5K races near Watauga

The Speedway in Lights 5K is a 5K run/walk at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, held during the holiday lights season with a 6 p.m. start. This is its 16th running, and more than 1,000 people are expected to participate in festive gear. The appeal is straightforward: runners and walkers get the first look at the Speedway In Lights display before the public drive-through crowd sees it. The route begins near Entrance No. 2 beside the BMS South Building, follows the Speedway In Lights course, and includes 40 new light displays. It sends participants up and back down the historic quarter-mile Bristol Dragway, then into the stadium through the pit gate and onto the high-banked oval. From there, the course turns left onto the backstretch, runs counterclockwise, and finishes just before Turn 2. Fleet Feet Sports presents the event; children 3 and under participate free, and families, walkers, casual runners, and holiday-light enthusiasts are the intended audience.

Santa Hustle Johnson City is a holiday-themed race in Johnson City, Tennessee, offering 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash distances. It is designed for December running, incorporating Santa costumes and Christmas spirit into the event's concept. The course details are kept minimal, but the race includes holiday music and refreshment stops with candy canes and cookies. The event welcomes families, children, first-time participants, and experienced runners, and the Johnson City race is part of the larger Santa Hustle Race Series.