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Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Knoxville, TN, USA
- Race Date: 04/11/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
Qualifying Race For:
Boston: Yes
World Major Qualifier: 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.
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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
1,800+ Half Marathon
700 to 750 Marathon
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
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