Great American River Run

The Great American River Run is the Memphis in May International Festival's Memorial Day weekend road race, offering a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K in downtown Memphis. All three courses start and finish at AutoZone Park and run along the Mississippi River, with the route crossing the A.W. Willis bridge for views of the skyline and the river. The race began in 2015 and the 2026 edition was its 11th, with a fireworks start, cash prizes for top finishers and a $500 King and Queen of the Hill award for the fastest man and woman over the A.W. Willis bridge. Finishers receive a medal and race shirt and are invited to a post-race party with live music, food and beer. Military runners get a discounted entry in honor of Memorial Day weekend.