Covenant Health Kids Run
2026 Race Weekend Information Packet – Click here
2026 Kids Run Final Instructions – Click here
With the wonderful support of Covenant Health, we are happy to offer the 1 mile Covenant Kids Run as part of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend.
The Covenant Health Kids Run is a program created to encourage our local children to lead healthy and active lifestyles while participating in an exciting, goal oriented, community event. Those participating will run a total of 25 miles in the time period leading up to the race on April 11, 2026. On race day, participants will run a 1 mile course, finally completing the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. They have an option to run or walk the 26.2 miles. Our goal is not only to address personal fitness, but to build self esteem and confidence through goal setting and teamwork. Parents and/or teachers are encouraged to help during the process.
Race Start
The 2026 Covenant Health Kids Run will begin on the Clinch Avenue Bridge in downtown Knoxville. It is scheduled for 5:30 pm on Saturday, April 11.
Children will use the same start line and finish line as the marathon participants!
Amenities
Amenities include a finisher medal, event shirt, goody bag, and finisher certificate.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup
Packet Pick-up will be at the Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday, April 11, during the hours of 9 am – 8 pm.
NOTE: There is NO Sunday Packet Pickup. All race participants must visit the Expo during scheduled hours to obtain their official race packet containing the race number bib, timing chip, race shirt, goody bag, and other instructions. The Health & Fitness Expo is the first major event of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend.
If you are a participant with a school, check with them to see if they will pick up for you.
Mileage Logs
Need to track your child’s miles as he or she prepares for the April 11 Covenant Health Kids Run? 2026 mileage logs are available here!
Covenant Health Kids Run Kickoff
The Covenant Health Kids Run program kicked off February 7th at Zoo Knoxville. Thanks to all who attended!
Fittest School Challenge
2026 Fittest School Challenge!
We were proud to award $5,600 to area schools through our 2026 Fittest School Challenge.
The Fittest School Challenge was a competition between area schools that awards winners based upon the percentage of participation. Each child that participated in the Covenant Health Kids Run on April 11 earned one point for their school. We tallied each school’s respective points and divided that number by the total enrollment of that school to determine their participation percentage. We award prize money to the top schools in a ten-county radius. More than one school in each county was eligible to win prize money.
TWO DIVISIONS FOR 2026! We offered two categories for the schools based upon their enrollment. The two categories were Small (300 or fewer students) and Large (301+ Students). The prize money breakdown and winners for 2026 are listed below:
| School | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st Large Division - Sarah Moore Greene Magnet | $1,000 |
| 2nd Large Division - Highland Park | $750 |
| 3rd Large Division - Shannondale Elementary | $500 |
| 4th Large Division - Ritta Elementary | $350 |
| 5th Large Division - Bearden Elementary | $200 |
| 1st Small Division - Nature's Way Montessori | $1000 |
| 2nd Small Division - Episcopal School of Knoxville | $750 |
| 3rd Small Division - Garden Montessori School | $500 |
| 4th Small Division - Knoxville Christian School | $350 |
| 5th Small Division - First Baptist Academy | $200 |
We will present each school with a plaque and a check this coming spring before school let out for the summer.
