Since 2002, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend has filled the city streets with runners of all experience levels who are dedicated to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Produced in partnership with the Memphis Runners Track Club and presenting sponsor Juice Plus+®, the event includes a marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5k, kids’ marathon and family fun run. St. Jude is the sole benefiting charity of the event.
The race begins and ends in downtown Memphis, and the course takes participants by many of the city’s most popular cultural landmarks, including the world-famous Beale Street, Mississippi River, Sun Studio and the National Civil Rights Museum. The race also takes participants through the campus of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – which is considered the most meaningful highlight along the route because many St. Jude patients will be outside holding posters and shouting “Thank you!” to runners for their support.
All race participants are encouraged to raise funds as St. Jude Heroes to help kids fighting cancer and other deadly diseases. St. Jude Heroes run with generous hearts and raise funds to help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for anything. That includes treatment, travel, housing and food – because all a family should have to worry about is helping their child live.
Events like the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend are important because, unlike any other hospital, St. Jude relies on individual contributions for the majority of its funding, giving doctors and researchers the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation.
Some St. Jude Heroes register as individuals, while others form teams. The fundraising minimum for a St. Jude Hero is $100, but some teams raise $10,000 or more. They can earn incentives like hotel accommodations based on their fundraising levels. Anyone can be a hero for the kids of St. Jude.
To learn more about running, fundraising support, training tips and VIP perks during race weekend, visit fundraising.stjude.org.
