The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon will begin on the Clinch Avenue Bridge and end in Neyland Stadium on March 30, 2008 for all those who want to partake.
    Runners interested in the marathon, half marathon, four person relay, 5k, kids run, or team competition should register as soon as possible before the registration fees increase on February 15, 2008. Also, about 1000 volunteers are needed come race day and help is greatly appreciated.  Many students, including Team Vols, helped out last year as course monitors, at water stops, and cheering stations.
    "With the courses so heavily focused on the Fort Sanders area and UT Campus, we would encourage students to participate in one of the events on their home turf or help support it by volunteering," Mickey Mallonee, director of Special Events for the City of Knoxville, said.
    There is no race day registration and the last day to register will be at the Health and Fitness Expo on March 29, 2008. Training and preparation should start now, if not already. The City of Knoxville has tried to work around UT's spring break schedule to hold the event and get more students involved. To sign up for the race or volunteer visit the website or participating locations and become apart of this growing event.
    "In 2005, we had about 3,200 total participants. Since then, we have grown to 3,600 in 2006, 3,900 in 2007, and are anticipating around 4,500 this year," Mallonee stated.
    The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is a relatively hilly course that offers a scenic view around Knoxville. The marathon, relay, and half marathon will start at 7:00 am that Saturday morning. The kids run will start at 7:10 am and the 5k at 7:10. Come early and be ready for an exciting and challenging event.