Get Ready for the Smoky Mountain Relay!
The information below is subject to change, so check back often. The final version will be included in the race bible that every team gets prior to the event.
Contacting Race Directors
Teams are able to communicate with race staff throughout the race provided that they are in an area with coverage. Each key staff personnel will have a cell phone and an Iridium satellite phone. Both are capable of talk and text, however, because of the terrain, satellite phones should have more complete coverage.
Before the start, each team will be required to provide at least one cell number to receive important and/or emergency text messages from the race staff. These may include weather updates, emergency situations, road closures, race day changes, and other personal safety related messages.
Teams should contact race staff for race day questions, to report other teams breaking safety rules, and for emergencies. In all serious (medical) emergencies, teams should dial 9-1-1 for emergency services before contacting the Race Staff.
Exchange Staff
We could not do this race without the army of staffers who help us. Please show them respect and gratitude as you travel along the relay course. They are giving you instructions for your own safety and have been instructed by the race directors on procedures where they are located. PLEASE LISTEN TO THEM!
Please help us show staff our gratitude and love by thanking them, high-fiving them, and even posing in photos with them and sharing those with us. Tag your photos with #smrvolunteers so we can find those photos. Many of the exchange staff are also our first aid staff.
Driving
Each team has been assigned a number and will be given a number for each vehicle to be displayed on your dashboard at all times. Drivers must follow all rules of the road during the relay. Please do not impede traffic or block driveways and roadways while supporting or cheering your runner. Drive courteously around other runners and teams, and watch for soft shoulders when parking. PARKING SHOULD NOT OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC.
Locksmiths
In case your keys get locked in your van, we have some folks on call for you:
- Brevard Lock and Key: 828-577-2260
- All Star Lock and Security: 828-550-9948
Emergency Services by County
Transylvania County
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- For Emergency Services, dial 9-1-1.
- Non-Emergency ambulance transport: 828-884-3188
- On Call Emergency Management Coordinator: 828-884-3188
- Animal Control Services: (828) 883-3713
Jackson County
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- For Emergency Services, dial 9-1-1.
- Jackson County Rescue Squad (non-emergency): 828-586-8719
- Animal Control Services: 828-586-6138 or 828-586-1911 (After Hours)
Haywood County
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- For Emergency Services, dial 9-1-1.
- Haywood County Emergency Services: 828-452-6600
- Animal Control Services: 828-456-5338
Macon County
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- For Emergency Services, dial 9-1-1.
- Macon County Emergency Services Office: (828) 349-2548
- Animal Control Services: 828-349-2061 or 828-349-2061 (after hours)
Swain County
- For Emergency Services, dial 9-1-1.
- EM Director – 828-488-6021 After hours: 828-488-2196
Area Hospitals
Transylvania
Transylvania Regional Hospital (24 hours)
- 260 Hospital Dr, Brevard, NC 28712
- 828-884-9111
Mercy Urgent Care Brevard
- 22 Trust Ln, Brevard, NC 28712
- 828-883-2600
Jackson County
Harris Regional Hospital (24 hours)
- 68 Hospital Rd., Sylva NC 28779
- 828.586.7000
Sylva Urgent Care
- 176 Walmart Plaza, Sylva, NC, 28779
- 828.631.9462
Haywood County
Haywood Regional Medical Center (24 hours)
- 262 Leroy George Dr, Clyde, NC 28721
- (828) 456-7311
Macon County
Angel Medical Center (24 hours)
- 120 Riverview St, Franklin, NC 28734
- (828) 524-8411
Swain County
Swain Community Hospital (24 hours)
- 45 Plateau St, Bryson City, NC 28713
- 828.488.2155
Smoky Mountain Urgent Care
- 80 Veterans Blvd, Bryson City, NC 28713
- 828-538-4546
Social Media
Our official race hashtags are #smokymountainrelay and #smrtough. We encourage you to interact with the other teams via social media!
Be sure to share your gratitude with all of our awesome volunteers along the course. Take pictures with them and use the hashtag #smrvolunteers.
Follow us at @smokymountainrelay on Instagram.
Food and Provisions
Here’s our current rundown, but there are many other options:
- Between Exchange #2 and #3: on the van route you will drive through Brevard where there are tons of restaurants and other services.
- Exchange #11 (Cullowhee): Western Carolina University Campus is less than a mile from this exchange with many food options and gas.
- Exchange #12: Swag sales and some sponsors will be onsite for samples.
- Exchange #15 (Franklin):
- Walmart SuperCenter 1 mile from the Exchange
- Lazy Hiker Brewing is 2 miles from Exchange. Hikers Kitchen food truck usually on hand.
- Tons of options in downtown Franklin
- Van 2 – Food Option: Runners in van 2 that want to explore excellent food options while driving to exchange 18 can take an alternate route through Sylva, NC to Franklin. Check Trip Advisor for many excellent restaurants in Sylva.
- Exchange #24: In the past, Dave Linn raises money for the Shriner’s Childrens Hospital by selling hot coffee and goodies. We’ll keep you posted on this so that you can bring along some cash to get your caffeine fix and support this excellent cause.
- Exchange #30: We currently have a free hot breakfast at Cowee School planned. We will keep you posted on this event.
- Exchange #34: Pop in, say hi and grab an incredible coffee from Cardinal Coffee before heading to the finish. We appreciate their support in allowing us to use their property as an exchange.
Other Services
Sleeping
- Microtel Inn & Suites: In Franklin (near Exchange #15). This is a hotel room that both vans can use; Van #2 after leg #12 and then Van #1 after leg #18. Van #2 could even return after leg #24! Please see the Smoky Mountain Relay Lodging Page for hotel, motel and cabin ideas.
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- Microtel Inn & Suites (81 Allman Dr, Franklin, NC, 828.349.9000)
- Cowee School: You may sleep inside the gym at Cowee School.
- Tellico Christian Camp: While van 1 is running legs 24-30, van 2 can sleep and take showers at the Tellico Christian Camp. The runner from van 1 will run through this area while running leg 28 and can alert you to go to exchange 30 to start van 2’s legs.
Showers
- Showers are available at the Jackson County Recreation Center (Exchange #12) for $1. NO Towels available so bring your own.
- Finish: Showers are also available at the finish at the NOC. They are quarter operated. You will need to bring a towel and toiletries.
Trash
- All teams will be given 2 trash bags to keep all of their garbage and recycling. Do not litter along the course. We want to be good neighbors. Bags can be tossed at the NOC.
