Elizabeth Herndon finishes first in women’s half marathon at Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
April 7, 2024, 3:35 p.m.

Elizabeth Herndon crosses the finish line to win the women's full marathon; Image Submitted

KNOXVILLE -- More than 6,100 participants crossed the finish line of the 2024 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon in World’s Fair Park during the April 6-7 race weekend, which included the final mile of the Covenant Kids Run, 5K, two- and four-person relays, half- and full marathon.

One of the runners, Elizabeth Herndon of Knoxville was the first woman to complete the half marathon, winning the race after four years of finishing second. At 1:27:26, Herndon crossed the finish line, breaking her runner-up streak. Ashley Zimmerman of Knoxville, Tennessee, finished at 1:28:10; and Lily Durham of Morristown, Tennessee, at 1:28:34.

Alan Carreno crosses the finish line to win the men's half marathon; Image Submitted

Winners of the men’s half marathon included back-to-back champion Alan Carreno of Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1:13:16; Sammy Degraff of Ooltewah, Tennessee, at 1:16:35; and McCade Frye, a 16-year-old from Loudon, Tennessee, who finished in 1:17:52.

Adam Chase of Greenville, South Carolina, ran and won his first marathon; Image Submitted

Another highlight happened on the men’s full marathon course. Adam Chase of Greenville, South Carolina, ran and won his first marathon in a time of 2:33:18. The Kingsport native and University of Tennessee alum said his ties to East Tennessee encouraged him to participate for the first time.

Chase was followed by Bryan Morseman of Wheeler, New York, in 2:34:37 and James Overholser of Williamsburg, Kentucky, at 2:43:17.

For the women’s full marathon, Peighton Meske of Knoxville, Tennessee, placed first in 2:44:40; Hazel Allen of Auburn, Georgia, took second at 3:13:42; and Leslie Mills of Knoxville, Tennessee, placed third in 3:15:36.

“This race weekend embodied the spirit of community, determination and achievement,” said Jason Altman, race director for Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. "It’s a testament to the power of setting goals, pushing boundaries and supporting one another along the way. We are grateful for another year of success and the support of thousands of attendees, generous volunteers, the City of Knoxville and emergency services.”

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon continued its reign as the largest competitive road race in East Tennessee. Now in its 20th year, the 2024 events had 6,183 registrants.

Marathon organizers, sponsors, and Mayor Kincannon; Image Submitted

“As we celebrate 20 years of this event, I am immensely proud of the collective effort from all participants and our dedicated Covenant Health employees across East Tennessee,” Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg said. “Covenant Health’s mission is to improve the quality of life through better health, and the real victory lies in witnessing countless individuals prioritize their well-being.” Race officials have verified the results in various categories, and the winners and times are as follows:

Men’s full marathon:
1. Adam Chase of Greenville, South Carolina, 2:33:18
2. Bryan Morseman of Wheeler, New York, 2:34:37
3. James Overholser of Williamsburg, Kentucky, 2:43:17

Women’s full marathon:
1. Peighton Meske of Knoxville, Tennessee, 2:44:40
2. Hazel Allen of Auburn, Georgia, 3:13:42
3. Leslie Mills of Knoxville, Tennessee, 3:15:36

Men’s half-marathon:
1. Alan Carreno of Las Vegas, Nevada, 1:13:16
2. Sammy Degraff of Ooltewah, Tennessee, 1:16:35
3. McCade Frye of Loudon, Tennessee, 1:17:52

Women’s half-marathon:
1. Elizabeth Herndon of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:27:26
2. Ashley Zimmerman of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1:28:10
3. Lily Durham of Morristown, Tennessee, 1:28:34

Men’s 5K:
1. Stephen Scallion of Sweetwater, Tennessee, 16:08
2. Zac Sakacsi of Kodak, Tennessee, 16:27
3. Alan Horton of Knoxville, Tennessee, 16:40

Women’s 5K:
1. Kathy Wolski of Knoxville, Tennessee, 19:02
2. Abby Asbury of Knoxville, Tennessee, 19:45
3. Faith Pudelek of Knoxville, Tennessee, 21:16

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

Men’s handcycle full marathon:
1. David Neumer of Lenior City, Tennessee

Women’s handcycle full marathon:
1. Carly Pearson of Knoxville, Tennessee

For more information, visitknoxvillemarathon.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.