Fundraising is heating up this month! Ramp up your impact for a stylish reward — secure a spot among the top 100 individual fundraisers between July 1 and July 31 to earn an exclusive pair of St. Jude sunglasses to wear on race day. No matter where you started this month, everyone has a chance to be one of the top 100 fundraisers in July.
Don't forget to share the St. Jude sunglasses promotion with your team members. You could even have a challenge within your team for the top fundraisers or set a team goal for the month of July!
Your leadership drives momentum across the entire St. Jude marathon community and especially members, thank you for all you do.
Make your race weekend plans
We've got some important dates coming up that you'll want to make sure your teammates are aware of. The first benefit reservation window opens next week for Elite Heroes, followed by subsequent weekly openings through the end of August for Premier, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Heroes.
Benefit reservations are based on a first come, first served basis. We recommend encouraging your teammates to set a calendar reminder to lock in their benefits as early as possible. Accommodations also vary, so it's a good idea to coordinate ahead of time where you and your teammates will stay.
Reservations open dates
- July 14 - Elite
- July 21 - Premier
- July 28 - Platinum
- August 4 - Gold
- August 11 - Silver
- August 18 - Bronze
When your reservation window opens, take these steps to secure your St. Jude Hero benefits:
Step 1: Confirm your commitment — do this today!
- Log in using your event credentials set up when you registered.
- Click Commit for St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. You will not becharged today. In the unlikely event that you have not met your fundraising commitment by Thursday, December 17, your card will be charged the difference at that time.
Step 2: Reserve your benefits — be on the lookout for a reminder email!
- Once your reservations are open, you will receive an email with instructions on how to reserve your benefits!
Before long, you will be running through the St. Jude campus, surrounded by the cheers and gratitude of the families and children you support. This historic 25th-anniversary milestone is a moment you won't want to miss!
Pick up your fundraising pace and track your progress this month in the I Love St. Jude app. Ask for $80 donations in honor of the treatments developed at St. Jude that have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962 to more than 80% today.
Resources & Reminders
The new "I LOVE ST. JUDE" app is here! If you haven't already, make sure everyone on your team has downloaded the app so they can all take advantage of these awesome features:
Manage your progress
- Set or change your fundraising goal
- See real time progress towards your goal
Collect Donations
- Access mobile check deposit
- Create your custome QR code for real time donations
- Easily grab your personal fundraising link to share via text, email or socials
Fundraise as a team
- Manage your team
- Create or join a team
- Check on your team's progress
Campaign Studio
- Create content to easily share via text, email or social
- Choose from patient artwork, St. Jude stickers and more
Shoutouts & Celebrations
Congratulations to our top 25 Team Captains whose teams recruited the most new participants in June — you've earned a St. Jude Boco Hat!
Team Sparrow Run Club Southern College of Optometry Pelkey Running Club North MS Heroes IMARG2026 Team FedEx Ole Miss Tri Delta HyperFocus |
Peds Team Team Carson Elizabeth Team Brody-OTF Lakeland Breakaway Running for a Cause Team Brodey Houpt Team Isa FUNraiser's for Team Jaxon #2 Team Job Caleb Hammer Strong |
St. Mary's Episcopal School Team Northview/Nolan Grills Fight Like a Doss Evolvers Team Alyssa Rocks & Dude Dance Deb's Crew REI Nation #AustynStrong AutoZone Extra Milers Memphis Mureeds Notre Dame Church Sisters in Christ |
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June 2026
Level up, win big!
Ready to level up? If you or your members would like to upgrade your race experience, now’s the time. You can increase your St. Jude Hero commitment through June 30 (pending availability) and enjoy even more benefits.
Now through June 30, Team Captains from the 25 teams who recruit the most NEW participants will earn an exclusive St. Jude hat. You can now recruit general participants — so keep growing your team! Winners will be notified in early July.
Momentum starts with you.
Your team looks to you to set the pace. Make a self-donation, then encourage your team members to do the same on their own fundraising pages. It's a powerful way to inspire more support for St. Jude kids.
Captain's Corner
We spoke with Paula Head, Team Captain for Team Carson Elizabeth, about her recruitment tips for building a strong team.
"We focus on sharing our 'why' in everything we do. We send out a mission-driven email to family, friends and past participants inviting them to join us. We also do a lot of personal one-on-one invitations, and on social media, we regularly share our story and link to our team page to bring in new members."
Shoutouts and Celebrations
Congratulations to our top 50 teams for winning the May recruitment challenge and earning the exclusive 25th anniversary decal!
Shaw Industries
FUNraiser's for St. Jude
Down South Heroes
Cenla Runners Heroes
RAISING4ACURE
Kamryn's Cause
NELA Road Warriors
Team Alyssa Rocks; Dude Dance
Anna's Flying Pigs
Runwell for St. Jude
Keep Up The Pace
Cajun Crew
teamchasebailey77
Scout's Army
Team ESA
Team FedEx
Swamp Donkeys
Team Yolo
Triple A
Team Erica
Team Easton
We Run at Dawn
Team Eli
Poplar Bluff Heroes
Team Carson Elizabeth
Warriors vs Cancer
The Dudes
Team WillPower
Running on Empty
St. Jude Run Club
Team Aaron Bell
#SaveJosh
North MS St. Jude Heroes
Big River Runners For St. Jude Kids
Miles for Charlotte
EmilyStrong
#EmilyStrong
Breakaway Running for a Cause
Team Lindsey
Juice Plus+
Pelkey Running Club
Running with Grace
Varsity Brands
Caleb Hammer Strong
Super Sully
Team Carter ((HUGS!!))
