Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon launches two new challenges for 2026
Register now before prices increase in October
Organizers of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon have announced two new options for 2026 participants: Knox Hills Challenge and Marble City Challenge. The Knox Hills Challenge includes Saturday’s 5K and Sunday’s marathon. The Marble City Challenge includes Saturday’s 5K and Sunday’s half marathon, all scheduled for race weekend on April 11-12.
“Participants who register for these challenges will be entered in both included events and will receive a special Challenge Medal and an extra swag item,” said Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race director. “The Knox Hills Challenge is limited to 150 entrants, and the Marble City Challenge is limited to 300 participants.”
Altman encouraged interested participants to register before Oct. 1 to secure the lowest entry price for familiar race favorites and the new challenges. A scheduled fee increase goes into effect at midnight on the first day of the month.
“It’s a great time to lock in registration and start training for East Tennessee’s premier running event,” Altman said. “As we approach fall, temperatures are more agreeable for running and walking outdoors and signing up for a race right now gives us the motivation we need to keep going strong.”
Increased Oct. 1 registration costs are as follows:
- Marathon, $95 to $105
- Half marathon, $80 to $90
- Four-person relay, $55 to $65
- 5K, $35 to $40
- Knox Hills Challenge (Saturday 5K and Sunday Marathon): $140 to $155
- Marble City Challenge (Saturday 5K and Sunday Half Marathon): $125 to $140
Fees for the Covenant Health Kids Run will remain at $25 until Dec. 1, when the price will increase to $30.
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon has become the largest competitive road race in East Tennessee, attracting participants from all over the United States and across the globe. Total participation has grown from 3,302 in 2005 to more than 6,510 participants who crossed the finish line in 2025.
To take advantage of lower pricing, participants may sign up through September for
the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, four-person relays and the Covenant Health Kids Run.
Learn more about the new challenges and sign up at runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/KnoxvilleMarathon.
Covenant Health, the largest healthcare system and top employer in Knoxville, has committed once again to support the multifaceted running event in 2026, marking its 22nd year, both as title sponsor and for the event itself.
The 2026 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon starts at the Clinch Avenue Viaduct in Knoxville near the iconic Sunsphere, and all races finish in historic World’s Fair Park. The 5K, Covenant Health Kids Run and Health and Fitness Expo kick off the weekend on Saturday, April 11.
The full marathon, half marathon and relays take place Sunday, April 12, beginning at sunrise, capped off by the Pilot Post-Race Party. Friends and family of participants can gather on the World’s Fair Park lawn to celebrate loved ones who have gone the distance.
Covenant Health Therapy Centers provides a finish line First Aid Station and post-race therapy area, a state of the art, therapeutic cool-down station for all runners staffed by more than 10 physical therapists trained to assess and triage sports injuries, answer questions, assist with cool-down stretching and provide appropriate follow-up care instructions.
Since 2005, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon has inspired active living and community engagement. Thousands gather in downtown Knoxville annually including experienced marathoners, recreational runners, company employees, local students and people who cheer them on.
For additional information, visit knoxvillemarathon.com.
