The Knoxville Marathon Organization, in conjunction with the Knoxville Track Club, the City of Knoxville, and the University of Tennessee, will host the inaugural Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 20 th, 2005.

 This multi-faceted weekend will include a pre-race EXPO and multiple racing opportunities: a full marathon, a half marathon, a 5k, and a kids run. "This is a fun event for Knoxville that will draw runners from across the country," said Mayor Bill Haslam. "Organizers are working hard to make this a memorable event for participants and those who cheer them on through courses that showcase the diversity and beauty of our area.

The city is pleased to partner with the Knoxville Marathon Organization to ensure a fun and safe race." The full marathon will be a 26.2 mile run, starting at World’s Fair Park and ending at UT’s Neyland stadium. The course will highlight several portions of Knoxville. All race finishers will be featured on the JumboTron, a massive 51 feet high by 132 feet wide LED outdoor video board. "The Greater Knoxville area is blessed with a large base of runners and one of the largest track (running) clubs in the nation. In this area, we have a chance to do a race almost every weekend throughout the year which is far more than most communities.

Our expanding greenway system, mountain trails, and the cooperation of the City in making road racing available is truly unique. This is the place and time for a Marathon." – Carl Sexton, Knoxville Track Club board president. Although the larger cities such as Atlanta, Cincinnati and Nashville already have marathons that receive national attention, several smaller towns around the Southeast also host races. "I’ve run marathons in several cities including Nashville, Birmingham, and Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

All of those races were a lot of fun – but having an event like this in Knoxville will be very exciting. I’m looking forward to Knoxville hosting some of the best runners in the country." - C. Zane Hagy A total of $250,000 in a combination of entrance fees and sponsorships must be raised to cover the expenses of the race. Sponsorship and marketing information is available by email at [email protected] or on the web at www.knoxvillemarathon.com. "For the city it will bring in revenues from out of town folks and from many local runners who normally travel to run marathons. It will also give our city some good exposure and will be a major asset to the City and the University." – Eddie Raymond, owner, The Health Shoppe.

In order to become a sponsor, a minimum amount of cash will be required to qualify for each level of sponsorship. This can be combined with product or service over and above the minimum cash requirement to reach the medal level. Membership in the Director’s Club, Contributor, or Friends of the Marathon levels may be attained with cash or a combination of cash and in-kind contributions.

Through sponsorship, you can take advantage of a significant charitable opportunity.

Sponsorship utilizes your advertising and promotional dollars to their fullest potential.
Sponsorship strengthens your corporate leadership image.

Sponsorship can help capture a truly dedicated and targeted market.

Sponsorship affords involvement with a regional health-oriented event.

How to Register:
Register online or download the registration form to mail in at www.knoxvillemarathon.com.

Registration deadlines:
Regular registration deadline is January 1, 2005.
Late registration is January 2, 2005 through March 5, 2005
Very late registration at the EXPO will be Saturday, March 19 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
There will be no day-of-race registration for the marathon.

Registration costs:
Full Marathon: Early $45, Late $55, Very Late $65.
Half Marathon: Early $35, Late $45, Very Late $55.
Relay Team (4 person team): Early $30/person, Late $35/person, Very Late $45/person. (Note: Team Name along with individual names need to be reflected on each team entry.)
5K run/walk: Early $25, Late $30, Very Late $35.
Kids 1.2 mile run: $8 Early, $10 Late, Very Late $12.
EXPO PASTA DINNER (OPTIONAL): $15