Mayor Bill Haslam, Covenant Health CEO Tony Spezia and representatives of the Knoxville Track Club announced the date, the new name and other details of the city's 2006 marathon at a news conference today at Neyland Stadium.

 "Knoxville's inaugural marathon was a tremendous success, not only did the runners have a great time, I think the folks who volunteered and came out to cheer did too," Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam said. "For the next seven months, the city will work with Covenant Health and the Knoxville Track Club to increase the number of people participating and make the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon one of the best running events in the country."

The newly re-named Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is set for Sunday, March 26, 2006. Organizers expect the route to remain basically the same - winding through the UT campus, Fort Sanders, Sequoyah Hills, Fourth & Gill, Parkridge, Island Home and Old Sevier neighborhoods, as well as downtown.The race will end inside Neyland Stadium, and runners finishes will be flashed upon the Jumbotron.

"We're already gearing up to help the Knoxville Track Club present the city with another first-class event for participants and fans that promotes good health and fun through fitness," Covenant Health President and CEO Tony Spezia said. "Covenant Health is committed to helping people adopt healthier, more active lifestyles, but first we have to get their attention. By partnering with the track club and the City of Knoxville, the marathon can help bring this important message of health to thousands of men, women and children."

Mayor Haslam reveals the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Countdown to March 26, 2006.Proof of the inaugural success is reported in the recently published profile and satisfaction study by the University of Tennessee. The survey, conducted after the inaugural marathon in March, examined marathon participants' demographics, their overall satisfaction, estimated travel expenditures and the local economic impact generated by participants and their friends and family. The study estimated the inaugural marathon's economic impact on Knoxville was more than $400,000, and 78 percent of survey respondents indicated they would "absolutely" return for the next marathon.

In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon on March 26, young runners can participate in the Cariten Kids Run, which is a 1.2-mile run tailored for children. Like the inaugural event, there also will be a four-person marathon relay, half marathon at 13.1 miles and a 5k run, which is 3.1 miles. All races will end in Neyland Stadium.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.