You are here:
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Knoxville, TN, USA
- Race Date: 04/11/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: No
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Description
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is a Boston-qualifying loop through downtown Knoxville, historic neighborhoods, the University of Tennessee campus, and the riverfront each April. Rolling hills define the course, with a notable climb on Noelton Drive around mile 7 and a long, drawn-out finish through mile 25, broken up by flatter stretches along the river. Live bands and DJs line the route from start to finish at World’s Fair Park. Pace groups help runners of all levels tackle this challenging but rewarding Tennessee classic.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Additional Details:
This is the only road race that finishes on the 50-yard line of Neyland Stadium, home of the Tennessee Volunteers, a claim to fame the Knoxville Marathon has held since becoming the first to do it. Crossing that line to a stadium full of cheering spectators is unlike any other finish on the calendar, road race or otherwise. More than 20 bands and a DJ lineup keep the course lively well before you get there, and the post-race festival keeps going with food, drinks, and a beer garden for those 21 and up. Aid stations are frequent and well-staffed, with strong medical support backing up the hydration stops, so runners chasing that final climb before the stadium finish have plenty of support along the way.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hours (16 min/mile pace)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 1,800+
Marathon: 700 to 750
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 1,248 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,248 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 42°F
- High: 66°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Things to Do in Knoxville, TN, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Ijams Nature Center
Paddle Mead’s Quarry Lake or take in views from the trails of Ijams Nature Center, spanning more than 300 acres — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend a rest day.
Outdoors & Trails
Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Hike or bike more than 50 miles of trails in the Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre natural oasis just 2 miles from downtown — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Knoxville Museum of Art
See works from local and international artists at the Knoxville Museum of Art, overlooking World’s Fair Park — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Zoo Knoxville
See more red pandas than anywhere else in the world at Zoo Knoxville, a 53-acre zoo home to more than 700 animals — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Landmark
World’s Fair Park
Explore World’s Fair Park, the 52-acre site of the 1982 World’s Fair, now filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Shopping
Historic Market Square
Browse shops and restaurants at Historic Market Square, Knoxville’s lively downtown gathering spot — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir after race weekend.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes