Lucky Kidney Run™, a part of Knox Shamrock Fest™

Lucky Kidney 6K Run

East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) is bringing you a one of a kind race and festival to the downtown scene in Knoxville! This race will start and end in the heart of downtown Knoxville from World's Fair Park where runners can hop right into the Knoxville Shamrock Festival after finishing their run/ walk. You won't want to miss this spring morning downtown with all the festivities of St. Patricks day! The Knox Shamrock Fest begins at 10am, so be sure to bring friends and family to run or walk, then PARTY WITH ALL THINGS GREEN AND IRISH!

Race Course Update

NOTE: Due to peaking construction projects in South Knoxville the course has been relocated to World's Fair Park.

That's right, this race kicks off from World's Fair Park! The course will be an out and back along 2nd Creek Greenway, feature the Neyland Drive greenway before spinning around to repeat it all back again into the World's Fair Park Lawn where the festivities will await your finish!

Water / Aid

• Water Stop: Feeling thirsty on the route? Water stop will be set up at the halfway point for rehydrating!

About ETKF

ETKF is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the lives of East Tennesseans through early detection of kidney disease, education, and access to vital care. ETKF proudly operates independently and is 100% LOCAL. All funds raised by ETKF remain in our community, directly supporting local individuals battling kidney disease.

Packet Pickup

• Encouragement: All race day participants are encouraged to pick up packets & race items during packet pickup times to avoid any lines the morning of the race.
• Packet Pick Up 1: Wednesday, March 11th 9am-7pm: XUL BEER - HARDIN VALLEY (10677 Hardin Valley Rd Knoxville, TN 37932)
• Packet Pick Up 2: Thursday, March 12th 9am-7pm: XUL BEER - DOWNTOWN (213 5th Ave Knoxville, TN 37917)
• Race Day Pickup: Pick up is available at World's Fair Park Performance Lawn on Race Day for those that cannot make the above two timeframes.

Pricing

Registration includes the race 2026 Event Shirt, race number, & race packet.

• Early Registration: 6K Early Registration Price is $35. Price increases to $40 after March 1.
• Kids & Family: 1Mile Run is $20 and increases to $25 March 1.
• Shirt Guarantee: 6K Runners and 1mile participants are guaranteed to receive an event themed tee shirt when registered by February 20th.
• Extra Shirts: Extra race shirts may be purchased after the run at Knox Shamrock Fest held at World's Fair Park (while supplies last).

6K Age Group Awards

Awards will be given to the top 3 M/F finishers, top fundraising team, & largest team. Age Group Awards for the 6K will be presented to the top performer in 10 year increments: 12 & Under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 & 70+.

Awards for 5K race will be presented from the Main Center Stage at the Knox Shamrock Fest at World's Fair Park Performance Lawn, awards will begin at 11am!

1 Mile Details

All runners/ walkers participating in the 1mile event will receive a race number for timing purposes. This event is timed- not scored, top 25 runners will receive medals- so run fast!

Virtual Run / Walkers

Choose to run or walk wherever and whenever and submit your results online following the sign up instructions. Submissions will be available from March 11-16th. There are no awards or T-shirts for virtual race participants. Be sure to tag #luckykidneyrun to show off your awesomeness!

Race Day Details to Remember!

• Race Start Time: 6K Race starts at 9am.
• 1 Mile Start: 1mile Walk / Run will start around 9:05, after the 6K race takes off.
• Parking: Parking is available in any of the Parking Garages downtown (11th St garage is recommended).
• Arrival: Be at the starting line 10-15 Minutes Early and ready to walk / run.

Wear your race shirt or fun St. Patrick's Day & Team outfits to the race!

A photographer will be on site: upon request to take Race and team pictures, photos will be available on the this site after the event concludes.

This event is RAIN or SHINE! Please come prepared. In the event it is cancelled, you are able to complete the 6k + 1mi virtually.

Support ETKF

If you would like to support without the sweat, consider donating at the top of the page or by visiting our website.

Please email alexandra@etkidney.org with any questions, or give us a call at 865-288-7351.

For further information and to register for the race, visit the race link: Lucky Kidney Run Registration.