Training
The 2020 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Group Runs presented by the Eddie’s Health Shoppe, Knoxville Performance Lab, and ZenEvo Dark Chocolate will begin this fall.
The program is intended for anyone looking to experience the fun, excitement, and camaraderie of training with a group for the marathon. This program is being led by experienced runners and is open to everyone. The 2020 program is geared to not only marathoners, but half marathoners, relay, and 5K participants as well.
This is what we have to offer:
- Group runs for everyone! Runners of all levels are welcome to join us for our weekly long runs. We will have several pace groups ranging from beginner to advanced. The long runs will take place on most Saturdays. We will offer water, sports drinks, gel, and bagels at some of these runs, especially the longer ones.
- Mileage for long runs for beginners and advanced
- The safety and comfort in running with a group of people. It’s a great way to get those runs in as well as make new friends.
- FUN! FUN! FUN!
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. Knoxville Endurance is available to help with one-on-one personalized coaching plans.
Group Run Cost:
• NOTHING! We are not requiring a fee for non-KTC members to participate in the group 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:
- Contact us
- Show up. Come a few minutes early to the next group run and you can sign-up on the spot for the KTC and start reaping the benefits of being a member right away. All organized group runs will start at 8 am.
| Date | Week | Half Marathon | Marathon | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 28 | 1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | Regal Knoxville Turkey Trot 5k – Thanksgiving Morning |
| Dec. 7 | 2 | 2 miles | 4 miles | Runners Market 4443 Kingston Pike |
| Dec. 14 | 3 | 2 miles | 6 miles | Eddie's Health Shoppe 8025 Kingston Pike |
| Dec. 21 | 4 | 3 miles | 8 miles | New Balance Knoxville 8027F Kingston Pike |
| Dec. 28 | 5 | 3 miles | 10 miles | No organized group run Merry Christmas! |
| Jan. 1 | 6 | 3.1 | 3.1 | Calhoun’s New Year’s Day 5k 400 Neyland Drive |
| Jan. 4 | 7 | 4 miles | 12 miles | Tennessee Sports Medicine Group (Cherokee Mills) 2260 Sutherland Ave Hosted by Knoxville Endurance |
| Jan. 11 | 8 | 5 miles | 13 miles | Eddie’s Health Shoppe 455 Union Avenue (Downtown) |
| Jan. 18 | 9 | 6 miles | 10 miles | Calhoun’s 10 Miler – Oak Ridge |
| Jan. 25 | 10 | 7.5 miles | 14 miles | New Balance Knoxville 8027F Kingston Pike |
| Feb. 1 | 11 | 6.2 miles | 13.1 miles | Strawberry Plains Half Marathon or 10K |
| Feb. 8 | 12 | 8 miles | 16 miles | Fleet Feet Sports Knoxville 11619 Parkside Dr |
| Feb. 16 | 13 | 6.2 (relay) | 30K (18.6 miles) | Whitestone 30K or Team Relay Paint Rock, TN |
| Feb. 22 | 14 | 8 miles | 16 miles | Tennessee Sports Medicine Group (Cherokee Mills) 2260 Sutherland Ave |
| Feb. 29 | 15 | 9 miles | 18 miles | lululemon athletica 5410 Kingston Pike |
| Mar. 7 | 16 | 10 miles | 20 miles | Runners Market 4443 Kingston Pike |
| Mar. 14 | 17 | 10 miles | 15 miles | Start Line – Clinch Avenue Bridge |
| Mar. 21 | 18 | 12 miles | 12 miles | Eddie’s Health Shoppe 455 Union Avenue (Downtown) |
| Mar. 29 | 19 | 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! |
*All organized group runs will begin at 8:00 am. Run locations are subject to change. 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.
*We will provide water and snacks at most of the training runs. Be sure to bring your own water and energy bar/gel for after your runs.
*There will be runs for varying paces every Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm at the 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.
*In addition to the Wednesday night group runs, there are group runs on Monday nights from Bearden Beer Market and Balter Beerworks. Give them a call for more information.