Race to Save the Laurel Dace

Race to Save the Laurel Dace

Join the Tennessee Aquarium for the annual road race to kick off our 2nd Laurel Dace Day and help us win the Race to Save the Laurel Dace! Laurel Dace Day is a conservation celebration and festival that raises awareness of a critically endangered fish found only on nearby Walden's Ridge. Demonstrate your commitment to protecting our local wildlife and register for the 8 a.m. ET 10K/5K or bring the whole family to the half-mile fun run starting at 9 a.m. ET! All registrants receive a free custom t-shirt for participating in the Race to Save the Laurel Dace and finisher prizes!

Can’t join us on Laurel Dace Day? Sign up for our Virtual 5k to participate at home and receive your t-shirt in the mail.

After enjoying a mostly flat run or walk in historic downtown Spring City, meet us at the finish line in the Spring City Nature Park next to the beautiful Piney River. There, the festivities will begin with a local farmers market, artisan vendors, music, food and drink options, fun activities with the Tennessee Aquarium's conservation scientists and educators, and much more!

Registration Fees

Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees

• 5K
  • Early Bird Pricing (Sep 26 – Feb 20): $34.09
  • Feb 21 – Mar 13: $44.79
  • Mar 14 – May 8: $44.79
  • May 9 – May 16: $55.49
• Half-Mile Fun Run
  • Early Bird Pricing (Sep 26 – Feb 20): $18.04
  • Feb 21 – Mar 13: $23.39
  • Mar 14 – May 8: $28.74
  • May 9 – May 16: $34.09
• 10k
  • Early Bird Pricing (Sep 26 – Feb 20): $44.79
  • Feb 21 – Mar 13: $55.49
  • Mar 14 – May 8: $55.49
  • May 9 – May 16: $66.18
• Virtual 5K
  • Early Bird Pricing (Sep 26 – May 1): $39.51 (*includes a flat rate of $10 for shipping)
  • May 2 – May 16: $50.20

Award Categories

• All participants: Custom 2nd Annual Laurel Dace Race t-shirt
• Finisher Medals: all finishers will receive custom race awards
• 5k & 10k Awards: Top 3 Overall (Male & Female), Top male & female per age group: 16-25

What is the Laurel Dace?

The Laurel Dace, Chrosomus saylori, is a small minnow native only to two small streams near Spring City, TN! These beautiful fish grow to be about three inches long. In the springtime, they develop beautiful spawning colors with a bright red belly, neon yellow fins, and cherry red lipstick. The Laurel Dace is critically endangered and currently at risk of extinction due to extreme drought and sediment pollution in their native streams. The Tennessee Aquarium is devoted to saving these amazing little fish from extinction, but we can't do it without your help!