FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions.  If you do not find answers you need here, please feel free to contact us.

Q. What is the date of the 2013 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon?
A. Sunday, March 30, 2014.

Q. What time do the races start?
A. The marathon, marathon relay, and half marathon will start together at 7:30 a.m.  The 5k will start at 7:45 a.m.  Please note that the 2014 Covenant Kids Run will start at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29.

Q. When can I register for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon?
A. Registration will open August 1, 2013.

Q. If I register for the full marathon, can I change to the half marathon?
A. Yes, but you MUST notify us BEFORE race day if you plan to switch.  The sooner the better.

Q. If I register for the half marathon, can I change to the full marathon?
A. You may switch to the full marathon as long as it is still open for new registrations. You will need to pay the difference in fees at the expo.  You may not switch from the half to the full on race day.

Q. I can't make it to packet pickup in time.  Can someone pickup my packet for me?
A. We encourage you to come pick up your own packet and enjoy the wonderful health & fitness Expo.  But, if you can't make it during the hours of 9-8 on Saturday, someone else can pick up your packet by showing a photocopy of YOUR picture ID. 

Q. Is the marathon a qualifier for the Boston Marathon?
A. Yes, the course has been certified as a qualifer for the Boston Marathon.  The full marathon's USATF Certification number is TN08015MS.

Q. Is the course very hilly?
A. The course has some hills, particularly in the first half of the marathon.  It is not terribly hilly though. You can see a course profile in the race information page. The total elevation change is not dramatic, but there aren’t very many miles that are just flat. 

Q. Is there a course elevation profile available?
A. Yes.  You can download a PDF of the course profile here.

Q. What type of sports drink will be available on the course?
A. Every runner refreshment station will be stocked with Powerade.  There will be 18 stations on the marathon course, 8 for the half marathon, and 1 for the 5k.

Q. Does the race provide transportation for relay runners?
A. No.  All relay participants will be responsible for their own transportaion to and from relay exchange points.

Q. Can I wear headphones during the race?
A. Yes, our insurance policy through the USATF allows headphones.  Please, however, be careful, keeping in mind both your own safety and the safety of the participants around you.  Also, keep in mind that we recruit 20 bands and the Party Boys DJ Show to play at locations on the course.  There's plenty of music out there!

Q. Can I walk any of the races?
A. As a registered participant, you are welcome to walk in any of the races.  The police and volunteers will roll the course up at a 16 min/mile pace; if you were to fall behind this pace, you may continue, but we will ask that you move to the sidewalk as to ensure your safety.  And we do ask that walkers please start toward the back of the pack. 

Q. Will there be an early start for walkers?
A. No separate start for walkers.  All participants, whether running or walking, will begin at the planned race start times.  If you plan to walk, we ask that you start near the back for your safety and that of the runners.  Thank you.

Q. When and where is packet pickup? 
A. All packet pickup will be at the Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday, March 29, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.  The Expo will be held in the Knoxville Convention and Exhibition Center off Worlds Fair Park.  This is the lower level of the Holiday Inn.  (525 Henley Street)  Packets will not be mailed and there is no raceday packet pickup.

Q. Can I switch races?
A. It is important that you run the race that you registered for.  If you need to switch to a different race, PLEASE contact us at the health and fitness expo.

Q. Where should I eat when in town for the marathon?
A. Good question.  We have a number of Knoxville's finest restaurants to suggest.  See our list of Preferred Dining Partners.

Q. Will portable toilets be available on course?
A. Yes.  There will be 5 near each of the first six water stops on course and then 4 at each of the remaining water stops after that.  There will also be plenty in the start area on both the concourse of the Knoxville Convention Center and the concourse of the Holiday Inn World's Fair Park.

Q. At the stadium finish, where do spectators park and enter the stadium? 
A.  The spectator entrance will be Gate 21. This is on the northwest side of the stadium.  
Once inside the stadium, spectators will be able to be in the stands in sections A-F and R-Z only.

For participants or spectators parking at the finish line, please park in lot G10, which is the huge lot between Neyland Stadium and Thompson Boling Arena. This garage can be accessed from Neyland Drive or from Phillip Fulmer Way via Lake Loudon Blvd.