25-03-2025
Where to cheer on runners during the 2025 Knoxville Marathon
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The first weekend in April, runners from across the country will be lining up for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. If you're looking to cheer on runners, here's what you need to know.
The Covenant Health Kids Run is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, followed by the 5K at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. Then on Sunday, April 6, the marathon, half marathon, and relay events will be starting at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 6.
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There's a new route for this year's edition of the marathon, meaning you might need to plan ahead for new places to watch from. According to the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, this year's route is designed to show of Knoxville and run through several of the city's neighborhoods. This year's route will also have runners going through WATE 6 News' parking lot!
Start Line – Clinch Avenue BridgeThe starting line for all of the races is the Clinch River Bridge. Unlike last, runners in the full marathon will not be crossing the bridge a second time on the course. Full marathon runners will be running back through World's Fair Park from the south during the last mile of the race, and half marathon runners will be looping back into the park from World's Fair Park Drive between miles 12 and 13 of their race.
Kingston PikeAlthough it is a quick turnaround for those watching from the starting line, between miles three and four of the full and half marathons, runners will be on Kingston Pike from Neyland Drive to Cherokee Boulevard. While parking is not readily available in the area, there are sidewalks along the westbound side of the road.
Western PlazaAt mile eight on the marathon and half marathon route, Western Plaza is a great place to watch for the 'triumphant faces' of runners who have conquered the hill at Noelton Drive. The spot is also a spot where live bands will be performing.
Tyson ParkAfter runners continue on Third Creek Greenway, Tyson Park is where mile 11 of the races will be. This is one of the last good places to watch half marathoners, who will then be taking 22nd Street to Forest Avenue in the Fort Sanders neighborhood before running down World's Fair Park Drive to the finish line.
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The Old CityWhile the race will be over for half marathoners, between miles 13 and 14, marathon runners will be taking Jackson Avenue to North Gay Street and then West Magnolia Avenue in the Old City. Given the close proximity to downtown, this area has ample space for onlookers to cheer on runners.
Fourth and Gill NeighborhoodBetween miles 14 and 16 of the marathon, runners will be going through much of the Fourth and Gill neighborhood, especially on Luttrell Street and Eleanor Street.
WATE StudiosThis section of the race will also be when runners loop through WATE's parking lot. Runners on Broadway will turn right into our parking lot. They will then run through it and exit on Luttrell before turning right onto Wells.
Caswell ParkAt mile 17, runners will be passing through Caswell Park from East 5th Avenue. The location will also have live bands performing. Mile 17 will also have race participants running by Parkridge Park as well.
Island HomeMiles 20 through 23 of the marathon will be in the Island Home neighborhood. While the main place to watch will be near Willis Place and Island Home Boulevard, runners will be going down Island Home Avenue before looping at Willis Place and running by Island Home Park. From Spence Place, marathon participants will then run back up Island Home Avenue toward Sevier Avenue.
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Finish Line – World's Fair ParkFor the final mile of the race, runners will be taking Second Creek Greenway to World's Fair Park to the finish line, close to the World's Fair Park Exhibition Hall.
WATE is also live-streaming the event on our YouTube Channel and our website. To find more Knoxville Marathon news, click here.
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