Jun. 30, 2026
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon organizers have opened registration for 2027 races and challenges, including East Tennessee’s premier running event scheduled for race weekend April 10-11, 2027.
Register before the end of July to secure the lowest entry prices for familiar favorites as well as the Marble City and Knox Hills Challenges introduced last year. A scheduled fee increase goes into effect at midnight on Aug. 1, 2026.
“It’s a great time to sign up, lock in the lowest entry fee and have plenty of time to train,” said Jason Altman, longtime director of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. “Last year around 7,000 participants competed in race weekend, and we were inspired to see East Tennesseans show up with encouragement and support.”
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon has become the largest competitive road race in East Tennessee, attracting participants from all over the United States and across the globe. Race weekend includes the marathon, half-marathon, Covenant Health Kids Run, 5K, four-person relay and wheelchair and handcycle races. The Fittest School Challenge and Fittest Company Challenge engage schoolchildren and employees in a friendly competition to encourage goal setting, team building and active lifestyles.
Covenant Health, the largest health care system and top employer in Knoxville, has continuously provided support, and 2027 will mark its 23rd year sponsoring the health event that celebrates fitness and community while showcasing the outdoor beauty of Knoxville’s neighborhoods and downtown.
“We’re proud to support this event as part of our commitment to improve quality of life in the communities we serve through better health,” Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “It’s encouraging to see so many people come together to prioritize wellness and support one another.”
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.
Learn more about the 2027 events and register at runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/KnoxvilleMarathon.
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.
