33rd Annual Race Against Cancer moves to Covenant Health Park, honors Rick Russo

What This Story Is About

• The race moved from World’s Fair Park, featuring a new course through the Old City.

Why It Matters

• Proceeds will help create an endowment in honor of WVLT’s Rick Russo. The annual event provides essential financial and emotional relief to local cancer patients and families facing high medical and everyday living expenses during treatment.

What Happens Next

• The race kicks off Sunday at 3 p.m. Registration and donation details are available at raceagainstcancer.org.

For Context

• Funds benefit local patient assistance and nurse navigator programs at Thompson Cancer Survival Center.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The 33rd annual Race Against Cancer returns this weekend with a new home, a new downtown course, and a special tribute honoring a beloved member of the East Tennessee community.

This year’s race is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. at Covenant Health Park, shifting from its longtime venue at World’s Fair Park.

Chip Bryant, representing the event, joined WVLT News to discuss the changes, noting that the new location brings a fresh energy and a scenic route that takes runners directly through Knoxville’s historic Old City.

“Covenant Health Park has our name on it, and it’s just something different,” Bryant said. “We’re excited to use it. Having that central location is going to be fabulous.”

Honoring WVLT’s Rick Russo

This year’s event carries special meaning for the WVLT family, as a portion of the proceeds will establish a permanent endowment in honor of longtime sports director Rick Russo, who has spent years championing local cancer patients and survivors.

“Rick’s been a great advocate for Covenant Health Thompson Cancer Survival Center,” Bryant said. “He’s always coming to all of our fundraising events that we do. And so, we’re excited that this year a portion of the proceeds are going to go towards establishing an endowment in Rick’s name, which we think is just an incredible tribute for all that he’s given for us and helping us raise funds for the patients battling cancer.”

WVLT’s Harry Sullivan will also be on hand to emcee Sunday’s festivities.

Supporting Local Patients and Families

Funds raised through the race directly support East Tennessee cancer patients navigating treatment, providing critical funding for Covenant Health’s Nurse Navigator Program and Patient Financial Assistance Program.

“A lot of people, when they’re going through cancer treatment, can’t afford to work,” Bryant explained. “They have to take time off work during that time frame. They still have bills that come in. And so, our Financial Assistance Program helps those patients so that they can focus on healing and getting better.”

Community members who aren’t running can still support the cause, make donations, or sponsor participants by visiting raceagainstcancer.org or through Covenant Health’s website.