The Heart of Every Race: Why Volunteers Make KTC Events Possible

When you think about a KTC race, you might picture the pounding of sneakers on pavement, the cheering crowds, and those triumphant finish line moments. What you may not realize is the incredible amount of work happening behind the scenes to make those moments possible. The unsung heroes of every race are the volunteers—the dedicated individuals who roll up their sleeves to ensure every runner has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.

The Power of a Volunteer Team

From race setup in the early morning hours to handing out water on the course, volunteers are everywhere. They help organize race packets, distribute bibs, set up timing mats, monitor the course for safety, and, of course, cheer runners on when they need it most. These tasks may sound small on their own, but they add up to a huge effort that makes our events run smoothly.

For perspective, a 5K can require 20–30 volunteers. A large event like the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon? We’re talking hundreds. And while it may seem like magic, it’s really the hard work of ordinary people stepping up to do extraordinary things.

A Shout-Out to Companies Who Step Up

One of the best ways to tackle the volunteer challenge is through group participation. Businesses and organizations that encourage employees to volunteer as a team are a huge asset to KTC—and they get something great in return. Group volunteering fosters team spirit, promotes community engagement, and shines a spotlight on companies that care.

For smaller races, a single company can cover all—or most—of the volunteer needs. It’s a fantastic way to get your name out there and support the local running community. For larger races, there’s an opportunity to team up with other groups and make an even bigger impact.

One standout example is Tennessee School of Beauty, a longtime supporter of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. Led by co-owner Stephen Brown, they bring an incredible 60+ volunteers to the event each year! This level of commitment is truly inspiring, and it shows what’s possible when a business embraces its role in supporting the community.

To Stephen and the entire Tennessee School of Beauty team: thank you for leading the way. Your efforts are a model of what it means to give back, and the Knoxville running community is stronger because of you.

How to Get Involved

If your company, school, or group is looking for a way to make an impact, we’d love to have you join the KTC volunteer family. Whether it’s bringing a team to a race or simply committing a few hours as an individual, every hand helps.

Interested in organizing a group? Reach out to our Executive Director, Eric Weatherbee, at Eric@ktc.org to learn more. Eric can help match your team with an event that aligns with your goals, schedule, and size.

Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about building connections, supporting others, and making a difference. When you volunteer with KTC, you’re not just helping us put on a race; you’re creating memories for runners, families, and the community at large.

Let’s keep the spirit of KTC alive and thriving. Sign up, step in, and make a difference at our next event. Together, we can keep Knoxville running strong.

See you out there—whether you’re racing, cheering, or lending a hand!

– Zane Hagy 
President, KTC Board