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The 15th annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon took place March 31, 2019. Phil Kaplan, USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

Focusing on the big picture will be a challenge for Gina Rouse over the next 10 months.

There’s an awful lot at stake.

Repeating as the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon women’s champion Sunday for the fourth time was nice, but it was just another step on the path toward a much bigger payoff.

The 39-year-old mother of three from Knoxville covered the 26.2 miles in 2 hours, 50 minutes, 15 seconds, more than six minutes faster than last year’s winning time. Whitney Heins of Knoxville was a distant second in 3:01.26.

Runners line up at the starting line for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Gina Rouse wins her fourth consecutive Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon with a time of 2:50.15 on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Birhanu Dare wins the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 41 seconds on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners make their way on Clinch Ave. during the start of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Luke Hancock begins the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon at Clinch Ave. on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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A giant U.S. Flag is put away by the Knoxville Fire Department after it flew over runners at the start of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Clint and Hank Miller in the enjoying themselves in the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Kristin Parish looks out specific runners in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Salley Reamer runs the half marathon along Kingston Pike of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners along the Third Creek Greenway at Tyson Park in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Aaron Clark runs the half marathon carrying a flag printed with the names of fallen law enforcement members in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners make their way along Kingston Pike on mile 4 of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Beth Miller during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Race fans greet runners as they enter World's Fair Park for to finish the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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The 15th running of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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A race fan cheers on runners under the warmth of a blanket at World's Fair Park for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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The 15th running of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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The 15th running of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Clayton Ginn runs along Gay St. during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners make their way along Hill Ave. near mile 20 of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Gerald Witt is reflected on glass window as he runs in the 4-person relay of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Yukinori Yamamoto nears the end of the half marathon in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Hollie Hurst crosses the tracks at World's Fair Park as she nears the finish line in the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners and race fans await the arrival of finishers in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Katherine Tucker, left, and Paige Brown cross the finish line at World's Fair Park in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Bryan Powell and Jessica La Rose help Rodney McNabb cross in the finish line during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners celebrate after crossing the finish line in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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The 15th running of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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The 15th running of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Cody Farmer begins the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Don Slusser in the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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David Leach and Tara McIlrath waive to people cheering them on as they run the half marathon in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Marshall Stair in the four-person relay of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Judy Jolley turns onto Cherokee Blvd during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners along the Third Creek Greenway in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Jeff McClain runs the half marathon along Kingston Pike n the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runner Camille DeBona at the start line of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners begin the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Half marathon runner Zach Farrar along the Neyland Ave. stretch of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Amy Hamilton crosses the bridge at Tyson Park in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Lynn Romsdal runs the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Lola Alapo in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners along Noelton Dr. in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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The 15th running of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Jeff Straley climbs Noelton Dr. in the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Malcom and Isaiah Potts cheer on runners in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Volunteers hand out water and sport drink at Western Plaza in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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John Garrett competes in the half marathon on the Third Creek Greenway in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Bill Ready finishes the half marathon in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Matthew Schlottmann with two thumbs-up as he finishes the half marathon in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Runners lines up at the starting line for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Melanie Barts smiles as she crosses the finish line at World's Fair Park of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Gina Rouse nears the finish line to win the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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A runner crosses Gay St. Bridge during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Chonci Houston runs through Market Square during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Hannah Cutshall makes her way down Gay St. in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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The 15th running of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Caleb Gandert in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

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Birhanu Dare, 32, from New York via Ethiopia, experienced the loneliness of a long distance runner when he broke away from the field after about 12 miles and won with little drama or fanfare in 2:24.41. Bryan Morseman of Bath, N.Y., who won the race last year, was more than three minutes behind in second at 2:27.59.

For the first time in the 15-year history of the race, the event finished at World’s Fair Park instead of Neyland Drive to accommodate construction near the football stadium.

Everything Rouse does between now and February will be geared toward being in the best possible shape for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta.

“Recovery will be a big challenge for me,” Rouse said. “I’m not great at it. I have to nail my nutrition and tinker with my training a little bit to stay healthy.”

The Knoxville course that Rouse knows so well will pay some dividends in the future.

“This was good practice for what I’ll see in Atlanta,” she said. “They have a really hilly course. Running the hills that we have here will get me ready for that.”

