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 you 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.
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.
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New this year and just in time for our 20th anniversary celebration, the St. Jude Heroes Lounge brings live, interactive experiences, augmented reality, pre-race sampling, sweet treats, a special gift and more. Located at the Renasant Convention Center as part of the Health & Fitness Expo, you’ll want to ensure you have plenty of time to visit after picking up your packet and shopping the Expo.
Thursday, Dec. 2: Noon - 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 3: Noon - 9 p.m.The St. Jude Heroes Lounge is a benefit for all committed St. Jude Heroes and their guests to enjoy as a part of their event weekend experience.
*Reservations required. -
We’re rolling out the red carpet and throwing a party! We are excited to introduce our first ever in-person St. Jude Heroes Platinum Premier Welcome Party. Also making it’s debut during our 20th anniversary celebration, this special event is located at Historic Peabody Hotel Skyway Rooftop.
Thursday, Dec. 2: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The Platinum Premier Welcome Party is a benefit for all committed Platinum Premier St. Jude Heroes and their guests to enjoy as a part of their event weekend experience.
*Reservations required. -
Located at the historic and legendary Peabody Hotel, the St. Jude Heroes Pasta Party is an exclusive event to celebrate the accomplishments of our top fundraisers and provide a pre-race carb dinner preparation for race day. New this year, there will be two seatings to allow for social distancing and attendee and guest flexibility.
Friday, Dec. 3:
4 - 4:45 p.m. - First seating
7 - 7:45 p.m. - Second seatingThe St. Jude Heroes Pasta Party is a benefit for Silver and above St. Jude Heroes and their guests to enjoy as a part of their event weekend experience.
*Reservations required. -
Located on the club-level of AutoZone Park, St. Jude Heroes Hospitality offers a warm and celebratory experience for St. Jude Heroes and their guests. Attendees will receive a protein packed pre-race breakfast followed by post-race brunch. Those 21 and over can enjoy a cold beer which includes Tarahumara, the official brew of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.
Saturday, Dec. 4: 5:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
The St. Jude Heroes Hospitality is a benefit for Silver and above St. Jude Heroes and their guests to enjoy as a part of their event weekend experience.
*Reservations required.
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. 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.
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.