Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, Half Marathon, Relays, 5k and Kids Run

Lace up your shoes for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, Half Marathon, Relays, 5k, and Kids Run, set to take place on April 11-12, 2026, in the vibrant city of Knoxville, Tennessee. This premier event, hosted by the esteemed Knoxville Track Club, offers a diverse range of distances, including a full marathon (26.2M), a challenging four-person marathon relay, a half marathon (13.1M), a 5K (3.1M), and the spirited Covenant Kids Run (1M). For those seeking an extra challenge, new this year are the Knox Hills Challenge (5K + Marathon) and the Marble City Challenge (5K + Half Marathon), each offering an additional medal and swag.

The race promises an engaging journey through Knoxville's scenic heart, beginning with a stunning start on the Clinch Avenue Bridge near the iconic Sunsphere and concluding with an exhilarating finish in World's Fair Park. Runners will traverse a course renowned for its varied scenery, winding through downtown, along a picturesque river, and into friendly neighborhoods brimming with enthusiastic local support and live music. While the course features approximately 1,300 feet of elevation gain, making it a hilly yet manageable run, many runners find the initial half more challenging, with gentle inclines interspersed with flatter sections. Aid stations are plentiful, providing English Mountain Water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, and GU at strategic points to fuel your race. Medical support is also readily available along the course and at the finish line.

Beyond the miles, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is celebrated for its exceptional organization and electric atmosphere, highlighted by a lively post-race party with food and music. It's even a Boston Marathon qualifier, making it a prime opportunity for those chasing a personal best. Typical race day conditions in mid-April offer pleasant running weather, with highs around 70°F and lows near 43°F, and only a 20% chance of precipitation. Prepare for a memorable race experience where community spirit, scenic routes, and a well-supported course converge for an unforgettable run.