Knoxvillian Amanda Martin is first woman to place first overall in half marathon of Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon

Thousands of participants crossed the finish line of the 2021 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon in World’s Fair Park during the Oct. 2-3 race weekend – and one of the runners, Amanda Martin of Knoxville, made history as the first female to place first overall in the half marathon with a time of 1:19:06. The 24-year-old placed third in the 2017 half marathon with a time of 1:23:18.

Three Knoxville runners placed in the men’s full marathon: Ethan Coffey won first place in the men’s full marathon with a time of 2:47:42. Wil Cantrell placed second in the race at 2:57:19, and Ben Fitzpatrick placed third with a time of 2:59:42. In the women’s full marathon, Eden Slater of Knoxville won with a time of 3:16:54. Stacy Clower of Knoxville placed second with a time of 3:25:20, and Hannah Baer of Roebuck, South Carolina, placed third with a time of 3:30:08.

“The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon came back better than ever this year after a two-and-half-year hiatus,” Race Director Jason Altman said. “No matter what the stopwatch said for all participants, the 2021 race weekend was a success: 17th annual event; 3,700-plus participants; and streets of spectators, generous volunteers and support from City of Knoxville and Knoxville police and fire departments.

“And as always, the inspiring stories of so many participants truly make this event special. Whether you overcame an obstacle, set and met a goal, took a step toward better health and fitness or simply had fun and cheered each other on, you’re a winner today.”

 

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon continued its reign as the largest competitive road race in East Tennessee. Now in its 17th year, the 2021 events had more than 3,700 registrants. The weekend will continue to be a signature event in East Tennessee through 2022. Plans for the spring races are underway, and training is right around the corner for participants.

“The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is fueled by the energy of participants and their passion for health,” Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “It’s because of them that we can fund health-focused community initiatives that change countless lives. The 18th annual race in spring 2022 will be another exciting opportunity to make a positive impact for so many in East Tennessee and beyond.”

Race officials have verified the results in various categories, and the winners and times are as follows:

Men’s full marathon:

1. Ethan Coffey of Knoxville, Tennessee, 2:47:42
2. Wil Cantrell of Knoxville, Tennessee, 2:57:19
3. Ben Fitzpatrick of Knoxville, Tennessee, 2:59:42

Women’s full marathon:

1. Eden Slater of Knoxville, Tennessee, 3:16:54
2. Stacy Clower of Knoxville, Tennessee, 3:25:20
3. Hannah Baer of Roebuck, South Carolina, 3:30:08

Men’s half-marathon:

1. Stewart Ellington of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:23:07
2. Jay Johns of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:24:08
3. Austin Warehime of Kodak, Tennessee, 1:25:02

Women’s half-marathon:

1. Amanda Martin of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:19:06
2. Elizabeth Herndon of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:24:08
3. Rebecca Weinand of Maryville, Tennessee, 1:32:44

Men’s 5K:

1. Scott Greeves of Knoxville, Tennessee, 16:19
2. Cole Buckner of Maryville, Tennessee, 19:11
3. David Sturchio of Knoxville, Tennessee, 20:09

Women’s 5K:

1. Jessica Jones of Knoxville, Tennessee, 21:00
2. Liz Ford of Knoxville, Tennessee, 21:20
3. Becky Grindstaff of Corryton, Tennessee, 23:47

The race also included several wheelchair competitors. Winners are as follows:

Men’s push rim wheelchair marathon:

1. Matthew Porterfield of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:17:22
2. Chad Johnson of Corydon, Indiana, 1:17:23
3. Paul Erway of Shelbyville, Kentucky, 2:20:01

In addition to individual races, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon includes a two- and four-person marathon relay also on Sunday, Oct. 3. The men’s and women’s 5K and one-mile Covenant Kids Run were held Saturday, Oct. 2.

For more information, visit www.knoxvillemarathon.com.

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 dedicated to the encouragement of physical well being through running, jogging, competitive road racing, race-walking, fun runs, cross-country and track and field.