Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon announces ‘Fittest’ awards for 2026 and upcoming 2027 registration price

Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon organizers have announced the winners of the 2026 challenges, including “Fittest Company” and “Fittest School.” The challenges will return for the 2027 event, as will last year’s new additions, the Knox Hills Challenge and Marble City Challenge.

Prospective runners and walkers for the 2027 race weekend can lace up for these challenges and other race events before fees increase by registering before midnight on Oct. 1. Register online at runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/KnoxvilleMarathon.

The 2027 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend returns April 10-11, 2027, with familiar favorites, including the marathon, half marathon, 5K, four-person relays and Covenant Health Kids Run.

“We encourage everyone to embrace a challenge this year, whether walking the 5K or pursuing a personal best in the marathon,” said Jason Altman, director of Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon and Knoxville Track Club. “With registration prices increasing Oct. 1, signing up now secures the lowest rate and gives participants time to train through the fall before our group training runs begin.”

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon has grown into the largest competitive road race in East Tennessee, attracting participants from across the United States and around the world. Participation has grown from 3,302 runners in 2005 to nearly 7,000 participants who crossed the finish line in 2026, including more than 2,800 half marathon participants and nearly 1,800 people who took part in the 5K.

Zack Ostrander, a 19-year-old from Sparta, Tennessee, was the first male runner to cross the finish line in the marathon last year, while 24-year-old Molly Holmes of Seattle, Washington, was the first woman to finish.

Race organizers also have announced the results of the 2026 Fittest Challenge, which challenges area businesses to compete with companies earning one point for each mile completed by an employee or an employee’s immediate family member. The company with the most points wins its category.

Fittest Company Challenge

Extra Large Category (2,000+ employees)

1. Covenant Health
2. Pilot Company
3. ORNL/UT-Battelle

Large Category (600-1,999 employees)

1. EdFinancial
2. 21st Mortgage Corp.
3. Axle Logistics

Medium Category (201-599 employees)

1. University of Tennessee System Administration
2. ORNL Federal Credit Union
3. City of Knoxville Fire Department

Small Category (61-200 employees)

1. RbM Services, LLC.
2. Bush Bros. & Co.
3. Phillips

Extra Small (60 or fewer employees)

1. Fleet Feet Knoxville
2. Fast-Weigh/TAC Insight
3. First Baptist Academy Staff

Fleet Feet Knoxville had the highest percentage of employees participating with nearly 82 percent of the team taking part.

Nature’s Way Montessori and Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy took the top prizes in their categories in the Fittest School Challenge.

Fittest School Challenge

Small Category

1. Nature’s Way Montessori
2. Episcopal School of Knoxville
3. Garden Montessori School
4. Knoxville Christian School
5. First Baptist Academy

Large Category

1. Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
2. Highland Park Elementary
3. Shannondale Elementary
4. Ritta Elementary
5. Bearden Elementary

Winning schools received $1,000, while second- through fifth-place finishers earned checks ranging from $200 to $750.

On the University of Tennessee campus, Chi Omega won the Fittest Sorority Challenge, and Lambda Chi Alpha led the fraternity division.

Marathon participants voted Sequoyah Hills their favorite neighborhood along the course, followed by Island Home and 4th & Gill.

Registration for the 2027 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon opened in early June, and organizers are encouraging participants to sign up now.

Registration fees increasing Oct. 1 include:

• Marathon, $95 to $105
• Half marathon, $80 to $90
• Four-person relay, $55 to $65
• 5K, $35 to $40
• Knox Hills Challenge (Saturday 5K and Sunday Marathon): $140 to $155
• Marble City Challenge (Saturday 5K and Sunday Half Marathon): $125 to $140

Registration for the Covenant Health Kids Run will remain $25 through Nov. 30 before increasing to $30 on Dec. 1.

Covenant Health, Knoxville’s largest healthcare system and top employer, is returning as title sponsor for the 23rd annual event and continues its longstanding support of the race and its participants.

Since 2005, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon has inspired active living and community engagement. Thousands gather in Downtown Knoxville annually including experienced marathoners, recreational runners, company employees, local students and people who cheer them on.

For additional information, visit knoxvillemarathon.com.

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 14,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.