KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UPDATE MONDAY: Runners who have been missing the postponed Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon now have a target date for which to train: Oct. 2-3.
On Monday, planners announced the in-person Kids Run and 5K would take place the afternoon and evening of Saturday, Oct. 2, and the in-person marathon, half marathon and relay events would be held starting 7:30 a.m. Oct. 3.
Come October, if they wish, runners still will be able to participate remotely.
Last year's marathon first was bumped from March 2020 to the fall and then ultimately forced to be held in a virtual format. Early this year, race organizers warned that this year's event was being postponed from March but hadn't announced a precise new date.
Past courses have taken runners through some of the city's most scenic neighborhoods.
"Race officials currently are confirming the race routes and planning additional festivities for finishers, families, and fans to enjoy," Monday's announcement states.
If you deferred registration from 2020 to the 2021 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, you'll still be able to participate as planned.
Current registration fees include $65 for the full marathon; $50 for half-marathon and two-person relay; $40 for four-person relay; $25 for 5K; and $10 for Covenant Kids Run. Price increases for entry fees will go into effect later this spring.
More information will be released in the future.
PREVIOUS STORY: The 2021 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon has been rescheduled to the fall due to Tennessee's surge in COVID-19 cases.
The 17th annual marathon was scheduled for the weekend of March 27-28.
The Knoxville Track Club and Covenant Health are still working to confirm the new 2021 scheduling and ensure a safe plan is in place for an in-person race weekend.
According to a release, the specific dates will be announced as soon as possible.
“We are dedicated to providing opportunities for East Tennesseans and visitors to our community to set and achieve personal fitness goals,” said Jason Altman, race director of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. “As part of that commitment, we must prioritize the health and safety of participants and volunteers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We also want to ensure a reliably scheduled and managed event, as is within our abilities, to continue to execute the region’s premier road race event at the top quality that our participants and supporters expect from the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.”
Organizers said in the meantime, you should keep on moving whether it's walking, jogging, or running, and set goals for the fall race.
The release also stated anyone who deferred registration from 2020 to 2021 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon will be able to participate in the fall event as planned.
New participants will also be able to register once a new date is set.
“We extend best wishes for a safe and healthy year to everyone training for race weekend, and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line," said Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg. "As the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine gets underway, we encourage everyone to continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands to slow the spread of illness so that we can race and celebrate in person this fall."
For more information, visit Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon call 888-217-5635.
