Fireball Classic 5K and Kid's Mile

The Fireball Classic 5K is a summer tradition that continues in 2026 for the 42nd year! 

Date, Time & Place: Friday, July 3rd, 2026, Kid's Mile - 8:00pm, 5K - 9:00pm, Neyland Dr

Kickoff your 4th of July festivities with a fast 5k on Neyland Drive - it's the Fireball Classic 5k and Kid's Mile! 

Course Description: Runners will start in the east bound lane of Neyland Dr, in front of the G-10 parking lot, and run out before returning in the west bound lane, finishing in the shadow of Neyland Stadium. Kid's Mile will be an out and back on Neyland Drive. 

Registration and Entry Fee (No refunds or bib transfers): Early Bird Pricing through 3/20 - 4/19 - $25, 4/20 - 5/31 - $30, late registration 6/1 - 7/2 - $35, day of race (7/3) - $40. Cost for 17 and under is $25 until 5/31 and then goes up to $35 for late and day-of registration.  Kid's Mile fee is $10 through 5/31, then $15 6/1 - 7/3.  Only one coupon may be used at a time.  No discounts on day-of registration. 

Packet Pickup: Early pickup on Tuesday, July 1 at The Long Run (2452 Sutherland Avenue) from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Race-day packet pickup will be in the pavilion between the G-10 Parking Garage and the Tickle Engineering Building from 7pm-8:45pm. 

Shirts: Adults shirts will be gender specific tanks; Kids will receive a shirt and finisher's medal. Shirt order will be placed on June 5.  To ensure your correct shirt size, please register by June 4. Sizes can be exchanged after the race if supplies are available. We will order extra, but when the inventory runs out in RunSignup, there will be no more shirts. 

Results: Results will be posted on Runsignup after the race. 

Awards: Awards to the top 3 Overall, top Masters (As defined by fastest person age 40 and above, not limited to 40-49) Grandmasters (As defined by fastest person age 50 and above, not limited to 50-59), Senior Grandmasters (As defined by fastest person age 60 and above, not limited to 60-69) male and female. Awards to the top 3 in each age group as well as Overall Clydesdale (men over 200 lbs.) and Overall Athena (Women over 150 lbs.) Awards ceremony following race.  Awards will not be mailed, but will be available for pickup at The Long Run. All kids finishing the  Mile will receive a finisher's medal. 

Grand Prix Points and Team Competition: The Fireball 5k is on the 2025 Team Competition schedule. 2025 Grand Prix Points awarded winners in various categories and age groups. Points accumulate throughout the year. KTC recognizes the top 10 men and women in the Grand Prix series at the New Year’s Day 5K on January 1, 2026. Remember, to be eligible for Grand Prix Points, participants must be a member of KTC and must volunteer for at least 3 KTC races throughout the year. 

Post Race Refreshments: Assorted refreshments will be provided post race in the event tent. 

Race Etiquette: Due to insurance regulations, roller blades, strollers, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed on the course. The 5K course closes in 1 hour and 15 minutes. KTC discourages the use of headphones at events.

Information or Special Assistance: Please contact the KTC Events Manager at Jessica@ktc.org.

KTC Safety Policy: The Knoxville Track Club Board of Directors has approved an Event Safety Policy, viewable here: Weather Policy. Please familiarize yourself with it.