Knoxville to Host 33rd Annual Race Against Cancer
The annual fundraising event moves to a new course at Covenant Health Park this Sunday at 3 p.m.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Cancer
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The 33rd Annual Race Against Cancer will take place in Knoxville this Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3 p.m. The event, which has moved from its former location at World's Fair Park, will now feature a route through the Old City ending at Covenant Health Park.
Why it matters
The race raises critical funds for the Nurse Navigator Program and the Patient Financial Assistance Program at Thompson Cancer Survival Center. These proceeds provide essential financial and emotional support for local cancer patients who are unable to work during their treatment.
The 33rd annual race will start at 3 p.m. this Sunday. Funds are dedicated to the Nurse Navigator Program and the Patient Financial Assistance Program at Thompson Cancer Survival Center.
The players
Rick Russo
He is an advocate for the Covenant Health Thompson Cancer Survival Center whose contributions are being honored with a new endowment.
Thompson Cancer Survival Center
This facility is a primary recipient of the race proceeds, which fund patient financial aid and nurse navigation services.
The details
Organizers have relocated the course this year to Covenant Health Park and through the Old City. A portion of the proceeds from the event will also establish an endowment specifically to honor Rick Russo for his ongoing advocacy of the Thompson Cancer Survival Center.
Timeline
The 33rd Annual Race Against Cancer will begin this Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Health Landscape
The race serves as a primary funding mechanism that extends the operational reach of the Thompson Cancer Survival Center's Nurse Navigator Program. This event continues a long-standing local trend of community-supported medical advocacy for cancer treatment access.
Residents can support local patients by participating in the race or donating through the event website. Funds raised directly alleviate the financial burden for patients undergoing treatment at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center.
The takeaway
Supporting this event helps local patients manage the financial and emotional challenges often associated with cancer treatment. Participants and donors play a direct role in maintaining the sustainability of patient assistance programs in the community.
Further reading
For additional information on regional health resources, visit Knoxville Cancer.
More information
To register for the race or make a donation, visit the registration and donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wvlt.
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