Upper Cumberland Haunted Half

Upper Cumberland Haunted Half is held in Cookeville, Tennessee, on October 24, 2026, and offers runners a scenic route through the foothills of the Appalachians. The half marathon (13.1 miles) and the three-person half marathon relay both start at 7 a.m., with the 5K following at 7:15 a.m. Starting from Tennessee Tech University, the course loops through downtown and the surrounding countryside. Runners and walkers are both welcome within a three-and-a-half-hour limit, and entrants must meet the age requirements and sign a waiver.

Foothill terrain means rolling ground rather than flat, so a personal best is possible but only with disciplined early pacing. Train on hills and practice running the downhills relaxed instead of braking. The three-person relay splits the distance into manageable pieces, which makes it a good introduction for a workmate or a friend new to racing. For the solo half, plan a 12 to 14 week build around a weekly long run.