Cotton Candy Classic 5K 2026 — Knoxville, TN

Date
September 12, 2026
Location
Knoxville, TN
Venue
3301 East Magnolia Ave
Start Time
8:00 AM
Entry Fee
$25.00 – $40.00
Events
TN Valley Fair Cotton Candy Classic 5K
Includes
Cotton Candy Classic 5K Shirt
Register NowRegistration OpenOfficial Race Website

The Cotton Candy Classic 5K starts at 8:00 AM on September 12, 2026, so plan accordingly if you're traveling to Knoxville. The actual event offers a 1-mile run (note that despite the "5K" in the race name, the distance on file is 1 mile). The race takes place at 3301 East Magnolia Ave. Entry fees run between $25 and $40. This is a straightforward local running event in Knoxville, Tennessee, suited for runners looking for a short, early-morning effort before exploring the city or heading to your next destination.

From the Race Organizer
Join us for the 8th Annual Cotton Candy Classic 5K in 2026! We invite you to run, walk, or skip through all of the sights and sounds the fair has to offer! The race begins at Patriot Circle inside Chilhowee Park and begins starting at 8am. All proceeds go to supporting the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation. The mission of the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation is to preserve East Tennessee’s heritage by promoting agricultural awareness, supporting educational programs, and cultivating youth development through scholarships and youth activities. Registration ends on September 12th , Race Morning at 7:45am. You can register on your smart phone device before checking in. Shirts are not guaranteed for week of registration after inventory runs out. REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Cotton Candy Classic 5K shirt (if supplies available at time of registration) 2 FREE admission tickets to the 2026 TN Valley Fair Packet pickup will take place at 6:30am on the day of the race. Parking is free in the Beaman Street parking lot. Participants will walk through the tunnel and registration is to the right at the top of the hill. Course: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5682662878 Learn more about the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation here: https://www.tnvalleyfair.org/p/getinvolved/foundation .

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Knoxville, TN. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.

Cotton Candy Classic 5K 2026 — Knoxville, TN

Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.

--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
Book a hotel for race weekend

Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Knoxville, TN. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

More Races

Browse all upcoming races in Tennessee →

Other upcoming races in Tennessee

July Summer Sizzler 5k + 1 mile 2026 — Cleveland, TNCleveland, TNJul 31, 2026From $$15.00
Find Hotels →
XC Summer Camp @ Pickett State Park 2026 — Jamestown, TNJamestown, TNJul 31, 2026From $$100.00
Find Hotels →
Piney Flats Days 5K 2026 — Piney Flats, TNPiney Flats, TNJul 31, 2026From $$25.00
Find Hotels →
2026 Nashville Urban Runoff 5K & Water Quality Festival 2026 — Nashville, TNNashville, TNAug 1, 2026From $$40.00
Find Hotels →

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Cotton Candy Classic 5K 2026 — Knoxville, TN?

Cotton Candy Classic 5K 2026 — Knoxville, TN takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Where is Cotton Candy Classic 5K 2026 — Knoxville, TN held?

Cotton Candy Classic 5K 2026 — Knoxville, TN is held at 3301 East Magnolia Ave in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Where can I find hotels near Cotton Candy Classic 5K 2026 — Knoxville, TN?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Knoxville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.