The 2024 event course is being re-certified to provide the best race experience. It will start in a different location for a more streamlined course route that will eliminate runners having to make a second loop on park. More than half of the course for this year's race will be off-park, first utilizing Dollywood's tram road and then concluding the race through Dollywood's 6 million Christmas lights. Only runners who want to race should sign-up for the 5K; with the new course, the 5K will NOT be an experience for walkers. Those interested in being part of the event specifically as walkers should sign-up for the 1-mile fun walk.