Apr. 01, 2025
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, East Tennessee’s largest road race, returns April 5-6, in World’s Fair Park. Thousands of participants and spectators are expected to fill the city for the races and festivities. There’s something for everyone – from kids to elite marathoners – during the race weekend.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon back for another exciting year,” said Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race director. “We encourage everyone to register before it’s too late and join us for a fun weekend full of activities!”
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon includes five race events: 26.2-mile marathon for runners, hand cyclists and push-rim wheelchairs; four-person marathon relay; 13.1-mile half marathon; 3.1-mile 5K; and one-mile Covenant Kids Run.
The Covenant Kids Run and 5K take place the evening of Saturday, April 5. The half marathon, relay and marathon races are held on the morning of Sunday, April 6.
“Knoxville is always ready to support the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, an event that highlights the importance of active living and community,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “This marathon brings residents and visitors together in celebration of wellness and the beauty of our city. Thank you to all participants, organizers and supporters for making this event a success year after year.”
All race events begin on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct next to the Sunsphere, and the course continues through many scenic Knoxville neighborhoods. Races end at the finish line in World’s Fair Park, where attendees can enjoy the Pilot Post-Race Party with music, beer and food trucks. Award ceremonies for each race also will take place at the Finish Line Festival.
“The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon exemplifies our commitment to improving health and enhancing lives in our community,” Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “This year, we are promoting heart health, and we hope the event inspires participants to prioritize their well-being and pursue their fitness goals all year. We look forward to another memorable race that strengthens both hearts and community!”
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Events and Information
Registration
Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1. The last chance to register will be in-person at the Goody’s Health & Fitness Expo. Kids Run and 5K signups are open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and marathon, half marathon and relay participants can register until 8 p.m., space permitting.
Goody’s Health & Fitness Expo
The Goody’s Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and will be held Saturday, April 5, 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. Sunday race packet pickup is not available.
Ryan Hall, a retired U.S. long-distance runner, record-holder and renowned coach, will be the featured speaker for the Goody’s Health & Fitness Expo. His speech will start on the expo stage at 1 p.m.
Start Times & Course
All races begin on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct, overlooking World’s Fair Park, and end in World’s Fair Park. On Saturday, April 5, the one-mile Covenant Kids Run starts at 5:30 p.m., and the 5K starts at 7 p.m. On Sunday, April 6, wheelchair and handcycle races start at 7:25 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 Partywill 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 relay 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 5-6. 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 on participants 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 on Tuesday, April 8 from 3-5 p.m. at Covenant Health Therapy Center Downtown Knoxville and Covenant Health Therapy Center West Knoxville. For more information and directions, visit covenanthealth.com/therapy-centers.
Proceeds/Charity Partners
Proceeds from the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon benefit the Knoxville Track Club and 2025 Community Partners – Patricia Neal Innovative Recreation Cooperative (IRC) and Girls on the Run Greater Knoxville. The funds will promote active lifestyles and empower participants, including girls and individuals who have suffered a life-changing illness or injury.
For more 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 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.
