The fourth annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon will be held on March 30.  
    Last year the marathon boasted of 3,900 runners.  This year, however, participation is expected to increase.  “We’re hoping to surpass 4,000 this year,” said Amy Styles, marketing director for Covenant Health.  Over 1,200 volunteers also participated in the event.
    The marathon accommodates all levels of runners said Styles.  Runners can run the full marathon, 26.2 miles.  If that is too daunting, they can run the half marathon or the 5K, a 3.1-mile run.  Another choice is the relay.  Each person has to run six or seven miles.  “The relay is a fun way for people who don’t run as much to get involved,” said Styles.
    Styles said the goal of this event is to promote health and fitness in the community.  The marathon includes all ages and skill levels. Many people walk the marathon or the half marathon.  “It’s not all runners and joggers,” said Styles.  “People of all fitness abilities participate.”  The Cariten Kids’ Run is available for children ages six to twelve.  The oldest age group for the adult groups is 70 and over.  
    The route of the marathon passes directly through the University of Tennessee campus and ends on the 50-yard line of Neyland Stadium.  “UT works with us really well and they let us have the jumbotron,” said Styles.  As the runners are coming into the stadium, they can look up and see themselves on the jumbotron.  A post-race party in Thompson Bowling Arena is a new feature this year.
    To register to be a runner or a volunteer in the Knoxville Marathon go to www.knoxvillemarathon.com.