“Should we run a 5k in 3 weeks with no training whatsoever?”

“Absolutely,” I said.

We had just found out about the Dolly Dash in Ringgold, GA and it was a must. It’s been well over a year since we’ve run a race, but that didn’t stop us. We figured we could tumble out of bed, stumble to the starting line…

The race is part of ‘Dolly Days’ in Ringgold, GA. Ringgold isn’t Dolly’s hometown (that would be Sevierville, TN), but it is where she got married to her beloved husband Carl Dean in 1966.

There were lots of local vendors, such as the tent selling these pineapple drinks, and plenty of food trucks. Not to mention two stages, a farmer’s market, discounts in all the downtown shops for runners…

The Grind is located in downtown Ringgold (inside dWELLING), and the barista turned our post-race coffees pink in celebration of Dolly.

A thrift store benefitting foster kids had a community paint-by-numbers in progress. Everywhere you looked was a local business or club that got involved to celebrate Dolly.

Final Review:

Do we recommend this race? 100%!

It was super fun and a great crowd. Lots of people ran in Dolly costumes or tutus. Our personal theme was “Dolly for President 2024” and we got tons of comments and compliments on our outfits.

Things to know:

• Plan to park at Ringgold High School (it’s only a short walk to downtown where the race begins)
• This year there was both a 10k and a 5k option (we did the 5k and felt perfectly ok with that, especially with our lack of recent training!)
• We recommend the Grind inside dWELLING for an iced latte after your race
• Don’t only walk on Nashville St, head up Depot St towards Rabbit Valley Farmer’s Market to find more vendors
• Plan to spend some time after the race enjoying the entertainment (the musical acts were fantastic!)
• Wear a Tutu — or at MINIMUM a Dolly Parton T-shirt. Perhaps a wig (if you’re heat tolerant) or a cowgirl hat with fringe. While there are a few very serious runners at the event, this is a fun run. Have fun with it!

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” — Dolly Parton