Marathon races near Memphis

On a December race morning in Memphis, runners start at B.B. King Boulevard and Lt. Lee Avenue for a road-race weekend supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The offerings include a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 2-Race Challenge, suitable for first-time 5K runners, experienced marathoners, and charity teams. It is the largest single-day fundraiser for St. Jude, with past editions attracting over 22,000 participants and supporters and raising millions of dollars for the hospital. The course follows fast, flat Memphis roads in a roughly counter-clockwise loop through the city. Runners pass Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Lorraine Hotel, and the Elvis Presley Memorial, with the half marathon and full marathon sharing much of the early route. Over 4,000 volunteers assist with the weekend each year, and the race’s purpose remains direct: St. Jude families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food. The event has been held for about 25 years, bringing athletes, volunteers, and supporters from across the country to run for this cause.