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 the World's Fair Park where runners can hop right into the Knoxville Shamrock Festival after finishing their run/ walk.  You wont 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!

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

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

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)

Pick up is available at World's Fair Park Performance Lawn on Race Day for those that cannot make the above two timeframes. It is encouraged you arrive early for packet pick up to avoid any lines or delays!

Pricing

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

BE SURE TO REGISTER EARLY!! 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.

**6K Runners and 1mile participants are guaranteed to receive an event themed tee shirt when registered by February 20th. 

**Tee shirts will be provided first come, first served, while supplies last when registered after February 20th.

Extra race shirts may be purchased after the run at Knox Shamrock Fest held at World's Fair Park (while supplies last). 

*Walkers are discouraged from walking the full 6k course due to course closure timeline. Walkers may consider the 6K Virtual option or the 1 mile option. 6K course cut off time is 1 Hour 20 Minutes.  

6K Age Group Awards (In person Participants only)

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!

1mile Details:

All runners/ walkers participating 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 (*Honor system in place).  There are no awards or T-shirts for virtual race participants. Be sure to tag #luckykidneyrun to show off your awesomeness!  Virtual attendees may purchase t-shirts to be picked up during the packet pick up windows.  Items ordered will not be mailed out.

Race Day Details to Remember!

6K Race starts at 9am.

1mile Walk / Run will start around 9:05, after the 6K race takes off.

Parking is available in any of the Parking Garages downtown (11th St garage is recommended. Market St, Locust St, are additional parking garages - free on weekends)

Allow ample time to park and walk to the start, maybe check out the World's Fair lawn for some self and squad selfies!

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.

Post event pics using #luckykidneyrun! Share the fun and good times together, whether in person or virtual!

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

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.