What is a St. Jude Hero?

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. See fundraising options for the 2020 St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.

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 (i.e., before June 1) 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 (June 1 or after) 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.

2020 St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend Heroes entries

We encourage all participants to meet their fundraising goal by race weekend, but Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum St. Jude Heroes have until January 4, 2021 to raise their committed amount.

Bronze entry

$600

fundraising commitment

Race entry
St. Jude Heroes training shirt
Name on official pace car
Interactive wristband for race weekend with exclusive experiences/access
$15 St. Jude merchandise credit

Silver entry

$1,500

fundraising commitment

Race entry
St. Jude Heroes training shirt
Name on official pace car
Interactive wristband for race weekend with exclusive experiences/access
$30 St. Jude merchandise credit
Commemorative race gear
Access to reserve Pasta Party tickets and race-day Heroes Hospitality (reservations required)

Gold entry

$3,000

fundraising commitment

Race entry
St. Jude Heroes training shirt
Name on official pace car
Interactive wristband for race weekend with exclusive experiences/access
$60 St. Jude merchandise credit
Commemorative race gear
First access to reserve Pasta Party tickets and race-day Heroes Hospitality (reservations required)
Two-night downtown Memphis hotel stay (Friday - Saturday)

Platinum entry

SOLD OUT

$5,000

fundraising commitment

Race entry
St. Jude Heroes training shirt
Name on official pace car
Interactive wristband for race weekend with exclusive experiences/access
$100 St. Jude merchandise credit
Commemorative race gear
First access to reserve, and complimentary guest ticket to, Pasta Party tickets and race-day Heroes Hospitality (reservations required)
Three-night Peabody Hotel stay (Thursday - Saturday)
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital experience (+one guest)

Platinum Premier entry, sponsored by American Airlines

SOLD OUT

New in 2020! Commit to raise $7,500, and upgrade your registration to Platinum Premier.

Platinum Premier Heroes will receive all Platinum benefits, plus additional status and access on event weekend, including:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital experience (+three guests)
Thursday evening welcome experience (+one guest)
one round-trip American Airlines flight for event weekend (use for yourself or the person of your choice to fly to the event; if you decline the flight it will be credited to St. Jude for use by a patient family)