Kids will run wild at Zoo Knoxville for Covenant Kids Run
January 4, 2022

KNOXVILLE - 1-mile fun run on February 5th marks start of children's challenge The Covenant Kids Run is returning to Zoo Knoxville on Saturday, Feb. 5. The 1-mile course marks the start of the children’s challenge to complete the exercise equivalent of a 26.2-mile marathon in about two months.

The fun run is part of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon and encourages children to get physically active, support their schools and get involved in one of the community’s largest events.

Children will log their physical activity leading up to the final mile of the Covenant Kids Run at World’s Fair Park on Saturday, March 26. All exercise counts, including running, walking and active play.

“The Covenant Kids Run motivates children to lead healthier lives, and there’s no better place for participants to enjoy the outdoors and have fun than Zoo Knoxville,” Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Race Director Jason Altman said. “We encourage families to join their runners at the event and set fitness goals together. Once kids cross the finish line, stay all day to explore the zoo, too!”

The run kicks off at noon at Zoo Knoxville, and the $20 registration fee covers the cost of the Feb. 5 event and the last lap on March 26. Sign up in advance at knoxvillemarathon.com or onsite at the zoo starting at 10 a.m. the day of the event.

The fee also includes free admission to the zoo for the race participant and one accompanying adult on the day of the run. Any additional guests may pay half-price for admission.

On March 26, the children will finish the final mile of their marathon together. The Covenant Kids Run starts on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct near the Sunsphere, continues through the Fort Sanders neighborhood and ends back at World’s Fair Park.

Children in eighth grade and younger are eligible to participate in the Kids Run. Each child who participates in the Covenant Kids Run on March 26 will earn one point for his or her school in the Fittest School Challenge, a competition among area schools.

Schools sign up for the Covenant Kids Run and provide a total student enrollment count. The top five schools in the small school (fewer than 300 students) and large school (301+ students) categories with the highest percentage of student participation in the race win prize money and a Fittest School Challenge plaque. The prize money is applied at the school's discretion to make the most positive impact, often going toward physical education programs and supplies.

“This event aims to strengthen local children’s self-confidence and inspire active lifestyle choices,” Altman said. “By setting a big goal and seeing it through to the finish line on March 26, we hope these kids are empowered and see fitness as fun and achievable.”

In case of inclement weather Feb. 5, please visit knoxvillemarathon.com for updates.

About the 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 and walking.