East Tennessee elementary schools are invited to participate in the Covenant Kids Run Fittest School Challenge in 2023! 

The challenge is a friendly competition between local elementary schools to promote healthy physical activities and get kids excited about exercising. It’s based on participation in the annual held in conjunction with the Covenant Kids Run on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Each child participating in the Covenant Kids Run on March 26 will earn one point for their school. Then each school’s respective points are tallied and divided by total enrollment to determine participation percentage. 

Children in eighth grade or younger can participate in the Fittest School Challenge. Schools register for the competition and provide a total student body count. Schools with the highest percentage of participation win the title of “Fittest School” and prizes. 

For 2023, the event will be sponsored by Dollywood® Parks and Resort!

2023 Covenant Kids Run

As part of Covenant Health’s community initiatives, this year will once again feature a one-mile Covenant Kids Run as a part of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend. 

The Covenant Kids Run is a program that encourages local children in Knoxville to lead healthy and active lifestyles while participating in an exciting, goal-oriented community event.

Those participating will run a total of 25 miles in the time period leading up to the race on April 1, 2023. On race day, participants will run a 1-mile course, finally completing the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. The course will begin at Clinch Avenue Bridge in downtown Knoxville. 

Participants can walk, jog, or run the 26.2 miles, and parents are encouraged to help during the first 25 miles. 

Location: Clinch Avenue Bridge 

Time: 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 1.

Kickoff at Zoo Knoxville

The Covenant Kids Run kicks off at Zoo Knoxville on Saturday, February 4th! The kickoff cost is covered when participants register for the Covenant Kids Run – along with admission to the Zoo! 

They have an option to run or walk the 26.2 miles. Our goal is not only to address personal fitness, but to build self esteem and confidence through goal setting and teamwork. Parents and/or teachers are encouraged to help during the process.

Register Now!

Register your child today in the Covenant Kids Run, and get them involved in community events! The initial sign-up fee is only $20, but the price will increase after February 15th.

Get Need-based Waivers

Covenant Health and the Knoxville Track Club want to ensure that as many children as possible who want to participate can. A limited number of need-based fee waivers are available for children who cannot afford the registration fee.

The need-based fee waivers are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible children are those who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

For More Information

For additional information on the race or need-based waivers, please contact Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Race Director, at (865) 684-4294 or [email protected].

Need-based Waivers

Covenant Health and the Knoxville Track Club want to ensure that as many children as possible who want to participate can. A limited number of need-based fee waivers are available for children who cannot afford the registration fee. Monies to cover the expense primarily come from marathon participants themselves. Every adult who registers for a race is asked if they would like to donate $15 to cover the fee for a child who cannot afford to participate. The need-based fee waivers are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Eligible children are those who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

For more information or to recommend students for a need-based waiver, contact Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Race Director at (865) 684-4294.