it's marathon weekend!

My favorite Knoxville weekend of the year is almost here! It's Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend!

This always ends up being a big weekend for Knoxville with tons of activities going on. This weekend also happens to be First Friday and the Rhythm N' Blooms festival, so there will be lots of fun goings-on in the Downtown-ish area. My personal favorite is the Marathon, because I am an avid runner and because I truly love to see people succeed at such an amazing goal.

Committing to run any of these events--whether the 5k, relay, half marathon or marathon--is such an amazing feat for so many people. This event is what fitness and goal-setting is all about. For some people, this will be their first time ever running 3.1 miles, and others will be experiencing their first 26.2. To me, running is a metaphor for perseverance and dedication; and I am so proud of each and every runner who gets out there and goes for it.

I was planning to run the marathon this year but a foot injury is keeping me booted up and on the sidelines. So I will be manning a water station at around mile 7, excited to see all the half marathoners and marathoners whiz by me.

If you are running, good luck. If you aren't running, please consider attending the fitness expo on Saturday the 2nd, cheering on the course, or volunteering. There are still plenty of volunteer opportunities available, and believe me, the runners and the hard working folks of the Knoxville Track Club will be so thankful for your help. You know what they say - it takes a village. The races begin at 7:30am on Sunday at Knoxville Convention Center and will cover Fort Sanders, Campus, Neyland, Sequoyah and the 3rd Creek Greenway, North, East, South and Downtown Knoxville. Information about the race and events can be found here. Information about all the awesome volunteering opportunities still available can be found here. If you're looking for a fun place to cheer, my neighborhood Island Home, always puts on a spectacular party for those marathoners on their last push to the finish line. Just be advised of road closures that day.

Run your heart out, Knoxville!