25 years. 25 tips.
One unforgettable weekend.

As we celebrate a milestone year of running for a reason, here are 25 insider tips to help you make the most of St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.

 
St. Jude Memphis Marathon Runners
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

At the Health & Fitness Expo

 
 

  1. Bring the QR code emailed on Race Week Monday and Wednesday and have it ready to scan via your phone when you arrive.

     
     

  2. See the inspirational shirts created by patients and their families who are the reason we run.

     
     

  3. Join us at 4 p.m. Thursday or Friday on the Expo Stage for insider race-day tips, course highlights and expert advice.

     
     

  4. Browse official event merchandise and connect with Expo vendors offering the latest in running gear, nutrition, recovery and much more.

     
     

  5. Pick up two "Thank You, Volunteer" bands and bestow them anytime throughout the weekend on volunteers who help make experience fun, safe and memorable.

     
     

Getting prepped for race day

 
 

  1. Plan your route down to your parking spot or make your rideshare plan and be downtown no later than 6 a.m. to avoid road closures.

     
     

  2. Purchase parking by Dec. 4 at stjude.org/marathonparking to lock in the special $20 rate. Plan to be parked by 6 a.m. before road closures begin.

     
     

  3. Use the clear gear-check bag provided at the Expo and leave valuables at home. Gear Check is located near the finish line on Hernando St.

     
     

  4. Need a pre-race boost? Stop by one of our new coffee trucks, located near Gear Check on Hernando St. and the 5K/10K start on Madison Ave.

     
     

  5. Help family and friends cheer you on by scanning the runner-tracking QR code in the Event Guide or downloading the RTRT app.

     
     

Let the race begin

 
 

  1. Double-check your start time and location before race morning. 5K & 10K: 7 a.m. at B.B. King Blvd. & Madison Ave. Half Marathon & Marathon: 8 a.m. at B.B. King Blvd. & Beale Street.

     
     

  2. Your corral assignment (letter or number) is in the lower-left corner of your bib. Starting in your assigned corral helps keep everyone moving safely and smoothly across the start line and onto the course.

     
     

  3. Attach your bib to the front of your shirt and keep it visible throughout the race. You'll need it at the start, finish and checkpoints along the course.

     
     

  4. For everyone's safety, only registered participants may be on the course. Strollers, skates, animals and wheeled assistance devices are not permitted, and headphones are discouraged.

     
     

  5. Want a helping hand to keep you on your goal pace? Marathoners (and half marathoners) are welcome to join a pace group. Visit the Pace Team booth at the Expo and on race day look for the bright orange-shirted runners with finish time/pace per mile signs.

     
     

On the course

 
 

  1. From cheer stations and motivational boards to live entertainment along the route, you'll find plenty of encouragement to keep you moving and an atmosphere unlike any other.

     
     

  2. Know your hydration plan and take advantage of the support available on race day. Water, Gatorade (and Gu in designated stations) are available at hydration stations located approximately every 1.5 miles along the route.

     
     

  3. As you make your way through your race, your final mile will be our Founder's Mile, aptly positioned on Danny Thomas Blvd., take a moment to reflect on the mission and the man whose vision inspired hope in countless patients and their families. To learn more about our founder, Danny Thomas, check out part of our Pavilion tour. 

     
     

  4. Need assistance on the course? Medical teams and SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles are stationed throughout the route to help keep participants safe and supported.

     
     

  5. Family and friends can find great spectator locations throughout the course. Encourage them to review the Spectator Guide and cheer you on from one of the designated viewing areas.

     
     

Celebrate at the Finish Festival

 
 

  1. Official finish-line photographers will be waiting in the chute to capture your achievement. Keep your bib visible and smile! Celebrate your accomplishment and the impact you've made for St. Jude children and families.

     
     

  2. After crossing the finish line, follow the flow inside AutoZone Park to enjoy complimentary food and beverages available for participants. Food trucks are available in left field for family and friends. 

     
     

  3. Your medal represents months of preparation and a shared commitment to the St. Jude mission. Wear it proudly and take time to congratulate the other participants.

     
     

  4. Make plans ahead of race day for a post-race meetup spot so you can celebrate together and share your race-day stories. The official runner reunion spot is inside AutoZone Park along the third base/left field side.

     
     

  5. Before heading home, take one more picture and a last look around. Post your photos and favorite race-day moments on social media. Together, we’re making a difference. Thank you for being part of this milestone year.

     
     

Finding Cures. Saving Children.

 
 

Your race may end at the finish line, but your support of the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues on. Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer.

When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate in the U.S. from 20% to more than 80%, and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.

 
 

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