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St. Jude Memphis Marathon

December 5, 2026 · 8:00 AMMemphis, TN, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

45°F

37–52°F · Feels cold

Total elevation gain

702ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change +49 ft

Participants

22K

Major marathon

Crowd Rating

8/ 10

Excellent spectator turnout

Entry

Registration Open

Marathon General Entry

$135

Full marathon general (non-fundraising) entry. Pricing rises in tiers as race day approaches (June 3: $105, June 6: $115, July 1: $135, Sept 1: $155, Oct 15: $175); figure shown is the current tier in effect since July 1, 2026.

Official Website

Key Dates

1. General Registration Opens
  Jun 3, 2026
  Non-fundraising general registration opened for all in-person distances.
2. Price Tier Increase
  Sep 1, 2026
  Registration fees increase to the Price increases to (Marathon $155, Half $145, 10K $100, 5K $70).
3. Race Day
  Dec 5, 2026
  25th annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. Marathon starts at 8:00 AM; 10K and 5K start at 7:00 AM. Registration for all distances closes the Tuesday before Thanksgiving or when a distance sells out, whichever comes first.

Found in

Half Marathons in Tennessee Races in Tennessee Marathons in the United States Half Marathons in the United States

The Lowdown

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is the flagship event of St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, the largest single-day fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, held annually in Memphis, Tennessee since 2002 (the 2026 edition marks the 25th anniversary, presented by Juice Plus+). The 26.2-mile course starts near Beale Street and winds through downtown Memphis, Midtown, and historic neighborhoods before finishing on the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital campus, where runners are cheered on by patients and families. The course is a Boston Marathon qualifier with a mostly rolling elevation profile and a 6.5-hour time limit. St. Jude Hero fundraising registration opens in advance for runners who commit to raising money for the hospital, while general (non-fundraising) registration for 2026 opened June 3, 2026. The 2025 edition drew about 22,000 participants and supporters and raised $15.8 million, with proceeds ensuring families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

Minimum Age: 16 years
Entry Methods: Online general registration (no fundraising commitment)
St. Jude Hero fundraising registration (early entry in exchange for a fundraising commitment)
Eligibility: Minimum age 16 for the marathon on race day
Required Documents: Valid photo ID for bib/packet pickup
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-refundable
Deferral to a future year may be available for a fee; check official race terms

01: St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend is St. Jude's largest single-day fundraiser; the 2025 edition raised $15.8 million, with organizers targeting over $16 million for 2026.
02: Also offered the same weekend: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, a 2-Race Challenge combo, a Kids' Fun Run, and virtual participation options (virtual times are not Boston-qualifying).
03: Over 4,000 volunteers support the event annually.
04: Course Time Limit for the 10K and 5K is 1.5 hours; 10K/5K start at 7:00 AM.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer702ft gain, 45°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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