Amateur runners seeking to kick it up a notch will have the chance to apply for a spot on an elite team training for the 2007 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.

In announcing the new program today, Covenant Health fitness expert Missy Kane encouraged individuals of all fitness abilities to apply.

"We are looking for men and women of varying ages and running experience," said Kane, who will coach the team. "Our training program will be personalized so you will receive the power, strength and motivation you need to run the 26.2 mile marathon with confidence."

Five people from the community will be selected to join the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon team that also includes celebrity team members representing the event sponsors and news media. Team members may train to run, jog or walk the full or half marathon, relay or 5K. There is no cost to apply or to participate, if selected.

Adults 18 and over are eligible to apply and applications will be accepted until September 30 and are available at www.knoxvillemarathon.com or by calling Covenant Health at 865-541-4500. Team members will be announced and begin training in November. The team will be coached by a host of Covenant Health sports medicine specialists, trainers, therapists, nutritionists and other clinicians.

Each team member will receive a comprehensive runner's evaluation screening from Covenant Therapy Centers, a fitness evaluation from Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center, and personalized training from coach Missy Kane, former Lady Vol distance coach and Olympic runner.The ups and downs of the team members' training experience will be featured in news media and other venues, and the team will make public appearances to promote the marathon. WBIR will air a one-minute film segment on the team's progress each week beginning in December and leading up to the April 1 event. The film segments will also be available on streaming video at www.knoxvillemarathon.com.

"The training experiences of the team members will generate interest in the marathon," Kane said. "We also hope their stories will motivate other people to exercise and to incorporate a physical activity into their everyday lives."

In addition to the 26.2-mile anchor race, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon will offer a 4-person relay, 13.1-mile half marathon, a 3.1-mile (5K) run, and Cariten Kids' Run, all finishing at the 50-yard line in the University of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium.

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is presented by Covenant Health and sponsored by the Knoxville Track Club, the City of Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, WBIR Channel 10, the Knoxville News Sentinel and The Point 93.1. The weekend event will include a pre-race EXPO on Saturday, March 31 and the marathon and full running events on April 1.Participation in some of the events is capped and pre-registration is encouraged. For more information about the marathon or to register online, go to www.knoxvillemarathon.com. Information also is available by calling the Knoxville Track Club at (865) 684-4291.