Secret City Half Marathon and 5K
Secret City Half Marathon offers a fast, scenic loop around Melton Lake with a unique quarry view.
Race Date
Nov 14, 2026
Location
Oak Ridge, TN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Location
- Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 7,214
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Secret City Half Marathon, first run in 2010 and now in its 16th edition, unfolds around the scenic Melton Lake Park peninsula in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This USATF-certified course is designed for speed, with a flat profile and minimal elevation change, making it a prime location for setting personal bests. Runners will experience a unique blend of natural beauty along Melton Lake, a striking change of scenery by an operational quarry, and a serene, tree-lined private road before winding through Oak Ridge.
With a growing field that has recently seen around 1,227 finishers, the race draws participants from approximately 20 states. A notable 24% of runners return year after year, highlighting the event's loyalty and appeal. The atmosphere is enhanced by the beautiful lakeside setting and the promise of a fast, rewarding finish right at the water's edge. The event also includes a 5K, making it accessible for a wider range of runners seeking a well-organized and picturesque race day.
Race-provided description
Secret City Half Marathon and 5K Date: November 14, 2026 The half marathon route starts at the scenic Melton Lake Park peninsula. Considered a great PR course! Course runs along the beautiful Melton Lake then down by an operational quarry for a change of scenery. Continue along a serene tree-lined private road then wind through Oak Ridge. Finish your race along the water's edge right back to the peninsula. Course is USATF certified with certification # TN15066MS. The 5K race route starts and finishes at the Melton Lake Park peninsula. The course follows the water's edge along Melton Lake to Elza Gate Park then double back down the walking trail to the peninsula. A very scenic, easy, and enjoyable 5K run. Cert #: TN15077MS
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
Tech Shirt
Start Location
697 Melton Lake Drive, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8416 years running
~981 finishers a year
growing or steady
24% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 20 states
winner 1:19:37
typical high 60°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
41°
Afternoon (High)
60°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 7,214 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
7,214
Median time
2:11:21
Latest turnout
618
States
43
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K?
The Secret City Half Marathon and 5K is held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K take place?
It takes place in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
What distances does the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Secret City Half Marathon and 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 7,214 runners who have completed the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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