Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon organizers and partners host a press conference to provide details about East Tennessee’s premier road race, which returns April 11-12 and is expected to bring more than 7,000 participants to World’s Fair Park to celebrate fitness, wellness and a vibrant community. Pictured, from left: Covenant Health Chief Communications Officer Jeremy Floyd, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Jason Altman, race director for Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. Image by Covenant Health

KNOXVILLE - The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, East Tennessee’s premier road race, returns April 11-12 for an annual event that brings thousands of participants and spectators from across the region and country to World’s Fair Park to celebrate fitness, wellness and a vibrant community.

“We’re excited to welcome runners and families back to Knoxville for another unforgettable marathon weekend,” said Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race director. “There is still an opportunity to register for the race on in person Saturday. We can’t wait to see the community come together at the starting line. We expect more than 7,000 participants for the 2026 weekend of races.”

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon includes five race events: 26.2-mile marathon for runners, hand cyclists and push-rim wheelchairs; four-person marathon relay; 13.1-mile half marathon; 3.1-mile 5K; and one-mile Covenant Health Kids Run.

The Covenant Health Kids Run and 5K take place the evening of Saturday, April 11. The half marathon, relay and marathon races are held on the morning of Sunday, April 12.

“I love seeing neighbors come together to support, encourage, and cheer each other on,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon highlights the best of our city. From downtown to our iconic neighborhoods, to the hundreds of volunteers that make this weekend possible—it is a great weekend for Knoxville to shine!”

All race events begin on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct next to the Sunsphere, and the course continues through many scenic Knoxville neighborhoods. Races end at the finish line in World’s Fair Park, where attendees can enjoy the Pilot Post-Race Party with music, beer and food trucks. Award ceremonies for each race also will take place at the Finish Line Festival.

“The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon exemplifies our commitment to improving health and enhancing lives in our community,” Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “This year, we are promoting heart health, and we hope the event inspires participants to prioritize their well-being and pursue their fitness goals all year. We look forward to another memorable race that strengthens both hearts and community!”


Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Events and Information:
Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. The last chance to register will be in-person at the Health & Fitness Expo. Kids Run and 5K signups are open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and marathon, half marathon and relay participants can register until 8 p.m., space permitting.

Health & Fitness Expo:
The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and will be held Saturday, April 11, 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. Sunday race packet pickup is not available.

Kara Goucher, an American long-distance runner, author and two-time Olympian, will be the featured speaker for the Health & Fitness Expo. Her speech will start on the expo stage at 1:30 p.m.

Start Times & Course:
All races begin on the Clinch Avenue Viaduct, overlooking World’s Fair Park, and end in World’s Fair Park. On Saturday, April 11, the one-mile Covenant Kids Run starts at 5:30 p.m., and the 5K starts at 7 p.m. On Sunday, April 12, wheelchair and handcycle races start at 7:25 a.m.; and marathon, half-marathon and relay races start at 7:30 a.m. The marathon course showcases the city’s 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 relay 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 on April 11-12. All streets are expected to be open by 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information and a complete course overview, please visit 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 on participants 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:
Proceeds from the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon benefit the Knoxville Track Club and 2026 Community Partner Patricia Neal Innovative Recreation Cooperative (IRC). The funds will promote active lifestyles and empower participants, including individuals who have suffered a life-changing illness or injury.

For more information, visit knoxvillemarathon.com.