Race to Save the Laurel Dace
Join the Tennessee Aquarium for the annual road race to kick off our 2nd Laurel Dace Day and help us win the Race to Save the Laurel Dace!
Laurel Dace Day is a conservation celebration and festival that raises awareness of a critically endangered fish found only on nearby Walden's Ridge. Demonstrate your commitment to protecting our local wildlife and register for the 8 a.m. ET 10K/5K or bring the whole family to the half-mile fun run starting at 8:30 a.m. ET!
All registrants receive a free custom t-shirt for participating in the Race to Save the Laurel Dace and finisher prizes! Can’t join us on Laurel Dace Day? Sign up for our Virtual 5k to participate at home and receive your t-shirt in the mail.
After enjoying a mostly flat run or walk in historic downtown Spring City, meet us at the finish line in the Spring City Nature Park next to the beautiful Piney River. There, the festivities will begin with a local farmers market, artisan vendors, music, food and drink options, fun activities with the Tennessee Aquarium's conservation scientists and educators, and much more!
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
5K
Registration closes in 1 day 1 hour-
-
$34.09
Early Bird Pricing
Sep 26 – Feb 20 -
$44.79Feb 21 – Mar 13
-
$44.79Mar 14 – May 8
-
Register for 5K$55.49Now registering May 9 – May 16
-
Half-Mile Fun Run
Registration closes in 1 day 1 hour-
-
$18.04
Early Bird Pricing
Sep 26 – Feb 20 -
$23.39Feb 21 – Mar 13
-
$28.74Mar 14 – May 8
-
Register for Half-Mile Fun Run$34.09Now registering May 9 – May 16
-
10k
Registration closes in 1 day 1 hour-
-
$44.79
Early Bird Pricing
Sep 26 – Feb 20 -
$55.49Feb 21 – Mar 13
-
$55.49Mar 14 – May 8
-
Register for 10k$66.18Now registering May 9 – May 16
-
Virtual 5K
Registration closes in 1 day 1 hour-
Can't make it in person? No problem! Choose this option to run on your own time and have your t-shirt mailed to you.
-
$39.51
Early Bird Pricing
Sep 26 – May 1 -
Register for Virtual 5K$50.20
*prices include a flat rate of $10 for shipping
Now registering May 2 – May 16
-
Award Categories
- All participants
- Custom 2nd Annual Laurel Dace Race t-shirt
- Finisher award
- 5k & 10k trophies
- Top 3 male
- Top 3 female
- Top male & female medal per age group:
- 16-24
- 25-34
- 35-44
- 45-55
- 55+
Award Ceremonies
- 5k Race: 9am ET
- 10k Race: 10am ET
Race Packet Pickup Info
- Weds. 5/13: 11am-1pm and 4-6pm ET in the Aquarium Plaza
- Fri. 5/15: 4-6pm ET at the Tennessee Valley Theater in Spring City, TN
- Sat. 5/16: Starting at 6:30am ET at Spring City Nature Park
T-Shirt Design
Discounted Local Hotel Rates
Grand Hotel — 22500 Rhea County Hwy, Spring City, TN 37381
Discounted rate at $95 plus tax per night.
- Grab & go breakfast options
- Beautiful hiking within walking distance
- Laundry services for guests
- Closest hotel to Laurel Dace Day event
- Preferred hotel by the Tennessee Aquarium
What is the Laurel Dace?
The Laurel Dace, Chrosomus saylori, is a small minnow native only to two small streams near Spring City, TN! These beautiful fish grow to be about three inches long. In the springtime, they develop beautiful spawning colors with a bright red belly, neon yellow fins, and cherry red lipstick. The Laurel Dace is critically endangered and currently at risk of extinction due to extreme drought and sediment pollution in their native streams. The Tennessee Aquarium is devoted to saving these amazing little fish from extinction, but we can't do it without your help!
Race Route
Support the Laurel Dace
Contact information
- Event contact
- Jay Nevans
