Over 22,000 runners expected to participate in St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend
by: Raven Moore
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In case you somehow haven’t heard about it, the countdown is on for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.
Thousands of runners from around the world are coming to the Bluff City for events kicking off Thursday and ending Saturday with four major races.
Since its inception almost 23 years ago, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon has gone from a small regional race to a nationally acclaimed destination event.
“This is our single largest fundraising event that we have across the United States,” Sr. Vice President of Field Development Chris Boysen said. “It’s an incredibly important event.”
As thousands will be lacing up their running shoes, ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude, the City of Memphis and MPD are on the fast track rolling out their plans for safety and road closures.
“On race day, we’re asking everyone to pack your patience,” said MPD Commander of Special Operations Colonel Patricia Burnett.
This year’s marathon is expected to attract more than 22,500 runners worldwide, 40,000 spectators and hundreds of volunteers generating more than $54 million into the Memphis economy.
“The safety and security of the citizens of Memphis, the spectators, the participants all involved in this marathon is paramount to us,” Burnett said.
On Saturday, the marathon’s 5k and 10k races will start at 7 a.m. at the corner of B.B. King and Madison.
The half marathon and full marathon races will start at 8 a.m. at the corner of B.B. King and Beale and it will affect traffic throughout Memphis.
“Due to planned road closures, we’re asking that participants, spectators and the community at large need to travel early and plan in advance to travel safely,” Burnett said.
When it comes to parking downtown and keeping your belongings safe, MPD suggests that participants hide their valuables.
“Stow away any valuables out of sight in your vehicle,” Burnett said. “That’s our slogan, ‘Stow it, don’t show it.”
Vehicles illegally parked will also be subject to what’s called a “friendly tow.”
“The vehicle will be towed to 566 South Front and it’ll be available to be picked up for free two hours after the race,” Burnett said.
A few things to keep in mind as runners, volunteers, the City of Memphis and St. Jude come together to win the even bigger race against childhood cancers.
“We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer and it’s events like this one and communities like Memphis, Tennessee (that) help make that incredible work possible,” Boysen said.
For a complete list of St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend races and event information, click here.
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