The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Kids Run is hosting a kick-off fun run at the Knoxville Zoo on Saturday, Feb. 4, at noon to encourage kids to take part in a winter fitness journey that culminates with an exciting and rewarding finish.

Children ages 12 and under can hop, skip, walk or run a fun mile at the Knoxville Zoo and log their first mile in a challenge to complete a full 26.2 mile marathon over the weeks leading up to the Covenant Health Kids Run on March 31, 2012.

"The Covenant Kids Run is actually a two-month program that encourages the good habit of regular exercise at an early age," said Beth LaFontaine, Covenant Health.

At the kick-off run, each child receives a log book to begin tracking their miles toward the 26.2 mile marathon goal. On race day, the children run their last mile together, finishing on the 50-yard line at Neyland Stadium just like the elite athletes do the following day.

Kids can register for the run on the day of the event starting at 10:30 a.m. or online at www.knoxvillemarathon.com. The fee for the zoo fun run is $15 per child, and this also covers the child's registration for the official March 31 Covenant Kids Run. Admission to the zoo is free for children registering and one accompanying guest. Additional guests get half-price admission to the zoo.

For more information, visit www.knoxvillemarathon.com or www.covenanthealth.com/kidsrun or call 865-541-4500.