Still, the veteran marathoner has to be aware of the most basic of problems that can haunt any runner.

“I always have to be aware to be patient early on,” Rouse said. “I can’t let the emotion of the start get the best of me. I have to keep my cool and not go out too fast.”

Although the temperature was barely above 40 degrees for the 7:30 a.m. start, Rouse’s only real concern over the weather conditions was a headwind that seemed to attack her most of the race.

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The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon celebrates its 15th run on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Knoxville News Sentinel

“The temperature was perfect for a runner,” Rouse said. 

On the other hand, shivering after his overall victory, Dare didn’t share Rouse’s assessment.

“Too cold; really windy,” Dare said. “My personal best is 2:12. I wasn’t going to get that today.”

Given the hills – Noelton Drive in particular – that make the Knoxville course a killer even for the elite runners, Dare was happy to get a good workout and a victory. It sets him up as a legitimate contender for the Pittsburgh Marathon title in early May.

Spending the second half of the race by himself wasn’t a problem for Dare. The only one he couldn’t outrun was the law – the motorcycle cop leading the runners.

“Having the police in the lead was nice,” he said. “Running by myself isn’t bad. If you do your training, you’ll be OK. It’s not hard if you’ve already put in the work.”

More: Did moving Knoxville marathon finish line to World’s Fair Park affect event?

Gina Rouse on mile three of the Knoxville Marathon

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A runner stretches near the finish line in Neyland

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Melissa Bohanan runs through the Old City in the Covenant

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Sharon West crosses the finish line in a tutu in the

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Runners are reflected a sculpture of runners on E.

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PeeJay Alexander runs down S. Central St. in the Old

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Gina Rouse crosses the finish line of the Covenant

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Suzi Hall crossed the finish line with Tennessee mascot

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Abby Gallaher celebrates as she crosses the finish

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From left, Susan Merryman, David Summers, Jama Summers,

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Bryan Morseman cross Gay St. Bridge in the final leg

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Bryan Morseman crosses into South Knoxville in the

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Runners stay away from a puddle along the Third Creek

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Eva Crawford crosses over the Third Creek Greenway

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Marathoners run along the Third Creek Greenway on mile

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Pacer Nicholas Morgan nears Concord St. on the 10th

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Jim Hall right, and Dana Dobbins run on the Third Creek

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Richard Greve is handed water at the 8th mile of the

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Ben Mills runs past the water station on Kingston Pike

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A runner carries a flag along Neyland Dr. in the first

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Onlookers greet marathon runners with waving American

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Joshua Johnson runs on Kingston Pike on mile 4 of the

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Erika Stafford approaches mile three of the Covenant

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Marshall Anderson approaches the 3rd mile in the Covenant

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Runners head west on Clinch Ave. at the start of the

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Marathoners run along Neyland Dr. on the third mile

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Runners start the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon

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Madison Franklin starts her run in the half-marathon

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Runners make their way east along Clinch Ave. at the

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Zane Hagy warms up before the start of the Covenant

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Liz Norred begins the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon

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Runners start the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon

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Kevin Simpson along the Third Creek Greenway of the

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Ben Metz, right, and Eddie Wysmierski cross into Tyson

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A runner along the Third Creed Greenway of the Knoxville

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A runner crosses into Tyson Park near mile 11 of the

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Volunteers hand out water to runners at mile 7 of the

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Adney Cross runs along Neyland Dr. in the half marathon

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Runners start the Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April

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Gina Rouse, 37, of Knoxville wins her second first

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Runner's make it along Clinch Avenue to start the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, April 3, 2016. (WADE PAYNE/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL)
Marathon winner, Bryan Morseman, crosses the finish line in Neyland Stadium during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, April 3, 2016. (WADE PAYNE/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL)
Ladies marathon winner, Gina Rouse, crosses the finish

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Ethan Coffey (3) leads runners as they cross the Clinch Ave. bridge to start the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Knoxville, Tenn. Coffey would go on to be the winner. (WADE PAYNE/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL)
Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel Knoxville Police Department Officer Patty Tipton controls traffic at North Broadway and West Depot as runners pass by during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on April 3. Foot races are now one of the major employers of off-duty police.
Half Marathon runner Alan Melinda of Columbia, MD.(2815) along with other runners make their way down Third Creek Greenway near mile marker 9 during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

