Cades Cove Loop Lope raises more than $110,000 to support the Park
November 15, 8:50 p.m.

750 people from 27 states participated in the 7th Annual Cades Cove Loop Lope

Finish line at Cades Cove Loop Lope; photo courtesy of GSMNP

GSMNP - On Sunday morning, November 12, Friends of the Smokies hosted approximately 700 runners and walkers for the 7th Annual Cades Cove Loop Lope to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Through registration and sponsorships, the experience generated more than $110,000 to support a wide range of park programs including historic preservation, wildlife protection, search and rescue efforts, and Parks as Classrooms education programs.

“Experiencing Cades Cove on foot is an incredible opportunity to unplug and enjoy the splendor of the mountains, while also raising critically needed funds to support their care,” said Friends of the Smokies President Dana Soehn.

The runners came from 27 states with some traveling from as far away as Texas and Colorado to participate. Race Day Events timed the event which included a 5k race and a USATF Certified 10-mile race. The fastest times for the 5k and 10-mile races by age and gender categories were recognized onsite with an awards ceremony. Full race results can be found on the Cades Cove Loop Lope race results webpage.

The best 10-mile chip times in the women’s division were Maria Heathcott of Evansville, IN with a time of 1:11:01 minutes; Ashlynd Miller from Athens, TN with a time of 1:14:23 minutes; and Rachel Sneed from Owens Cross Roads, AL with a time of 1:16:40 minutes. The best 10-mile chip times in the men’s division were Jonathan Pahren with a time of 59:35 minutes; John Baker from Allston, MA with a time of 1:01:25 minutes; and Jordan Webb from Charlotte, NC with a time of 1:04:40 minutes. The best 5k chip times in the women’s division were Avery Vanlandingham of Hebron, KY with a time of 22:37 minutes; Jaime Carpenter from Shepherdsville, KY with a time of 28:39 minutes; and Diana Koza from Knoxville, TN with a time of 29:31 minutes. The best 5k chip times in the men’s division were Koby Perkins of Corbin, KY with a time of 19:32 minutes; Ryan Cleary from Nashville, TN with a time of 20:56 minutes; and Jose Martinez from Knoxville, TN with a time of 22:26 minutes.

“We’re so grateful for the support of our runners, dedicated volunteers, and generous event sponsors. Thank you for standing with us in preserving the beauty and spirit of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Race Director and Friends of the Smokies Special Projects Manager Lindsay Howell.

Sponsors for the event included Ole Smoky Distillery, Axle Logistics, Buddy’s BBQ Sevierville, PCS, River Sports Outfitters, IHOP Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, 21st Mortgage, Turner Homes, Mellow Mushroom, and Denso. Additional Support was provided by Blount Partnership, Eddie’s Health Shoppe, English Mountain Spring Water, Little River Trading Company, Townsend Gateway Inn, and Zen Evo Chocolates.

For more information about this annual event, please visit friendsofthesmokies.org/LoopLope.