
Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon
Oak Ridge to Kingston Express offers a performance-focused half marathon for serious competitors.
Race Date
Feb 28, 2027
Location
Oak Ridge, TN
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, February 28, 2027
- Location
- Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,087
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Half Marathon is designed for the dedicated runner aiming for peak performance. This event, first run in 2002 and now in its 15th edition, focuses on providing a fast, certified course for those chasing Boston Marathon qualifying times or personal bests.
The course is a USATF-certified out-and-back on the Oak Ridge Turnpike, featuring minimal elevation gain. Runners will navigate the bike lane or shoulder, with the initial 30 minutes conducted in darkness under streetlights, requiring high-visibility gear and headlamps. This low-profile, performance-focused format is for serious competitors capable of meeting strict qualifying standards, with a 2-hour, 5-minute cut-off for the half marathon.
This event is not about amenities; it’s about the race itself. With a strict participation cap of 50 runners, it offers an intimate setting for athletes prioritizing a competitive environment and a fast course. The focus is solely on achieving benchmark times, making it an ideal choice for those driven by qualification goals.
Race-provided description
Event Information Participation Cap This event will be limited to 50 participants total, accepted on a first-registered basis. Event Purpose The race is structured to provide athletes with the opportunity to achieve a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ) standard or a benchmark Half Marathon performance. The course has consistently produced qualifying results, and the intent is to attract competitors pursuing age-group standards for Boston or other national and international events. Eligibility This event is intended for serious competitors actively seeking qualification times. Participants should register only if they are capable of meeting, or coming very close to, their Boston Marathon age-group qualifying standard. Reference official standards here: Boston Marathon Qualifying Times. Cut-off Times Half Marathon: 2 hours, 5 minutes Marathon: 4 hours Race Format and Conditions This event will be conducted in a low-profile, performance-focused format. No shirts, awards, or amenities will be provided. The course will be open to light vehicular traffic; runners will utilize the bike lane/shoulder. Headphones are prohibited. The initial 30 minutes will be run in darkness under street lighting. Participants must wear high-visibility clothing, reflective gear, and a headlamp or flashlight until daylight improves conditions. Course Certification and Details Marathon Out-and-back format on the Oak Ridge Turnpike Less than 600 ft total elevation gain USATF Certified Course (Certification Code: TN21010MS) – valid for use when registering for the Boston Marathon Halfway split will be recorded
Half Marathon Point-to-point format along a highway with bike lane/shoulder Less than 400 ft total elevation gain Participants must arrange their own transportation back to the start; a limited number of return seats will be available through race management Course Support Aid stations will be located at: Miles 3, 7, 11 (outbound) Miles 15, 19, 23 (marathon only) Competitors are expected to be largely self-supported and should bring their own fuel and supplies as needed Registration and Packet Pickup Race Day Only: Beginning at 4:45 AM Participation Cap: 50 runners (exceptions may be granted in limited circumstances, including slightly over-standard qualifying times or requests after the cap has been met; inquiries should be directed to the race directors).
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, February 28, 2027
Start Time
6:00 AM
Start Location
22 N. Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.35 m
Separation
92.8%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
TN21011MS · Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Point-to-point course layout.
Quality Score
Solid Pick4815 years running
~9 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
no finisher data yet
winner 1:23:39
typical high 60°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
39°
Afternoon (High)
60°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
68%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,087 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
1,087
Median time
1:33:31
Latest turnout
8
States
10
Turnout by year
2008–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon?
The Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon is held on Sunday, February 28, 2027, starting at 6:00 AM.
Where does the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
What distances does the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles.
Is the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,087 runners who have completed the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Oak Ridge? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races

