Apr. 06, 2025
More than 6,500 participants crossed the finish line of the 2025 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon at World’s Fair Park during the April 5-6 race weekend, including two local women who repeated their titles.
Gina Rouse of Knoxville, a mother of three and Boston Marathon qualifier, took first place among women, marking her fifth time winning the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. Rouse won four years in a row between 2016 and 2019 and returned this year to claim first place with a time of 2:54:34.
For the women’s half marathon, Amanda Martin of Knoxville placed first in 1:18:56. Martin holds the record for women in the half-marathon event at the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon event, which she set in 2023 with a time of 1:16:18.
The first marathon runner to cross the finish line Sunday was Alec Sandusky of Cincinnati, Ohio, with a time of 2:22:31, about 16 seconds shy of the course record. Chase Bulten of Campbellsville, Kentucky, won the men’s half marathon with a time of 1:12:48.
“This race weekend captured the spirit of community, perseverance and achievement,” said Jason Altman, race director for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. “It’s always incredible to see runners of all backgrounds set goals, push their limits and cheer each other on.
“We’re grateful for the continued support from the community, our volunteers, City of Knoxville and emergency services in making this year’s event a success.”
In the women’s marathon, Caroline Kimble of Nashville, Tennessee, finished second at 3:12:45, and Sophie Blondel of Knoxville took third at 3:13:55.
Brooke Dixon of Brownsburg, Indiana, took second at 1:20:29 in the women’s half marathon, and Julia Ray of St. Louis, Missouri, placed third in 1:22:56.
In the men’s marathon, Corbin Harris of Campbellsville, Kentucky, finished second at 2:30:59, and Christian Brewer of Knoxville finished third at 2:32:58.
In the men’s half marathon, Alan Carreno of Las Vegas, Nevada, finished second at 1:14:02, and James Overholser of Williamsburg, Kentucky, took third at 1:14:11.
Other events at the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon included the final mile of the Covenant Kids Run, 5K, four-person relay and handcycle events.
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon continued its reign as the largest competitive road race in East Tennessee. Now in its 21st year, the 2025 events had 6,510 registrants.
“Seeing thousands of participants come together to prioritize their health and well-being is a powerful reminder of our mission at Covenant Health,” Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “While we celebrate another year of successful races, the true victory lies in the dedication shown by everyone who crossed the finish line and supported this event.
“We’re proud to play a role in promoting healthier lives across East Tennessee.”
Race officials have verified the results in various categories, and the winners and times are as follows:
Men’s full marathon:
- Alec Sandusky, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2:22:31
- Corbin Harris, Campbellsville, Kentucky, 2:30:59
- Christian Brewer, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2:32:58
Women’s full marathon:
- Gina Rouse, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2:54:34
- Caroline Kimble, Nashville, Tennessee, 3:12:45
- Sophie Blondel, Knoxville, Tennessee, 3:13:55
Men’s half-marathon:
- Chase Bulten, Campbellsville, Kentucky, 1:12:48
- Alan Carreno, Las Vegas, Nevada, 1:14:02
- James Overholser, Williamsburg, Kentucky, 1:14:11
Women’s half-marathon:
- Amanda Martin, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:18:56
- Brooke Dixon, Brownsburg, Indiana, 1:20:29
- Julia Ray, St. Louis, Missouri, 1:22:56
Men’s 5K:
- Alan Horton, Knoxville, Tennessee, 17:34
- Henry Campen, Knoxville, Tennessee, 17:47
- Alex Jett, Knoxville, Tennessee, 17:49
Women’s 5K:
- Kathy Wolski, Knoxville, Tennessee, 20:05
- Jana Allee, Catawba, North Carolina, 22:25
- Diana Hull, Knoxville, Tennessee, 23:29
The race also included several handcycle competitors. Winners are as follows:
Men’s handcycle full marathon:
- Dane Pilon, Asheville, North Carolina
Women’s handcycle full marathon:
- Carly Pearson, Knoxville, Tennessee
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.
