December 13, 2023
The Covenant Kids Run kickoff is set for Saturday, Feb. 10, at 9 a.m. at DICK’S House of Sport with a new 1-mile course that winds around West Town Mall, starting and finishing at the sports mecca.
Hundreds of children from across East Tennessee are expected to participate, and the annual run encourages kids to be active, support their schools and get involved in one of the community’s largest events. As the holidays near, gifting the experience could be the perfect change of pace.
“The Covenant Kids Run continues to inspire more children to lead healthy lifestyles, and we are excited to introduce a larger, sports-focused starting location,” said Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race director. “Empower a child in your life by registering them during the holidays and joining the child at the event. You’ll both get closer to achieving your fitness goals and enjoy being active together!”
The Feb. 10 event is the start of the student exercise challenge, which will finish with a final mile at World’s Fair Park during the Covenant Health Marathon weekend on Saturday, April 6. Throughout the two months between events, children will complete the exercise equivalent of a 26.2-mile marathon. All activity counts, including running, walking and playing. Children in eighth grade and younger are eligible to participate.
Registration for the Covenant Kids Run is open now at knoxvillemarathon.com/register. Day-of registration will start at 8 a.m. at DICK’S House of Sport. The $30 registration fee covers the cost of the kick-off event, last lap, a finisher medal, T-shirt, goody bag and finisher certificate.
“DICK’S House of Sport is thrilled to be partnering with this longstanding event in our community and assist in bringing it to the more centralized location of West Town Mall,” said Margo Pressley, DICK’S House of Sport community and events manager. “This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of the Covenant Kids Run and DICK’S Sporting Goods to fostering community engagement and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle among our youth. By joining forces with such a renowned event, we aim to amplify our efforts in encouraging children to embrace physical activity, teamwork and the impact that sports have to change lives.”
“As a community-driven destination, West Town Mall believes in the power of coming together for meaningful causes,” said Kippy Price, West Town Mall director of marketing & business development. “Serving as a proud host in tandem with DICK’S House of Sport and the Covenant Kids Run is a partnership that seamlessly aligns with the mall’s steadfast commitment to nurturing a thriving and healthy community in Knoxville.”
Each child that participates in the Covenant Kids Run on April 6 will earn one point for his or her school in the Fittest School Challenge, a competition among area schools that is sponsored by Dollywood. Schools with the highest participation percentage will win prize money and a Fittest School Challenge plaque. The prize money is applied at the school’s discretion to make the most positive impact, often going toward physical education programs and supplies.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley also is encouraging participation in the Covenant Kids Run. As the 2024 Community Partner, the clubs are incentivizing children to get active and earn titles for their club, including the club with the most participants and first club to finish the marathon challenge. Members can get involved by contacting their club.
In case of inclement weather on Feb. 10, the Covenant Kids Run kickoff will be rescheduled to Feb. 17. Visit knoxvillemarathon.com for updates.
“The purpose of the Covenant Kids Run is not just to promote physical fitness, but also to help children build self-esteem and confidence through goal setting and teamwork,” Altman said. “Give a meaningful gift that they’ll remember; register today!”
About the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is a premier event organized by the Knoxville Track Club, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the encouragement of physical well-being through running and walking.
