Annual Covenant Kids Run to kick off at new location

1-mile fun run at DICK’S House of Sport marks beginning of children’s racing challenge

The Covenant Kids Run kickoff will be held in a new location in 2024 at DICK’S House of Sport with a 1-mile course that winds around West Town Mall, starting and finishing at the sports store. The run will start Saturday, Feb. 10, at 9 a.m.

The annual run, now in its 20th year, provides hundreds of children from across East Tennessee a chance to participate in a fitness challenge and encourages kids to be active, support their schools and get involved in one of the community’s largest events.

“The Covenant Kids Run continues to be an inspiring tradition that leads more children to healthy lifestyles, and we are excited to introduce a larger, sports-focused starting location,” Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Race Director Jason Altman said. “Empower a child in your life by registering them and joining the child at the event. You’ll both get closer to achieving your fitness goals and enjoy being active together!”

The kickoff 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 is open at runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/KnoxvilleMarathon for the Covenant Kids Run. 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 partner with this time-honored event in our community and assist in bringing it to a centralized location at West Town Mall,” said Margo Pressley, DICK’S House of Sport community and events manager. “This collaboration allows the shared efforts of the Covenant Kids Run and DICK’S Sporting Goods to foster community engagement and promote a healthy, active lifestyle among our youth. We aim to commit to our efforts in encouraging children to embrace physical activity, goal setting and the impact that sports have to change lives.”

“West Town Mall believes in the power of coming together for meaningful causes,” said Kippy Price, West Town Mall director of marketing and business development. “Serving as a proud host in tandem with DICK’S House of Sport for the Covenant Kids Run is a partnership that allows the mall to stay committed to nurturing the Knoxville community.”

Each child who 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 the 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.

“This event is all about inspiring healthy lifestyles and giving back to our local schools and organizations that serve students,” Altman said. “Register today and enjoy the challenge!”

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.