Be part of something bigger
Being a St. Jude Hero® means raising funds for the kids of St. Jude — kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases — while you train for your race.
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend is the pinnacle event for the St. Jude Heroes program as the largest single-day fundraising event for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude Heroes aren't just participating in their race; they're using their strength to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Registration fees help us put on a great race, but St. Jude relies on fundraisers and direct donations.
St. Jude patient Rylee, age 10, bone cancer
There are two ways to be a St. Jude Hero
Fundraise at a premier level for the full event experience.
Sign up prior to general registration at the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum fundraising level, and get exclusive benefits and race-weekend perks. Plus, you'll secure your race entry before we open to the general public.
Fundraise what you'd like, and earn selected prizes based on how much your raise.
Register during general registration and raise at least $250. You'll earn a St. Jude singlet or tech shirt to wear race weekend, and have the chance earn other prizes.
Being a St. Jude Hero means that when you cross the finish line, you'll know that what you've accomplished has made an impact far beyond your race. It also means...
Benefits to make your race experience even better
Running as a St. Jude Hero takes your event to the next level, with the opportunity to earn everything from race gear to event weekend experiences.
Support from St. Jude to help you fundraise
St. Jude will be with you every step of the way. You'll get everything you need to reach your fundraising goal — coaching emails, a fundraising coach, a personal fundraising page, plus other tools and tips as you go.
Becoming part of a nationwide alliance against childhood cancer
As a St. Jude Hero, you'll join thousands of runners from across the United States who have chosen to run for St. Jude. St. Jude Heroes are a select group with one common goal: to use their race to further lifesaving research and treatment for St. Jude kids.
Making your race part of something bigger
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. As a St. Jude Hero, you'll make a real difference. The funds you raise help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Learn more about how fundraising helps.
What does being a St. Jude Hero mean to you? Tell us your fundraising story, and we may feature it to inspire other fundraisers.
Available for the marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K
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- Race entry
- St. Jude Heroes training shirt
- Name on official pace car
- Access to Heroes Lounge (Expo)
- $15 St. Jude merchandise credit
Silver Heroes will receive all Bronze benefits, plus additional status and access including:- $30 St. Jude merchandise credit
- Commemorative 20th anniversary race gear
- Access to reserve Pasta Party tickets and race-day Heroes Hospitality (reservations required, quantities limited)
Gold Heroes will receive all Silver benefits, plus additional status and access including:- $60 St. Jude merchandise credit
- Two-night downtown Memphis hotel stay on race weekend (Friday - Saturday)
- Virtual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Tour
Platinum Heroes will receive all Gold benefits, plus additional status and access including:- $100 St. Jude merchandise credit
- Access to reserve, and complimentary guest ticket to, Pasta Party tickets and race-day Heroes Hospitality (reservations required, quantities limited)
- Three-night Peabody Hotel stay on race weekend (Thursday - Saturday)
- Virtual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital tour (+one guest)
Platinum Premier Heroes will receive all Platinum benefits, plus additional status and access on event weekend, including:- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Virtual Tour (+three guests)
- Thursday evening welcome experience (+one guest)
- American Airlines 25K miles flight voucher
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- Race entry
- St. Jude Heroes training shirt
- Name on official pace car
- $15 St. Jude merchandise credit
- St. Jude Heroes race packet and benefits delivered to you
Silver Heroes will receive all Bronze benefits, plus additional status and access including:- $30 St. Jude merchandise credit
- Commemorative 20th anniversary race gear
- Access to virtual Pasta Party and $25 Domino's gift card
- Heroes post-race recovery kit
Gold Heroes will receive all Silver benefits, plus additional status and access including:- $60 St. Jude merchandise credit
- $400 Marriot or Hilton hotel gift card
- Virtual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Tour
Platinum Heroes will receive all Gold benefits, plus additional status and access including:- $100 St. Jude merchandise credit
- $600 Marriott, Hilton or Memphis Peabody hotel gift card
- Virtual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Tour (+ one guest)
Platinum Premier Heroes will receive all Platinum benefits, plus additional status and access on event weekend, including:- Virtual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Tour (+three guests)
- Thursday evening welcome experience (+one guest)
- American Airlines 25K miles flight voucher
Are you interested in being a St. Jude Hero for another running event?
See where being a St. Jude Hero can take you.
Please note, benefits and fundraising levels vary by race.