrs of age to participate. All runners in 5K must be at least 8 yrs of age to participate.
• All runners must complete and submit a liability release waiver. No exceptions. 
• NO coaches, hand-cycles, bikes, in-line skates, skateboards, or pets allowed on course during race. This is to ensure runner safety and compliance with liability insurance policy.

Weather/ Cancellation Policy:

On average, Oak Ridge's temperature in November ranges from a low of 37 degrees to a high of 58 degrees.
We will do all we can to make sure our races execute according to plan but runner safety is always top priority. If we must cancel a race because of weather or circumstances outside our control, refunds will NOT be issued.

 
Food / Drink / Aid Stations:  Yes, the course will have plenty of aid and hydration stations with water and Gatorade. Honey Stinger Organic Gels will be on the half marathon course.

Bathrooms:  There are nice public restrooms available on site as well as porta-johns.  Porta-Johns will also be located at mile 2,4,6, and 8 at or near hydration stations.

Awards:  Yes. Awards given for half marathon & 5K age-category winners. See race page for categories.

Headphones:  It is unsafe to wear headphones while running. We will not restrict headphone use and leave it up to the athlete's discretion. Must be able to hear direction from course police and volunteers.

Walkers: Yes! Walkers are encouraged! However, you must meet requirements of completing the race in the stated timeframe (see 'Race Time Limits' above).

Results:  Results posted in real time.

Volunteering:  We always need volunteers to make this event happen! Please click volunteer tab for more information and to sign up!

Parking:  Parking will be along Melton Lake Dr. There will be a $5 charge for parking in the onsite parking lot.  These parking spots will fill quickly. Please allow extra time to walk from your vehicle to venue.  Please obey all City of Oak Ridge traffic and parking laws.
 
 
 
 
 

***HALF MARATHON ROUTE***
The half marathon route starts at the scenic Melton Lake Peninsula. Considered a great PR Course! Course runs by the beautiful Melton Lake then down by an operational quarry for a change of scenery.  Continue along a serene tree-lined private road then wind through Oak Ridge.  Finish your race right back at peninsula.  Course is USATF certified with certification #TN15066MS.

All half marathon participants receive:

• A Race-Logo Dri-Fit Tech Shirt (while supplies last).
  • Please be aware that as long as the size option is available on the registration page then the size is still available. We will do our best to give everyone a shirt in the size they desire.
• Unique Finishers Medal - All who complete race receive a medal

START RULES

• All half marathon participants start at 9:00AM.
• Walkers are welcome but must start at the back of the pack
• The time limit for the half marathon is 3.5 hours.  In keeping with the time limit and to ensure safety, runners must maintain an average pace of 16:02/mile. Anyone reaching the half way point beyond 10:50am will not be allowed to continue. For those runners who unfortunately fall behind the cutoff, a return ride to the finish area will be offered. Those refusing the ride will be asked to sign a liability release form before continuing. 

HYDRATION/AID STATIONS AND BATHROOMS

• Hydration/Aid stations available approximately every 2 miles on half marathon course
• Nice public restrooms and porta-johns located at the start/finish. Porta-johns also located along the course at approx mile 2,4,6,and 8.

HALF MARATHON AWARDS*

• Male and Female Overall Winner - Receive Custom Award
• Male and Female Masters (40+) Winner - Receive Custom Award
• Male and female top three finishers in the following age groups for 2021: 12-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+
• No duplicate awards.
• Award pick up on race day.

*  Based on chip time

Course Directions:
1. South from the peninsula onto Melton Lake Dr. turning right onto Union Valley Rd. then right onto Illinois Ave.
2. Illinois Ave. merging right onto Lafayette Dr. then right onto Emory Valley Rd.
3. Emory Valley Rd. turning right onto Briarcliff Ave. then left onto S. Columbia Ave.
4. S. Columbia turning left back onto Emory Valley Rd. then right onto Briarcliff Ave.
5. Briarcliff Ave. merging right onto Laboratory Rd. then merging right onto the Oak Ridge Turnpike.
6. Oak Ridge Turnpike turning right onto Fairbanks Rd. then left onto Warehouse Rd.
7. Warehouse Rd. turning right onto Melton Lake Dr. then left back into the Melton Lake peninsula.

Oak Ridge, a bustling city created virtually overnight in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, was shrouded in secrecy for most of the 20th century; only appearing on maps in the mid-1960's.  Today, Oak Ridge is on the map as a thriving city rich in cultural and recreational opportunities not to mention the cutting edge science and technology research for which the city is internationally known! 

COME TO OAK RIDGE AND EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF.....A ONE OF A KIND TENNESSEE HALF MARATHON AND FUN 5K RACE EVENT!

Packet Pick Up: PPU dates will still occur as normal: Thursday, November 12th 4-7pm, and race morning 7:30-8:45am. Thursday pick up will be at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike. Race morning pick up will be on site.

For virtual Runners: A reminder you have from November 14-28 to complete the virtual run. You will receive all your race swag via mail AFTER November 28th.