Logo of KMC Runnig with tagline "Find your pace. Find your people." and a small transport truck icon.

YOUR CITY. YOUR PACE. YOUR PEOPLE.

What is KMC RUNNING?

KMC Running is a community-first run club based in Knoxville — built for people who want to get outside, move their bodies, and feel good doing it.

We’re not here to obsess over pace. We’re here for consistent miles, fresh air, and good people.

Whether you’re training for your next race or just starting your running journey, there’s a place for you here.

Meet the Team

KMC Running is powered by passionate runners who believe movement is better when it’s shared. Our coaches bring together Knoxville’s running community through group runs and training events, creating space for every pace to get outside, connect, and feel good moving together.

Whether you’re chasing a new PR, training for your first race, or just showing up for the miles, our coaches make every run welcoming, safe, and a whole lot of fun.

  • A female marathon runner with long hair running on a city street at night, captured with motion blur.

    Maria Zolkowski

    Head Coach, KMC Running

    Maria is a lifelong runner and coach who leads KMC Running with energy, encouragement, and a deep love for the Knoxville running community. She’s passionate about making every runner feel welcome — no matter their pace or experience level.

    Photo by Nick Morgan Photography

  • Male marathon runner with tattoos on arms participating in a race, wearing black athletic gear and a race bib numbered 19684.

    Eric Ruckart

    Head Coach, KMC Running

    Eric brings experience, consistency, and a calm, motivating presence to every run. He’s focused on helping runners build confidence, stay accountable, and enjoy the process of showing up week after week.

Outside's better with friends

Outside's better with friends

when we run

  • Group of 16 people outdoors on a sunny day posing for a photo, with a colorful mural and houses in the background. Two children are present, one in a stroller. Everyone is smiling.

    Sunday Morning Run

    Time: 9:00 AM

    Meet: Partial Coffee & Wine

    Distance: ~2.4 miles (1-mile walking route available)

    Pace: All paces welcome — run, jog, or walk

    Ease into your Sunday with friends, movement, and coffee. This relaxed morning run is the perfect way to start your day and explore downtown Knoxville together. Stay after for a latte and community hang at Partial.

  • A large group of people gathered in front of a restaurant with a brick wall and mural, neon BBQ sign, and string lights, posing for a group photo at night.

    Monday Night Run

    Time: 6:30 PM

    Meet: Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus

    Distance: Choose your route — 2.5, 3.1, or 4+ miles

    Pace: All paces welcome

    Join our biggest group run of the week! We run through Downtown Knoxville and meet back at Barrelhouse for post-run ciders and community hangouts. Multiple route options make it easy for every runner to find their perfect distance.

  • Group of people gathered outside a building at night, some in athletic clothing, celebrating after a run or marathon, with a sign that reads "Last Day of Autumn Brewing" above the entrance.

    Thursday Night Run

    Time: 6:30 PM

    Meet: Varies weekly (check our events calendar, Instagram, or Strava club for this week’s location)

    Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)

    Pace: All paces welcome

    Your midweek reset. We rotate locations and routes each week to keep things fresh! It’s the perfect way to shake off the week, explore new parts of Knoxville, and head into the weekend with friends.

  • Friday Sunrise Trail Run

    TIME: ANNOUNCED WEEKLY (FRIDAY MORNINGS)

    MEET: RIDGE AVE TRAILHEAD

    DISTANCE: 2.5 MILES

    PACE: ALL PACES WELCOME

    START YOUR FRIDAY ON THE TRAILS WITH A RELAXED, SCENIC RUN AT SHARPS RIDGE. THIS EASY ROUTE FEATURES A BEAUTIFUL OVERLOOK OF KNOXVILLE AND IS A GREAT INTRODUCTION FOR ANYONE NEW TO TRAIL RUNNING!

  • Second Saturday Run

    TIME: 10:00 AM

    MEET: PACE HOUSE BY THE LONG RUN

    DISTANCE: VARIES MONTHLY (APPROX. 2–5 MILES)

    PACE: ALL PACES WELCOME

    ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, THIS RUN ROTATES ROUTES AND DISTANCES. ALL PACES ARE WELCOME, WITH SPACE TO RUN, CONNECT, AND RECOVER AFTER AT PACE HOUSE WITH ELECTROLYTE COFFEE AND COMMUNITY.

“When I started running, it was just a way to move. Over time, it became something much deeper. It became a way to take care of my mental health, push my limits, and find community in the process. I hope KMC Running gives others that same sense of purpose and joy.”

— MARIA ZOLKOWSKI, HEAD COACH, KMC RUNNING

 FAQs

  • Not at all! KMC Running is open to everyone — from first-time runners to those training for races. Our focus is consistency, community, and movement that feels good. You can walk, jog, or run at your own pace.

  • Yes! Most of our runs include a wide range of paces, with the majority falling between 9:00–11:30 min/mile.

    For the best experience, we recommend joining the KMC GroupMe, where members often connect ahead of time to find others running a similar pace. The GroupMe is also a great way to find a running buddy for run club or outside of it.

    If you’re ever worried about having someone to run with, feel free to arrive a few minutes early and chat with the run club coach, or reach out via email and we’ll help get you connected.

    If you’re still building up your running, that’s totally okay. KMC offers much more than just running, and you’re always welcome at our walks, bike rides, hikes, rec sports, and other events!

  • Absolutely! You can always find people to walk or jog with, but there’s no pressure to match anyone’s pace. Go at whatever speed feels right for you — and if you’d like someone to buddy up with, just reach out to any KMC leader!

  • No RSVP needed! Just check our events calendar, Instagram, or Strava Club for the most up-to-date meet locations and details, then show up a few minutes early to check in.

    We recommend joining the run on Strava so you can see the route in case you get separated from the group.

  • Bring your running shoes, water (with electrolytes), and anything else you need to be comfortable.

    If visibility is low (like early mornings, evenings, or cloudy days), please wear a light and some reflective gear so everyone stays safe and easy to see.

  • We recommend running without them so you can stay aware of traffic, hear announcements, and connect with others.

    If you do wear headphones, please keep one ear open for safety.

  • CAN I BRING MY DOG?

    Yes! Friendly dogs are always welcome at our runs.

    Just make sure your pup stays on a leash at all times and is comfortable around people and other dogs. Don’t forget water and waste bags to keep everyone safe and the route clean!

  • Usually, yes! We run year-round unless conditions are unsafe (like storms or ice). Any cancellations or weather updates are always posted in our GroupMe, Instagram stories, and Strava Club before the run.

  • Join KMC to gain access to our GroupMe and Strava Club to stay in the loop, meet new people, and share your runs. Most of our friendships start in those chats or over a post-run coffee!

  • The KMC Running Race Team is designed for runners who enjoy the competitive side of the sport and are actively training toward races.

    While our run club events are always free and open to all, Race Team participation includes associated costs such as a required race kit and local running organization memberships.

    Applications for the KMC Running 2026 Race Team will reopen in Summer 2026.

Your city. Your pace. Your People.

Your city. Your pace. Your People.

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR

We move together every week — runs, rides, hikes, and everything in between. You’ll see our biggest events shared on social media, but members get the full inside scoop through our private event calendar, GroupMe, and weekly email updates.

Join KMC for free to unlock the full schedule and be part of Knoxville’s outdoor community.

JOIN KMC FOR OUR FULL EVENTS CALENDAR