Training
The 2026 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Training Runs presented by the Eddie’s Health Shoppe, Smoky Mountain Supplements, and Tennessee Pre
The program is intended for anyone looking to experience the fun, excitement, and camaraderie of training for the marathon. This program is being led by experienced runners and is open to everyone. The 2026 program is geared to not only marathoners, but half marathoners, relay, and 5K participants as well.
This is what we have to offer:
- Training runs for everyone! Runners of all levels are welcome to participate in the suggested weekly long runs. We will have several distance options ranging from beginner to advanced. The long runs will take place on most Saturdays at 8 am.
- Mileage for long runs for beginners and advanced
Looking for a customized training plan to get you to race day? Check out RunKNOX or Knoxville Endurance. RunKNOX is a group training program owned and operated by the Knoxville Track Club.
Group Run Cost:
• NOTHING! We are not requiring a fee for non-KTC members to participate in the training runs. However, we still encourage you to join the KTC and enjoy the benefits of being a member. You will receive discounts on registration fees at KTC races (including the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon), purchases at participating retailers, and a subscription to the award winning KTC publication, Footnotes. For more information go to www.ktc.org.
How to sign up to receive the email reminders/updates:
- Contact us
- Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
| Date | Week | Half Marathon | Marathon | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 6 | 1 | 2 miles | 6 miles | Eddie's Health Shoppe West - 8025 Kingston Pike |
| December 13 | 2 | 3 miles | 7 miles | New Balance Knoxville - 8027F Kingston Pike |
| December 20 | 3 | 4 miles | 8 miles | Eddie's Health Shoppe Downtown - hosted by Knoxville |
| December 27 | 4 | 5 miles | 8 miles | NO ORGANIZED GROUP RUN - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! |
| January 1, 2026 | 5 | 3.1 miles | 3.1 miles | New Year's Day 5K |
| January 3 | 6 | 5 miles | 10.5 miles | Eddie's Health Shoppe West - 8025 Kingston Pike |
| January 10 | 7 | 6 miles | 11 miles | New Balance Knoxville - 8027F Kingston Pike |
| January 17 | 8 | 8 miles | 12 miles | - hosted by Knoxville Endurance |
| January 24 | 9 | 5 miles | 10 miles | Oak Ridge 10 Miler and 5 Miler |
| January 31 | 10 | 8 miles | 14 miles | Runners Market - 4443 Kingston Pike |
| February 7 | 11 | 7.5 miles | 12 miles | The Long Run - 2452 Sutherland Avenue |
| February 14 | 12 | 10K | Half Marathon | Strawberry Plains Half Marathon and 10K |
| February 21 | 13 | 9 miles | 16.4 miles | |
| February 28 | 14 | 9.5 miles | 19 miles | Runners Market |
| March 7 | 15 | 10 miles | 19 miles | The Long Run - 2452 Sutherland Ave |
| March 14-15 | 16 | 10 miles | 20 miles | Pistol Ultra |
| March 21 | 17 | 10 miles | 12 miles | Fleet Feet Knoxville - 11619 Parkside Dr |
| March 28 | 18 | 10 miles | 12 miles | Eddie's Health Shoppe Downtown - 455 Union Avenue |
| April 4 | 19 | 10 miles | 12 miles | TBD |
| April 11-12 | 20 | 13.1 | 26.2 | RACE DAY!! |
NOTE: This is a recommended 9 week training plan that could get you ready for race day!
| Week | Distance |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alternate jogging and walking 1/4 mile intervals for a total of 1 mile |
| 2 | Jog 1/2 mi, walk 1/4 mi, jog 1/4 mi for a total of 1 mile |
| 3 | Jog 3/4 mi, walk 1/4 mi, jog 1/2 mi for a total of 1.5 miles |
| 4 | Jog 1 mi, walk 1/4 mi, jog 1/4 mi for a total of 1.5 miles |
| 5 | Jog 1 1/4 mis, walk 1/4 mi, jog 1/2 mi for a total of 2 miles |
| 6 | Jog 1 1/2 mi, walk 1/4 mi, jog 1/4 mi for a total of 2 miles |
| 7 | Jog 2 mis, walk 1/4 mi, jog 1/4 mi for a total of 2.5 miles |
| 8 | Jog 2.5 miles |
| 9 | Race Day! |
* The Saturday Morning Group Runs start at 8 am.
* Run locations are subject to change. We will make a weekly recommendation for mileage options. Please check this schedule or our Facebook page for weekly updates.
*This schedule is only a suggestion. Please listen to your body and be flexible with your runs. Do not fight injuries and rest when you need to throughout your training.
*Please consult a physician before beginning any exercise program. The KTC and the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Group Run Program are not responsible for injuries. We are simply offering a schedule of organized runs for individuals training for the marathon.
*There will be runs for varying paces every Wednesday evening at Runners Market in Western Plaza for those looking for a mid-week group run. You can visit the KTC Group Run page by clicking here.