Come join the fun and be part of the Appalachian Fair 2.62 Miles Race on August 21, 2026, as we kick off our 100th anniversary celebration. It’s the perfect way to light up fair week with an evening full of energy, community pride, and summertime excitement. The kids race begins at 8 p.m., followed by the 2.62 Miles race at 8:30 p.m.

Returning to the fair this year is an extra‑special treat: the Golden Knights and the iconic Clydesdale horses, adding a little magic to a night already packed with tradition and celebration.

Start/Finish location: 

Appalachian Fairgrounds- Gray, TN

100 Lakeview St, Gray, TN 37615

Packet Pickup and parking:

Friday, August 21 6 – 8 p.m. at the Appalachian Fair Grounds Farm & Garden Building

Packets include:

Children- coupon for 2 fair rides

Adult-  1 complimentary Fair gate entrance ticket

Awards:

Awards for both men and women include: Top 3 overall, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female GrandMasters, Age Groups (9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Older)

Virtual Race Option: We recommend the virtual option for those runners who want to keep socially distant or have scheduling conflicts. This is a great way to still participate!

Virtual

Registration Information

$20 Early bird special (through May 14)

$25 per entrant (May 15 – June 8)

$30 per entrant (June 9 – July 3)

$35 per entrant (July 4-August 20)

$40 Late registration (Packet Pickup on August 21)

Kids Dash

$5 Early bird special (through May 14)

$7.50 per entrant (May 15 – June 8)

$10 per entrant (June 9 – July 3)

$12.50 per entrant (July 4-August 20)

$15 Late registration (Packet Pickup on August 21)

Deadline for guaranteed shirt and shirt-size is August 7, 2026

 We understand that emergencies or last-minute schedule changes do occur, therefore, to better accommodate you, we have some other options instead.

• You can have someone pick up your packet for you
• You can transfer your entry to someone else
• You can switch to the virtual option and turn in your virtual race time at a later time, and still receive the shirt and medal.

Please email info@thegoosechase.org for more information.

 Course Information

Course Directions

Please follow the course starting with yellow, then green, then finishing with red.

Although we will have arrow signs, volunteers and police officers for you on the course, we also thought the following course breakdown would be helpful as well. Please familiarize yourself with the course prior to the event. 

Injury? Not prepared to run or jog? Still want to be involved? Need community service or volunteer hours? This is a great event to be involved with. We are needing approximately 50 energetic individuals to assist us with packet pickup, course marshaling, water station and with post-race activities and clean up. If you are available, we would love to have you, and the runners will love seeing you on the course!

If you are interested in supporting this amazing race reach out to info@thegoosechase.org!

Special apperance from….

Appalachian Clydesdale Horses

The Clydesdale horse originated in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in the 18th century, where local mares were crossed with powerful Flemish stallions to create a strong, dependable draft horse suited for farm work and hauling heavy loads.

By 1826, the name “Clydesdale” was officially recognized, and the breed quickly became a symbol of Scottish agricultural strength. As their popularity grew, Clydesdales were exported across the world, especially to North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where they were prized for their size, stamina, and gentle temperament.

In the early 20th century, their numbers declined due to mechanized farming, but the breed saw renewed visibility thanks to the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, first introduced in 1933. Today, Clydesdales are beloved for their towering height, feathered legs, and calm, friendly nature, making them favorites in parades, shows, and community events.