March 23, 2022
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon returns to spring with race events throughout the weekend of March 26-27. East Tennessee’s premier running event attracts thousands of participants and spectators for a slate of races, wellness events and a post-race celebration.
“We’re excited to see the return of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon to the spring season,” Race Director Jason Altman said. “We’ve had to postpone or adjust the event over the last two years, but now we’re back on our regular annual schedule. We’re ready to see runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities on the streets of downtown Knoxville, our city’s greenways and surrounding neighborhoods. Our community is ready to welcome visitors, get outside together and finish the race!”
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, March 26. The half marathon, relays and marathon races are held the morning of Sunday, March 27.
“The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, while at the same time also celebrates community,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “I love the fact that the marathon showcases the beauty across our city and brings together people from all walks of life. I look forward to being out there with all of the runners this weekend!”
All race events begin on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct next to the Sunsphere, and the signature course continues throughout many notable Knoxville neighborhoods. Races end at the finish line in World’s Fair Park, where attendees can enjoy a festive 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 are proud that the 18th Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon again bears our name and will for another three years, as we’ve renewed our presenting sponsorship,” Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “We are committed to this event because it’s more than a single race or a weekend event – it’s an opportunity to encourage our friends, neighbors, patients and staff across the community to improve their health through physical activity and lifestyle changes. When you prioritize your health, we applaud you and support you.”
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Events and Information
Registration
Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22. 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.
Health & Fitness Expo
The Clayton Health & Fitness Expo is open to the general public and will be held Saturday, March 26, 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, March 26, the one-mile Covenant Kids Run starts at 5:30 p.m., and the 5K starts at 7 p.m. On Sunday, March 27, 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, March 26-27. All streets are expected to be open by 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information and a complete course overview, please visit www.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 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 number. Clinics are offered Tuesday, March 29, 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 www.covenanthealth.com/therapycenters.
Proceeds/Charity Partners
Proceeds from the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon benefit both the Knoxville Track Club and the Emerald Youth Foundation – the marathon’s 2022 Community Partner. The partnership will support the Emerald Force Track Program, the only urban youth-serving track program in Knoxville. In 2021, organizers presented Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center with a check for $6,250 for their Innovative Recreation Cooperative (IRC) program. In 2014, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon introduced the Community Contribution Program, which utilizes marathon proceeds to award community grant funding to local programs working to make 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 www.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 life-long physical well-being through running and walking. KTC is a member of the USATF, AAU, Road Runners Club of America, Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Knox Area Greenways Coalition.