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Half-marathon runner, Ryan Daniels (1360) along with other runners make their way down Third Creek Greenway toward mile station 9 during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

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Runners make their way down Third Creek Greenway around mile marker 9 during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

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Ladies 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon winner Gina Rouse, of Knoxville, makes her way down Third Creek Greenway near mile maker 9 during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

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Full-marathon runners, from left, Karrie Mullins-Potter of Wise, VA. (337), and Karen Barnett of Wise, VA. (26), run onto North Broadway during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

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Full Marathon runners, from left, Nicole Nicholson of Knoxville (344), pace setter Ken Lonseth of Knoxville (595), and Megan Nolen of Knoxville (349), make their way through mile marker 9 water station, sponsored by Thread's, during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

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Jason Altman, race director for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, center, gathers kids at the starting line for the Covenant Kids Run, a 1-mile fun run at the Knoxville Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. Hundreds of boys and girls from across East Tennessee completed their first mile as part of the 26.2-mile challenge in a staggered version of a marathon.

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Jasmin Keller runs the half marathon of the Knoxville

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A runner makes her way through the Old City during

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A runner on Jackson Ave. during the Knoxville Marathon

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Sharon Rivers, left, and Kelsey Deel celebrate after

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Justine Griesenauer puts on a medal after finishing

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Half marathon runner Alyson Gallaher walking under

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Derek Boyd, left, and Jenna Watson cross the finish

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Kevin Siebarth is the first hand cyclist to cross the

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Kristin Seabrook runs along Jackson Ave. during the

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Kathy Givens runs in the half marathon of the Knoxville

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Neely Sullivan on mile 18 through the Old City in the

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Knox City Police Cadet, Calvin Clabo, stops traffic for runners at the intersection of North Broadway, West Jackson, World's Fair Park Dr. and Oak Ave., during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

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Knox City Police Officer, Ricky Gallaher directs marathon runners David Weiss of Cleveland, OH. (636), and Conrad Ivie of Knoxville (232), to South Central Street during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel)
033008 Saturday - Jeffrey Kosiorek of Clinton grabs a cup of water while running through the Third Creek Greenway near West High School on Sunday during the 4th annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. (Photo special to the News Sentinel by Chad Greene)

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033008 Saturday - Runners take off from the starting line on Sunday during the 4th annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. (Photo special to the News Sentinel by Chad Greene)

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Joe Marti from Corryton reaches mile 21 during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 28, 2010 in Island Home Park.

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Anne Zauderer from Roswell, Ga., left, and Kat Spottswood from Bellevue, Wash., brave the rain during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 28, 2010 in Island Home Park.

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Rain doesn't dampen the spirits of a runner during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 28, 2010 in Island Home Park. The runner is a member of the four person marathon relay team named 'Running with the Devil' that consists of Ralph Bailey, Pam Hilliard and Leslie Steele from Lebanon, Tenn., and Judy Miller from Bowling Green, Ky.

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Kathy Wolski from Knoxville, Tenn., crosses the finish line as the first woman marathon runner during the sixth annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 28, 2010 at Newland Stadium. More than 5,000 runners were competing in the 5K, half-marathon or marathon.
Geoffrey Kiprotich leads the field at mile 21 during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 28, 2010 in Island Home Park. Kiprotich was the marathon winner.

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Melissa Gillette of Niles, MI makes her way across the finish line in Neyland Stadium as she completes the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 30, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. (Photo/Wade Payne)

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Melissa Gillette of Niles, MI receives a blanket from volunteer Rhonda Brand after she completed the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 30, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. (Photo/Wade Payne)

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Half marathon participants from left, Gretchen Zablocki (cq), Terry Bailey, and Debbie Stamey, all of Talbott, cross the finish line together at Neyland Stadium. Thousands of people participated in the the 5th Annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday. Runners begin at the World's Fair Park and finish on the 50-yard line of Shields-Watkins Field at Neyland Stadium.

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Kathy Wolski of Knoxville is the first woman to cross the finish line in the Knoxville Marathon. Thousands of people participated in the the 5th Annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday. Runners begin at the World's Fair Park and finish on the 50-yard line of Shields-Watkins Field at Neyland Stadium.

