GRENADE RACE
WHAT IS GRENADE RACE?
Grenade Race is a strategy race where you decide how to play. Team up with friends or take it on solo as you race across Knoxville collecting points before time runs out.
At the start of the race, participants receive a map with locations scattered across the city. Each location is worth a different number of points depending on how far it is from the starting point. From there, it’s up to you to plan your route, visit as many locations as possible, and take a selfie at each one to prove you made it.
Run, bike, or walk. Stack smaller points nearby or go big and chase the farthest locations. The competitor with the most points when time expires wins.
Part race, part strategy game, and part city adventure, Grenade Race is unlike anything else in Knoxville.
A KNOXVILLE TRADITION
Grenade Race has been part of Knoxville’s running and cycling community for 21 seasons. Over the years, the race has had several different homes, but the spirit has always been the same: a fun, strategic way to explore the city and challenge yourself alongside friends.
When longtime organizer Shelby moved to New York City, Knoxville Movement Collective stepped in to help carry the tradition forward.
We’re honored to host Grenade Race as part of the KMC community and excited to continue growing an event that so many people in Knoxville already love.
How it works
1. Get the Map
The race begins right at 6:30PM when the map is released.
Each week’s map includes locations across Knoxville, and each location is worth a different number of points.
2. Plan Your Route
Choose your strategy.
You can run, bike, or walk, and you can race solo or with friends. Decide which locations you want to visit before time runs out
3. Visit Locations
Travel to as many locations as possible and take a selfie at each stop to prove you made it.
4. Beat the Clock
Return before the time limit expires.
The participant with the most total points wins!
FAQs
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Grenade Race takes place every Wednesday at 6:30 PM and begins at Next Level Brewing in Knoxville.
Unlike some KMC Running events, the race starts right at 6:30 PM when the map is released. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early so you’re ready to go when the race begins.
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At the start of the race, participants receive a map with locations across Knoxville.
Each location is worth a different number of points based on how far it is from the start.
Your goal is to visit as many locations as possible before time runs out.
Take a selfie at each location to prove you made it, then return before the clock expires. The participant with the most points wins!
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Grenade Race follows a rotating format.
On odd-numbered weeks, a brand new map is released at the start of the race. The time limit for that week’s race is announced ahead of time.
On even-numbered weeks, we reuse the previous week’s map. The time limit is not announced until the race begins, which adds an extra layer of strategy.
This format keeps the race fresh while also giving participants a chance to refine their strategy and chase more points the following week.
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The race length varies from week to week depending on the map and time limit. Most races last around 45–60 minutes.
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Absolutely. You can take on Grenade Race solo or team up with friends to plan your strategy together.
While points are tracked individually, many participants race alongside friends and work together to decide which locations to chase.
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Yes! Many participants join for the first time each season. You can approach the race however you like, whether that’s racing competitively or simply exploring Knoxville with friends.
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Yes! You can race solo or team up with friends and plan your strategy together. Many participants enjoy racing as a group and deciding which locations to chase.
Points are tracked individually, but plenty of people run, bike, or walk the course with friends.
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No registration is required. Just show up at the start location before the race begins and we’ll get you set up with the map and instructions for the evening.
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Maps are released right at 6:30 PM.
If you arrive after the race has begun, you’re still welcome to join, but you’ll have less time to collect points.