These are the most frequently asked questions.  If you do not find answers you need here, please feel free to contact us.

Q. What is the date of the 2009 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon?
A. Sunday, March 29, 2009.

Q. What time do the races start?
A. The marathon, 4-person relay, and half marathon will start together at 7:00 a.m.  The Cariten Kids' run will start at 7:10 a.m.  The 5k will start at 7:25 a.m. 

Q. When can I register for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon?
A. Registration will open on August 15, 2008.  At that time, all events will be open for Registration.  For each event, we will announce when registration numbers approach their caps. 

Q. If I register for the full marathon, can I change to the half marathon?
A. You may switch from the full to the half marathon at any time up to and including the day of the EXPO.  On race day, you may not switch from any race to a longer race.  However, if you are running the marathon and feel that you will be unable to complete the 26.2 miles and know this by the time the two courses split, you may complete only the half marathon...BUT, please stop for two seconds at the "switching station" and tell the volunteer you're switching.  And please take the finisher medal for the race you actually ran :-) 

Q. If I register for the half marathon, can I change to the full marathon?
A. You may switch to the full marathon as long as it is still open for new registrations. You will need to pay the difference in fees.  You may not switch from the half to the full on race day.

Q. I can't make it to packet pickup in time.  Can someone pickup my packet for me?
A. We encourage you to come pick up your own packet and enjoy the wonderful health & fitness Expo.  But, if you can't make it during the hours of 9-8 on Saturday, someone else can pick up your packet by showing a photocopy of YOUR picture ID. 

Q. Is the marathon a qualifier for the Boston Marathon?
A. Yes, the course has been certified as a qualifer for the Boston Marathon.  The full marathon's USATF Certification number is TN08015MS.

Q. Is the course very hilly?
A. The course has some hills, particularly in the first half of the marathon.  It is not terribly hilly though. You can see a course profile in the race information page. The total elevation change is not dramatic, but there aren’t very many miles that are just flat. 

Q. Is there a course elevation profile available?
A. Yes.  You can download a PDF of the course profile here.

Q. What type of sports drink will be available on the course?
A. Every runner refreshment station will be stocked with Powerade.  There will be 18 stations on the marathon course, 8 for the half marathon, and 1 for the 5k.

Q. Does the race provide transportation for relay runners?
A. No.  All relay participants will be responsible for their own transportaion to and from relay exchange points.

Q. Can I wear headphones during the race?
A. Due to insurance regulations, we ask that headphones not be worn.

Q. Can I walk any of the races?
A. As a registered participant, you are welcome to walk in any of the races.  But, you must be able to keep up a pace of 16 min per mile.  Also, there will be a few sections of the course (marked by signage and announced by volunteers) where we will ask that walkers and slower runners stay to the right to ensure everyone's safety.  And we do ask that walkers please start toward the back of the pack. 

Q. Will there be an early start for walkers?
A. No separate start for walkers.  All participants, whether running or walking, will begin at the planned race start times.  If you plan to walk, we ask that you start near the back for your safety and that of the runners.  Thank you.

Q. Will gel be available on course?
A. On the full marathon course, there will be two gel stations, at approximately the 11 mile and 17 mile marks.  We will be serving GU brand gel at these stations.  On the half-marathon course, there will be gel at approximately the 11 mile mark.  Flavors available will include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry banana.  Please only take 1 at each station.

Q. When and where is packet pickup? 
A. All packet pickup will be at the Health & Fitness Expo on Sat., March 28th, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.  The Expo will be held in the Knoxville Convention and Exhibition Center off Worlds Fair Park.  Packets will not be mailed and there is no raceday packet pickup.

Q. Can I switch races?
A. It is important that you run the race that you registered for.  If you need to switch to a different race, PLEASE contact us prior to race weekend.  Fees may apply.

Q. Where should I eat when in town for the marathon?
A. Good question.  We have a number of Knoxville's finest restaurants to suggest.  See our list of Preferred Dining Partners.

Q. Will portable toilets be available on course?
A. Yes.  There will be 23 near each of the first six water stops on course and then 2 at each of the remaining water stops after that.  There will also be plenty in the start area AND you will have access to indoor restroom facilities inside the Knoxville Convention Center.

Q. At the stadium finish, where do spectators park and enter the stadium? 
A.  The spectator entrance will be Gate 13. This is on the side with the press box and it is just south (toward the river) of the press box. Please use this gate.
Inside the stadium, you will be able to be in the stands opposite the press box side of the field.

Plenty of parking will be available - primarily in lot G10, which is the huge lot between Neyland and Thompson Boling Arena. This garage can be accessed from Neyland Drive.