Zack Ostrander, Molly Holmes win Knoxville Marathon

Ostrander takes men's title, Holmes claims women's crown in annual Tennessee race

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:14pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting runners in motion, their bodies and surroundings broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the raw energy and competitive spirit of the Knoxville Marathon.The Knoxville Marathon's elite runners push the limits of human endurance in a dynamic, cubist-inspired visual.Knoxville Today

Zack Ostrander and Molly Holmes emerged victorious at the 22nd annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on April 12. Ostrander won the men's race with a time of 2:40:12, while Holmes, a University of Tennessee athletics trainer, claimed the women's title in 2:55:44.

Why it matters

The Knoxville Marathon is one of the region's premier running events, drawing elite athletes as well as recreational runners from across the Southeast. Ostrander and Holmes' wins highlight the competitive nature of the race and the talent of the participants.

The details

Ostrander, a 29-year-old from Knoxville, finished first overall in the 26.2-mile downtown course. Holmes, 31, is a trainer for the University of Tennessee athletics department and used her local knowledge to power to victory in the women's division.

  • The 22nd annual Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon took place on April 12, 2026.
  • Zack Ostrander completed the course in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 12 seconds.
  • Molly Holmes won the women's race in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 44 seconds.

The players

Zack Ostrander

A 29-year-old runner from Knoxville who won the men's title at the 2026 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.

Molly Holmes

A 31-year-old trainer for the University of Tennessee athletics department who won the women's race at the 2026 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.

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What they’re saying

“It's always an honor to win your hometown marathon. The crowd support was incredible, and I'm grateful to have come out on top.”

— Zack Ostrander, Men's Race Winner

“This win means so much to me. I train a lot of the athletes who compete in this race, so to be able to call myself the Knoxville Marathon champion is very special.”

— Molly Holmes, Women's Race Winner

What’s next

The top finishers in the Knoxville Marathon will be eligible to compete in the Boston Marathon later this year.

The takeaway

The Knoxville Marathon continues to attract top-tier talent from across the region, showcasing the growth and popularity of running in Tennessee. Ostrander and Holmes' victories demonstrate the high level of competition and the pride local athletes take in winning their hometown race.