HalfRuns
Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon and Half Marathon

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

Solid Pick48

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

BQ RelevantPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Low KeyBare Bones

Course

Fast Flat

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

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

road

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

-0.35 m

Separation

92.8%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles

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 Pick48
Methodology
Heritage20/20

15 years running

Size5/15

~9 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details8/15

USATF certified · 6 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:23:39

Weather10/10

typical high 60°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 1:553:30

Turnout by year

20082026

'08'09'21'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

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.

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