Fireball Classic 5K and Kid’s Mile 2026 — Knoxville, TN

Date
July 2, 2026
Location
Knoxville, TN
Venue
UT Visitors Center
Start Time
8:00 PM
Entry Fee
$10.00 – $50.00
Events
5K Run, Kid's Mile
Includes
Unisex cotton muscle tee | T-Shirt

The Fireball Classic 5K and Kid's Mile is a running event held in Knoxville, Tennessee at the UT Visitors Center, offering both a 5K and a 1-mile option. The race takes place on July 2, 2026, with a typical start time of 8:00 PM. Entry fees range from $10 to $50 depending on your choice of distance and registration timing. If you're unable to attend in person, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your distance on your own schedule. This dual-distance format makes it accessible for families and training groups with varying fitness levels, while the evening start time offers a unique alternative to typical morning race schedules.

From the Race Organizer
The Fireball Classic 5K is a summer tradition that continues in 2027 for the 43rd year! We are excited to welcome The Casual Pint - Northshore as our title sponsor for this year's event. Date, Time & Place: Saturday, July 3rd, 2027, Kid's Mile - 8:00pm, 5K - 9:00pm, 2712 Neyland Dr. ,Knoxville, TN 37919 Kickoff your 4th of July festivities with a fast 5k on Neyland Drive - it's the Fireball Classic 5k and Kid's Mile! Course Description : Runners will begin in the river side lane of Neyland Drive near the UT Visitors Center, turnaround will be at the Lake Loudoun Blvd. traffic light, and as returning runners approach Jacob Dr. they will merge back into the river side lane to the finish. Kid Mile will follow the same course, half mile out and half mile back to finish. Packet Pickups: Early Packet Pickup: Wednesday, June 30- The Casual Pint Northshore, 3:00pm-7:00pm (2045 Thunderhead Rd Knoxville, TN 37922) Thursday, July 1- The Pace House by The Long Run, 3:00pm-7:00pm (2452 Sutherland Ave Knoxville, TN 37919) Race Day Pickup: Saturday, July 3- 6:30pm-8:30pm, UT Creamery Parking Lot (2712 Neyland Dr Knoxville, TN 37919) Parking: Parking close to the start/finish will be on a first come basis. Please do not park in the creamery parking lot until after 7pm. Limited parking will be available at the sorority village, but they have warned us that construction will be happening on the backside of the village and there will be large holes. Please park in the lower lot only. Other parking can be found on the UT AG campus, Publix parking garage, or Tyson Park. These options are a short walking distance to the start. Registration and Entry Fee (No refunds or bib transfers): Early Bird Pricing through December 31 - $30, Jan 1 thru April 30 - $35, May 1 thru June 14 - $40, June 15-July 2 - $45, day of race (7/3) - $50. Kid's Mile fee is $10 through Dec. 31, then $15 1/1 - 7/3. Only one coupon may be used at a time. No discounts on day-of registration. Shirts: Adults shirts will be a UNISEX COTTON MUSCLE TEE; Kids will receive a shirt and finisher's medal. Shirt order will be placed on June 5. To ensure your correct shirt size, please register by June 4. Sizes can be exchanged after the race if supplies are available. We will order extra, but when the inventory runs out in RunSignup, there will be no more shirts. Results: Results will be posted on Runsignup after the race. Grand Prix Points and Team Competition : The Fireball 5k is on the 2027 Team Competition schedule. Post Race Refreshments : Assorted refreshments will be provided post race in the event tent. Race Etiquette : Due to insurance regulations, roller blades, strollers, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed on the course. The 5K course closes in 1 hour and 15 minutes. KTC discourages the use of headphones at events. Information or Special Assistance: Please contact the KTC Event Manager at Jessica@ktc.org . KTC Safety Policy : The Knoxville Track Club Board of Directors has approved an Event Safety Policy, viewable here: Weather Policy . Please familiarize yourself with it.

Hotels Near This Race

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Fireball Classic 5K and Kid’s Mile 2026 — Knoxville, TN

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for July 2.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Fireball Classic 5K and Kid’s Mile 2026 — Knoxville, TN?

Fireball Classic 5K and Kid’s Mile 2026 — Knoxville, TN takes place on July 2, 2026. The race is held in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Where is Fireball Classic 5K and Kid’s Mile 2026 — Knoxville, TN held?

Fireball Classic 5K and Kid’s Mile 2026 — Knoxville, TN is held at UT Visitors Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Where can I find hotels near Fireball Classic 5K and Kid’s Mile 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.