Runners from 50 states and 45 countries will converge on Memphis this weekend for the
St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. Over 16,000 runners will run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, Half-Marathon or Grizzlies House 5k on Saturday. The race began in 1978 as a
small, local event and has grown into one of the premier marathon events in the country.
What makes the St. Jude Memphis Marathon one of best races in the country?
When St. Jude Children's Research Hospital joined as a race partner the event gained international attention. Running for such an amazing organization provides an unbelievable amount of motivation for runners. The race has raised over $16 million for St. Jude since the partnership began 10 years ago.- Top notch race organization and management by the Memphis Runners Track Club insures a smooth event focused on the needs of the runners.
- The St. Jude Heroes Program offers runners a chance to raise funds to help St. Jude in the fight against cancer and other deadly diseases. Last year the Heroes raised over $3 million dollars!
- A scenic, fast course that gives runners a tour of downtown and midtown Memphis.
St. Jude and the local running community are not the only beneficiaries of the race.
- Last year's event had an estimated economic impact of $5.5 million on the Memphis economy. 61% of all participants are from outside the Memphis metro area with 30% from more than 200 miles away from Memphis.
- The two day Race Expo at the Cook Convention Center attracts 50+ vendors selling all types of running and endurance related items. The Expo is open to the public.
If you want to support St. Jude and make several thousand visitors feel welcome... find a place on the
course map and cheer them on! If you need a dose of motivation and inspiration or you want to see what is positive about Memphis, head down to the finish line at Autozone Park on Saturday. You might just be inspired to lace up those running shoes for next year's race!