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Jennifer Byington of Kingsport raises her arms in celebration as she and Leslie Fletcher, also of Kingsport, finish the half marathon together at Neyland Stadium. Thousands of people participated in the the 5th Annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday. Runners begin at the World's Fair Park and finish on the 50-yard line of Shields-Watkins Field at Neyland Stadium.

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Knoxville mayor Bill Haslam relaxes after finishing the half marathon on Sunday. Thousands of people participated in the the 5th Annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday. Runners begin at the World's Fair Park and finish on the 50-yard line of Shields-Watkins Field at Neyland Stadium.

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Paula Boone of Humble, TX waves to people cheering her on as she makes her way down Central Ave on the last leg of the Knoxville Marathon. TThousands of people participated in the the 5th Annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday. Runners begin at the World's Fair Park and finish on the 50-yard line of Shields-Watkins Field at Neyland Stadium.

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Jynocel Basweti from Hebron, Ky., has the lead at the 22 mile mark during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Island Home Park. The Kenyan-born runner won the men's marathon with a time of 2:29:24. (Paul Efird/News Sentinel)

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Karen Lewis from Knoxville, left, gets a high five from Julia Sadler during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Island Home Park. (Paul Efird/News Sentinel)

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Half marathon participant Kris Corbitt slaps hands with a group of of spectators on Noelton Dr. during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 1, 2012. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Runners make their way to the starting line on a foggy Sunday morning for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 1, 2012. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Lexi Jantz, right, gets a hug and flowers from her mother Lee Jantz near the finish line at Neyland Stadium during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (Chad Greene/Special to the News Sentinel)
From right, Becca Stone, Amanda Jung, Emily Thompson, and Sarah Stevens wait at the intersection of Cumberland Ave. and Neyland Dr. to cheer on the runners in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (Saul Young/News Sentinel)

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Thomas Cox, left, and Jack Gager, right, lead a cluster of runners through the greenway near West High School during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (Chad Greene/Special to the News Sentinel)
Ethiel Garlington competes in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Island Home Park. Garlington is Director of Preservation Field Services at Knox Heritage. (Paul Efird/News Sentinel)

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Hannah Allen celebrates as she crosses the finish line after running the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 1, 2012. At right is Dana Pumariega, also a half-marathon participant. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Half marathon participant Judy Barkhurst raises her arms in celebration as she nears the finish line in Neyland Stadium during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 1, 2012. Also from left are, Lisa McMahan, Dana Young, and Walter Cowart. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

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From left, Elizabeth Tramm, Austin Kupke, and Carrie Pond cross the finish line hand-in-hand after completing the half marathon of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 1, 2012. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Jynocel Basweti is the first to cross the finish line in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 1, 2012. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Marathon participants Tyler Oliverson, left, and Dale Riddle make make their way through World's Fair Park near the halfway mark of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 1, 2012. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, left, and Kristy Altman, right, hold the finish line tape for women's marathon winner Courtney Cooper at Neyland Stadium during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (Chad Greene/Special to the News Sentinel)
Randy Boyd, founder of Radio Systems Corporation, makes his way past mile marker 5 during the 2015 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 29, 2015. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel)
Trent Morrow, the Marathon Man, nears the mile 22 mark during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Island Home Park. The Australian said the Knoxville marathon is the 297th he has completed. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Despite a broken hip, Teresa Williams, left, of Knoxville, with her friend, Kay Panzica, competes in the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Island Home Park. Williams broke her hip seven weeks ago while training for the marathon. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Knoxville Track Club volunteer Bob Armstrong greets runners near the 22-mile mark during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 30, 2014, in Island Home Park. (Paul Efird/News Sentinel)

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Runners reach the 20-mile mark during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 29, 2015, in South Knoxville. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL)

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Full Marathon runners, from left, Nicole Nicholson of Knoxville (344), pace setter Ken Lonseth of Knoxville (595), and Megan Nolen of Knoxville (349), make their way through mile marker 9 water station, sponsored by Thread's, during the 2016 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, April 3, 2016. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel)
A marathon runner grabs some water as he maneuvers around volunteers at mile marker 5 during the 2015 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on Sunday, March 29, 2015. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel)
Runners as they cross the Clinch Ave. bridge to start the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Knoxville, Tenn. (WADE PAYNE/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL)

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Men's winner Ethan Coffey makes his way to the finish line of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Knoxville, Tenn. (WADE PAYNE/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL)

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