Strong As Gold
Team Hertwig
Team David
Team Rhodes
Cajun Heroes
Resources & Reminders
June 30: Last day to upgrade Hero commitment level or change to being a Hero (pending availability)
Reservations Open Dates:
- July 14 — Elite
- July 21 — Premier
- July 28 — Platinum
- August 4 — Gold
- August 11 — Silver
- August 18 — Bronze
Pro Tip: Use our new social media graphics to fundraise and reach new supporters.
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Climb the leaderboard!
Now through May 31, build one of the top 50 largest teams with the most registered participants and score a brand-new, exclusive 25th anniversary St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend presented by Juice Plus+ decal for you plus all your members!
Keep recruiting team members and climb to the top — secure your decal and the bragging rights that come with it.
Lock in your singlet or tech shirt early.
Be the first to rep the new St. Jude Heroes singlet or tech shirt as soon as it ships — this summer. Raise $250 and encourage your teammates to do the same. Then snap photos of your crew in their new gear to inspire donations.
Team Captain Spotlight
We spoke with Curtis Callaway, Team Captain for Shaw Industries, as he kicks off his 14th year participating in St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.
Q: How do you inspire others to join your team?
A: More than half of our runners are Shaw employees and their family members. In recent years, we've seen an increase in customers interested in joining our team, thanks to our relationship and their support for the St. Jude mission.Q: What's your top recruitment tip for Team Captains?
A: Some people are always looking for a good race, but I really think it's all about the mission. Sell the mission, and you might make a teammate for life. Plus, it's a super fun event. Memphis really shows out for this race.Shoutouts and Celebrations
Where does your team rank? Check the leaderboard. Then rally your crew and make your move — climb higher and go bigger. Every dollar raised sends hope and healing to kids facing cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Important Dates
- June 2, 2026: Last day to register as a St. Jude Hero
- June 3, 2026: General registration opens at 10 a.m. CT
- June 30, 2026: Last day to upgrade St. Jude Hero commitment level or change to being a St. Jude Hero (pending availability)
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As the heartbeat of this race community, you bring the energy and drive that makes St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend presented by Juice Plus+ so impactful for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital kids. Thank you for leading the charge during this milestone year!
We are all here to support you — and high five you — from now until you cross the finish line. It's go time. Your adventure begins now!
Multiply Your Impact. Build Your Team.
Every team member you recruit brings their own network and oomph — expanding your reach and making an even greater difference for kids and families facing childhood cancer.Invite friends who've supported you before, coworkers who love a team challenge and anyone who's been looking for a reason to run, walk or fundraise.
Don't be afraid to ask boldly. This is a special year, and people love being part of something historic.
Pro tip: Encourage your teammates to recruit, too! Make it easy to stay connected.
Strong teams talk often. Early on, choose how you'll stay in touch with your crew:
- Private Facebook group
- Group text or WhatsApp
- Email updates
- Quick monthly check-ins on Zoom
- Post team wide announcements from your Fundraising Center
Choose one main channel and stick with it. Consistent communication keeps motivation high and ensures no one misses important updates.
Start fundraising early and build momentum.
Did you know Team Captains can raise 4.5X more than individuals? While fundraising goals are individual, there's something powerful about doing something together. When everyone rallies around the same goal, the experience becomes more meaningful — and more fun!
Set a team goal and start planning ways to get your team fired up:
- A kickoff gathering
- Restaurant give-back nights
- Friendly team fundraising challenges
Remind your teammates that every dollar brings lifesaving care to St. Jude kids.
Shoutouts and Celebrations
The leaderboard is live! Each month, see where your team ranks and celebrate the momentum building across this historic 25th anniversary year. View leaderboards.
Important Dates
- June 2, 2026: Last day to register as a St. Jude Hero
- June 3, 2026: General registration opens at 10 a.m. CT
- June 30, 2026: Last day to upgrade St. Jude Hero commitment level or change to being a St. Jude Hero (pending availability)
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Team Captain Thursday is your new monthly go-to for updates, resources and reminders to help you guide your crew along the way.
As the heartbeat of this race community, you bring the energy and drive that makes St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend presented by Juice Plus+ so impactful for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital kids. Thank you for leading the charge during this milestone year!
We are all here to support you — and high five you — from now until you cross the finish line. It's go time. Your adventure begins now!
Multiply Your Impact. Build Your Team.
Every team member you recruit brings their own network and oomph — expanding your reach and making an even greater difference for kids and families facing childhood cancer.
Invite friends who've supported you before, coworkers who love a team challenge and anyone who's been looking for a reason to run, walk or fundraise.
Don't be afraid to ask boldly. This is a special year, and people love being part of something historic.
Pro tip: Encourage your teammates to recruit, too! Make it easy to stay connected.
Strong teams talk often. Early on, choose how you'll stay in touch with your crew:
- Private Facebook group
- Group text or WhatsApp
- Email updates
- Quick monthly check-ins on Zoom
- Post team wide announcements from your Fundraising Center
Choose one main channel and stick with it. Consistent communication keeps motivation high and ensures no one misses important updates.
Start fundraising early and build momentum.
Did you know Team Captains can raise 4.5X more than individuals? While fundraising goals are individual, there's something powerful about doing something together. When everyone rallies around the same goal, the experience becomes more meaningful — and more fun!
Set a team goal and start planning ways to get your team fired up:
- A kickoff gathering
- Restaurant give-back nights
- Friendly team fundraising challenges
Remind your teammates that every dollar brings lifesaving care to St. Jude kids.
Shoutouts and Celebrations
The leaderboard is live! Each month, see where your team ranks and celebrate the momentum building across this historic 25th anniversary year. View leaderboards.
Important Dates
- June 2, 2026: Last day to register as a St. Jude Hero
- June 3, 2026: General registration opens at 10 a.m. CT
- June 30, 2026: Last day to upgrade St. Jude Hero commitment level or change to being a St. Jude Hero (pending availability)
