The Shine Run takes participants on a “modified poker run” to a select number of waypoint destinations across the region that provides a fun experience with amazing drives. Participants draw 1-2 cards at each stop on their way to creating a complete hand. Stops further out are sometimes a 2-card draw. This is a self-guided tour to area attractions and businesses that support the show. You can do the bare minimum to acquire a 5-card hand or do more to accumulate a greater number of draws to increase your odds at an improved hand.
Ponies in the Smokies Shine Run 2026 — REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! - Get ready… this year we’re taking things to a whole new level!
- We’re excited to announce that the entire Shine Run is now 100% ELECTRONIC!
- Here’s all you need to do to jump in:
Download the app
Create your profile
Register using the link below- (You’ll also use this link to play your hands during the event!)
Register here: https://aces-links.acespokerrun.com/?target=/acesevent/7N2ofThDt8u9YitmwowC- How the Shine Run works this year:
Each stop has its own QR code
Scan it with your phone- Your card is instantly drawn electronically — no paper, no hassle!
- IMPORTANT:
- For your card to be drawn, the app must verify your location. Make sure to allow location access — GPS check-in is required at every stop.
- Let’s fire up 2026 and make this the biggest, smoothest, most exciting Shine Run yet!
Once your Shine Run App has a complete hand and the time expires on Thursday evening the App shows COMPLETE status and your hand is automatically tabulated against all the other hands. Winning hands are announced during Saturday’s awards ceremony starting with the best hand and going down from there. The top hand receives a jug for “The Fastest Bootlegger In Sevier County” as well as their choice of any prize on the Shine Run table at the awards ceremony. Top prizes so far are a $1,500 Custom Wheel Voucher and $1000 dollars in cash, plus a dozens other of Vendor sponsored prizes.
Head on over to the registration page to sign up!
The “Hours of Operation” noted on the schedule are all listed below for each Shine Run stop(tbd).
PITS26 Shine Run Stops are still being sorted out so stay tuned for an announcement once they are all locked in.
Shine Run Prize Table Donations(preview,tbd):
