04-04-2025
Knoxville marathon finish line captain inspiring students to run
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — For any runner, the goal is to make it to the finish line. The victory is sweet and so are all of the little things that come with it.
It takes a lot of coordination to make the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon a success. Volunteers are spread out en masse, tending to the races from start to finish. Among the dedicated volunteers is the finish line captain, who not only ensures that crossing the finish line is a memorable moment but also fosters a love of running in the next generation.
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'I coordinate all the different tasks that make the finish line possible for all the runners. It's more than just stepping across a line,' said Becca Russell. 'We have volunteers in place that present the medals, that are organizing the medals, people ready to give you water, medical people there to assist you if you need that. And we have a lot of volunteers that just provide directions after a runner has finished an event.'
Russell has served as the marathon's finish line captain for more than a decade.
'I love the finish line. It's a thrill to be there. I've been there 15 times at the finish line for the Knoxville Marathon. Each year I just look forward to the day coming back on the calendar again. It's like a family reunion. The celebrations that are happening are with family and friends, the stories that I get little bits and pieces of while families are waiting for a runner to come in. And then I start watching and waiting for that runner also.'
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When Russell's not volunteering at the races, she's training and inspiring the next generation of runners as a physical education teacher at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy.
'Yes, she gave us motivation. And yes, she's a fun teacher too,' said fourth grade student Deh'zion Jones.
Most runners remember what sparked their love of the sport.
'It just gives me chills to see them come across and celebrating a success, something that was difficult for them that we've worked on during PE to increase our endurance, and to be able to do that with their families and their siblings, and come right across the line, and I get to be the first high fives,' said Russell.
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They are building their endurance for the one mile Covenant Kids Run, completing their 26.2-mile journey.
'My mama did track when she was little, and I always wanted to take up after my mom. So when I run, it makes me feel like I'm in my mama's shoes,' said fourth grade student Kiara Pipkin.
And who knows? She might get to see 'Ms. Russell' at the finish line of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon one day.
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