St. Jude Memphis Marathon
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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Beale Street
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital campus
Downtown and Midtown Memphis historic neighborhoods
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Downtown Memphis (near Beale Street), Tennessee, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 16 for the marathon on race day
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID for bib/packet pickup
Entry Methods
- Online general registration (no fundraising commitment)
- St. Jude Hero fundraising registration (early entry in exchange for a fundraising commitment)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable
Deferral to a future year may be available for a fee; check official race terms
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.
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).
Over 4,000 volunteers support the event annually.
Course Time Limit for the 10K and 5K is 1.5 hours; 10K/5K start at 7:00 AM.
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Community
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