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Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon encourages runners to claim their victory during April 1-2 race weekend

Mar. 30, 2023

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon returns Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2. The theme, “This is your year,” encourages participants to claim their personal victory, whether they’re a first-time runner or elite marathoner. The premier East Tennessee event is expected to attract thousands of participants and spectators for a slate of races, wellness events and post-race festivities.

“This is the Covenant Health Knoxville’s Marathon’s year, and we’re excited to celebrate with the whole community,” Race Director Jason Altman said. “No matter age, experience or ability, everyone can enjoy the weekend lineup of events. Join us on downtown Knoxville streets, our city’s greenways and in surrounding neighborhoods to run or cheer others onto victory!”

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon includes six race events: 26.2-mile marathon for runners, handcyclists and push-rim wheelchairs; four-person and two-person marathon relays; 13.1-mile half marathon; 3.1-mile 5K run; and one-mile Covenant Kids Run.

The Covenant Kids Run and 5K take place the evening of Saturday, April 1. The half marathon, relays and marathon races are held the morning of Sunday, April 2.

“Healthy living and community are central to our city, and I applaud the Covenant Heath Knoxville Marathon for giving our residents and visitors an opportunity to experience both,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “Thank you and best of luck to all of the participants, organizers, and community members who have worked so hard to make this event possible.”

All race events begin on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct next to the Sunsphere, and the course continues through many notable Knoxville neighborhoods. Races end at the finish line in World’s Fair Park, where attendees can enjoy the Pilot Post-Race Party with vendors, music, beer and food trucks. Award ceremonies for each race also will take place at the finish line festival.

“We’re proud of Covenant Health’s nearly 20-year legacy as presenting sponsor of the marathon, encouraging fitness and healthy lifestyles for people of all ages,” president and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “The significance of this weekend extends beyond the races – we hope that participants and observers alike are inspired to prioritize their health and help create healthier communities. Covenant Health congratulates all of our race entrants for making this their year!”

Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Events and Information

Registration
Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28. At the Clayton Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday, last-chance registration will be available for the Kids Run and 5K from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. for the marathon and half marathon, space permitting.

Clayton Health & Fitness Expo
The Clayton Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and will be held Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall. Participants must attend to pick up their race day packets. There is no Sunday race packet pickup available.

Start Times & Course
All races begin on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct, overlooking World’s Fair Park, and end back in World’s Fair Park. On Saturday, April 1, the one-mile Covenant Kids Run starts at 5:30 p.m., and the 5K starts at 7 p.m. On Sunday, April 2, wheelchair and handcycle races start at 7:27 a.m.; and marathon, half-marathon and relay races start at 7:30 a.m. The marathon course showcases the city’s beautiful neighborhoods and features live music stations along the route provided by Party Boys DJ Show.

Pilot Post-Race Party & Awards
The Pilot Post-Race Party will be held on the lawn at World’s Fair Park immediately following the races. The 5K award ceremony will be held Saturday at 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, half-marathon awards will be presented at 10:30 a.m., and awards for the relays and marathon will be announced at 12:30 p.m. Cash prizes are awarded to the top overall and masters finishers in the marathon and half-marathon races. The total cash purse is worth $10,000.

Road Closures
Street and lane closures will occur throughout the center city and surrounding areas during race weekend on April 1-2. All streets are expected to be open by 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information and a complete course overview, please visit knoxvillemarathon.com.

Safety
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon uses a color-coded Event Alert System to communicate course conditions. The code levels range from low (green) to moderate (yellow) to high (red) to extreme (black), based primarily on the weather. Code level will be communicated via flags at start and finish areas, and color-coded signs are displayed at each water stop. The Knoxville Police Department and City of Knoxville staff assist with road closures and event management to ensure the safety of spectators and participants.

Spectator Viewing
Friends, family and fans are encouraged to cheer for runners anywhere along the course, from the starting point on Clinch Avenue Viaduct to the finish line in World’s Fair Park.

 Post-race Injury Clinics
Covenant Health Therapy Centers will offer free post-race injury clinics for runners who develop aches, pains, blisters, sprains or other medical concerns. Appointments are not required, and participants simply must bring a photo ID and their bib. Clinics are offered Tuesday, April 4, from 3-5 p.m. at Covenant Health Therapy Center Downtown and Covenant Health Therapy Center West. For more information and directions, call 865-541-4500 or visit covenanthealth.com/therapy-centers.

Proceeds/Charity Partners
Proceeds from the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon benefit both the Knoxville Track Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley – the marathon’s 2023 Community Partner. The partnership will support local Boys & Girls Clubs’ healthy lifestyles program that promotes lifetime wellness activities, team sports, nutrition education and mental health services.

In 2022, organizers presented Emerald Youth Foundation with a check for $8,400. Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon introduced the Community Contribution Program in 2014 to award marathon proceeds as community grant funding to local organizations making East Tennessee a healthier place to live. The marathon also donates extra supplies, food, clothing and more to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and Knox Area Rescue Ministries.

For more information, visit knoxvillemarathon.com or call 865-805-2476.

About Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is a premier event organized by the Knoxville Track Club, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of encouraging lifelong physical well-being through running and walking. KTC is a member of the USATF, AAU, Road Runners Club of America, Knoxville Chamber and the Knox Area Greenways Coalition.