2009 Fittest Company Challenge
Winning companies were presented with awards at a recent Knoxville Chamber After Hours gathering. Scroll down to see results from the 2009 event.
(from left: Jason Altman - KTC, Doris Gove - University of TN Faculty, Gus Floodquist - Tennessee State Bank, Kara Ethier - Bush Bros., Russell Hale - LeBlanc Financial, Amy Grover - Bush Bros., Tonya Stoutt-Brown - Covenant Health)
2009 Fittest Company Challenge Results
Results are in for the 2009 Fittest Company Challenge. Companies were separated into 3 categories: Small (1-100 employees), Medium (101-500), and Large (501+). Awards will be presented to the top three companies in each category. Here are the results of the top employers:
Large
1. The University of Tennessee - Faculty and Staff 1071.55
2. Knox County Schools 939.70
3. UT Medical Center 645.65
4. ORNL 491.55
5. TVA 470.20
6. Clayton Homes 464.10
Medium
1. Radio Systems Corp. 445.80
2. Tennessee State Bank 206.45
3. Bush Bros. 161.30
4. Ruby Tuesday 139.95
Small
1. TN Air National Guard 121.00
2. Crowe Horwath LLC 107.55
3. LeBlanc Financial 106.50
4. Philotechnics 64.80
Congratulations to all the companies and their employees that participated in the 2009 Fittest Company Challenge!
Q: What is the Fittest Company Challenge? 
A: The Challenge presented by the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership is an opportunity for friendly competition among area businesses during all the marathon events. For each employee who finishes a race, your company gets 1 point per mile finished. For points to be counted employees must register properly and finish on the 50-yard line.
Breakdown of points possible:
• Marathoner = 26.2 points
• Half-Marathoner = 13.1 points
• Relay = 6.55 points per person (4 person relay teams)
• 5k Runners = 3.1 points
• Volunteers = 1 point
Q: Do we have to run the marathon to participate?
A: No one from your company has to run the marathon to participate in the challenge. Employees can participate in any event as a runner or walker. However, we do not encourage walking a marathon because of time restraints. Rather, we encourage walkers to participate in the 5k or half marathon or as part of a relay team.
Q: Do we have to be a large company to participate?
A: There are categories for small, medium, and large companies, as determined by number of employees listed in Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership's directory of area employers. You will only be competing against other companies of similar size. Plaques are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place companies per category.
Q: How do we receive points for our employees finishing?
A: Assign a “coach” for your company to be the contact person. Have them contact the marathon office and we'll add the company to the participating list during registration. Allow us 48 hours to add the company to the online registration process. Inform employees they need to include Employer Name on their registration forms.
Q: What if no one from our company is a runner?
A: Marathon officials will provide training programs to help participants prepare for their event. The Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic training program is organized to help both beginners and advanced runners reach their goal. Remember that walkers are also encouraged to participate in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.
Q: Why should I promote this program to our employees?
A: Running and walking promotes a healthy lifestyle, which in turn creates healthier employees who rely less on health insurance, which helps control the bottom line. It is also a good way to boost company spirit and a fun way for employees to interact outside the office.
Common Questions & Answers:
Q: Does the team “coach” register the entire company team?
A: The Company “coach” should contact the marathon office to add the company name to the online registration form. The coach must register the company name before participants can add themselves to the team. Please allow 48 hours for the company names to be updated. It is each person's responsibility to register for thier event.
Q: What if I cannot find my company name when registering?
A: If you company name isn’t showing up two things could be the problem, the marathon office has not been notified to add the team or 48 hours have not passed allowing our office to update the online registration process.
If you are turning in a paper registration form, please remember to write your employer's name so we can award points to the company.
Q: Our company would like to pay the registration fees for our employees, how should that be handled?
A: Contact the marathon office to discuss options.
Q: Can my family and friends sign up as part of our company challenge team?
A: Although we encourage all family and friends to participate in the marathon and associated event, they may not sign up as part of the corporate challenge unless they are employees of the company.
Ways to encourage involvement from employees:
• Offer team gear with company logo to wear during training runs and race day
• Challenge another department or local companies to see who can have more participants
• Offer an extra day off (the Monday after would be most appreciated) to recover for those running in the marathon
• Invite a marathon guest speaker to talk to employees about health and wellness
• Hang inspirational flyers in break rooms and other public areas (Check back to this website for printable posters to encourage participation)
• Encourage top level management to participate
• Provide training updates through company emails and paycheck envelopes
• Pay part or all of participants’ registration fees (or reimburse after race day)
Contact the marathon office with additional questions. Email or Phone: 865-684-4294 | 
