06-04-2025
‘It's amazing' Runners and spectators share experience at Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Sunday morning, runners took to the streets for the Covenant Health Knoxville marathon and half marathon, pushing through months of hard training to finally cross the finish line.
6 news went out and spoke with both spectators and participants to hear about their experience. The energy was electric as runners faced challenging hills, diverse routes, and some rainy weather. Family and friends came out to support their loved ones — braving the rain to cheer them on.
Photos: Thousands hit the streets for 2025 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
'It's amazing. Everybody's doing such a great job. And it's right here at the top of the hill on Noelton, and you can just see the relief on their faces. It's great,' said Crystal Ivey, a spectator supporting her daughter-in-law.
'I think it's incredible. Just seeing the training, the dedication they put into it and for it all to culminate. It's not perfect with the weather, but it's amazing to see the endurance and the athletes here,' added Grant Ivey.
World record holder Truett Hanes, participated in his second marathon of the year. He shared that he plans to tackle nine this year: next up he'll take on the Boston and Eugene marathons.
'You don't know the joy of crossing the finish line until you do it. And then it's just so positive and everyone comes out and supports each other, and everyone has a big smile on their face when you come across the finish line. You can't really justify it by words. You just have to experience it for yourself. So, I just hope everyone gets that opportunity, ' explained Hanes.
Runners from out of town felt the warmth of Knoxville's hospitality with locals offering loud cheers and encouragement throughout the race.
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'Without my family here, I wasn't really sure how it was going to go coming here by myself, but the crowd was here just to lift me up. Every single step of the way, people were saying, 'You look great, you look strong, you're smiling, you're having fun. Go after it.' And giving little kids high fives, it was just a blast,' said Ryan Baellquist-Ledger a marathon runner.
'I just feel lucky to be able to do this. And I'm thankful for the health that I have. And then to be able to come to Knoxville and run this with great people and run in the rain is just a blessing. So, thank you guys for having me out,' added Hanes.
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