Organizers of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon announce a continued and expanded commitment in 2026 to the Patricia Neal Innovative Recreation Cooperative (IRC) as Covenant Health demonstrates its ongoing dedication to Knoxville’s premier community health event. Covenant Health, the largest healthcare system and top employer in Knoxville, has committed once again to support the multifaceted racing event in 2026, marking its 22nd year, both as title sponsor and for the event overall.
“We are proud to support the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, which offers a great opportunity for families to get active together,” said Jim VanderSteeg, president and CEO for Covenant Health. “Whether you’re just beginning a health journey or you’re an elite runner, there really is something for everyone. That’s why we’ve been pleased to support this event as part of our commitment to improving quality of life in the region through better health.” Checks totaling $14,000 were recently presented to local nonprofit organizations, including the Patricia Neal IRC. The funds came from proceeds from last year’s race events.
Since 2005, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon and the Knoxville Track Club have donated a portion of proceeds to local charities for a total of $268,000, including $61,000 to the IRC, a long-established beneficiary which enhances quality of life for those who have suffered a life-changing injury or illness in East Tennessee. For 2026, race organizers have announced plans to continue and strengthen that relationship.
“Working with the Patricia Neal Innovative Recreation Cooperative has been truly inspiring and we welcome the opportunity to enhance this partnership for the 2026 races,” said Jason Altman, race director for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. “The organization has made great strides in helping people with disabilities pursue leisure and sports activities including hand cycling, which is one of our annual races.”
Prior to, and throughout the 2026 marathon, IRC participants and volunteers will participate in race events and help advance disability education and awareness.
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon has become the largest competitive road race in East Tennessee, attracting participants from all over the United States and across the globe. Total participation has grown from 3,302 in 2005 to more than 6,510 participants who crossed the finish line in 2025.
The 2026 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race weekend kicks off Saturday, April 11, with the 5K, Covenant Kids Run and Health and Fitness Expo. The full marathon, half marathon and relays take place Sunday, April 12, beginning at sunrise, capped off by the Pilot Post-Race
Party.
Covenant Health Therapy Centers will provide a finish line first aid station and post-race therapy area, a state-of-the-art therapeutic cool-down station for all runners staffed by more than 10 physical therapists trained to assess and triage sports injuries, answer questions, assist with cool-down stretching and provide appropriate follow-up care instructions.
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