Feb. 07, 2026
Annual marathon challenge underway after initial event at Zoo Knoxville on Feb. 7
Hundreds of East Tennessee children experienced the excitement of race day at the official start of the Covenant Health Kids Run at Zoo Knoxville on Feb. 7. Students and their families participated in the 1-mile kickoff designed to encourage physical fitness and raise money for their schools.
The children’s run is part of the 2026 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon and encourages kids to complete the exercise equivalent of a marathon in about two months. The schools with the highest percentage of participation will win prize money in the Fittest School Challenge.
“The Covenant Health Kids Run introduces children to running and goal setting, but we really just want them to have fun being active,” said Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race director. “It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy day together as a family, support youth fitness and raise money for area schools.”
For anyone who missed it, registration is still open for children to participate in the overall challenge and join the final lap on race weekend April 11.
“We love watching kids experience the excitement of the starting line, tracking their progress and then reaching their goal on race day,” Altman said. “We see such confidence and joy as kids cross the finish line.”
Registration is open at knoxvillemarathon.com. Children will finish the final mile of their marathon together on Saturday, April 11, at World’s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville.
Children in the eighth grade and younger can participate in the Covenant Kids Run. The free mileage log is available online to track 26.2 miles of walking, running or the exercise equivalent, such as 30 minutes of active playtime.
Children who participate will earn one point for their school. The schools with the highest participation percentage will win prize money and a plaque. The top school in the Fittest School Challenge wins $1,000 and another $4,600 in prize money is distributed across the top 10 schools. The prize money is applied at the school’s discretion to make the most positive impact, often going toward physical education programs and supplies.
Learn more and register at runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/KnoxvilleMarathon for the Covenant Kids Run and all races.
About Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is a premier event organized by the Knoxville Track Club, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the encouragement of physical well-being through running, jogging, competitive road racing, race-walking, fun runs, cross-country and track and field.
About Covenant Health
Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community, and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers, and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.
