Why Run the Knoxville Marathon 

The start of a new year brings a chance to reset, refocus and take the next steps toward better health. For many in our community, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is that next step. When you register, you’re committing to more than a race. You’re making a promise to push yourself forward.  

Two Covenant Health employees—Logan Pendergrass, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, and Dana Davidson, RN and care experience coach—are already lacing up their sneakers. Their stories remind us that anyone can start. Anyone can grow. Anyone can cross the finish line. 

Why Logan is Running 

For Logan, the marathon is a personal comeback. 

“I signed up for the marathon this year as a personal goal to get back into running,” he said. “I was signed up last year but due to injury was unable to train or run.” 

Life got busy. Work, kids and late nights made training hard. He shared that he once found himself running at 9–9:30 p.m. after the kids went to sleep but knew that time wasn’t sustainable. 

This year, he’s keeping his goal simple: finish the race. 

“My training this year has been non‑existent,” he said with a laugh. “Sickness, kids, work… all the best intentions.” 

Still, he’s not discouraged. Logan sees the marathon as a starting point, not an end. 

“The ultimate goal for myself is to use the marathon as a springboard to push myself further,” he said. “I would love to be able to do an ultramarathon one day.” 

Why Dana is Running 

Dana Davidson signed up for a different reason: finding joy. 

Dana didn’t grow up running. He found it later as a way to stay active between mountain bike rides. A few friends encouraged him to try a race, and he completed his first half marathon in 2023. His father, a long-time runner, came out to cheer during Dana’s first race. Seeing him on the course that day made the moment unforgettable.  

Robert Davidson, Dana Davidson’s Father 

“Something about that run felt different when I saw him in the crowd cheering me on,” he said. 

After that race, Dana was excited to keep going, but he began struggling with increasing knee pain. He thought his running days were over. Instead, he found support. 

Getting Back into Running 

He worked with Covenant Health’s outpatient physical therapy team at Covenant Health West. “My physical therapist, Mark Conley, was able to get me back into shape with some knowledge about how to take care of my knees,” he said. With that help, he returned the next year and ran the full marathon, injury‑free. 

“I signed up for pure fun,” he said. “There are so many people out there cheering for you; it’s a riot.” 

This year, Dana hopes to finish the half marathon in under two hours. He knows the hills will be tough, but he’s ready. 

“The hardest thing about running is putting your shoes on,” he said. “Once you’re out the door, it’s just one foot in front of the other.” 

Your Turn to Start 

Both runners agree: you don’t have to be fast. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin. 

As Dana put it, “Marathon, half marathon, relay or 5K—it doesn’t matter. What matters is taking that first step.” 

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend is April 11-12, 2026. Whether you walk, jog or run, you’ll join a community moving toward better health together. Register for your race today.