Beale Street district. The Mississippi Riverfront. Historic neighborhoods. Outstanding spectator support. Plus, each course runs through the heart of the St. Jude campus. Whether you register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K or 2-Race Challenge, or want to volunteer or cheer instead, know it’s all in support of the …
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Beale Street district. The Mississippi Riverfront. Historic neighborhoods. Outstanding spectator support. Plus, each course runs through the heart of the St. Jude campus. Whether you register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K or 2-Race Challenge, or want to volunteer or cheer instead, know it’s all in support of the kids of St. Jude.
Runners in the Marathon start in the iconic and lively Beale Street district and finish with a downhill on Union Ave. adjacent to the finish festival in AutoZone Park. The return of Riverside Drive and the stunning Tom Lee Park gives runners an amazing view of the revitalized Mississippi Riverfront and the Hernando de Soto bridge. Inspiration comes during the run through the St. Jude campus and mission moments then onto historic neighborhoods, through lively block parties, and one-loop through Overton Park.
A distance favorite for runners, the Half Marathon offers the same race route experience as the Marathon until the earlier turn back to the finish. Runners start in the iconic and lively Beale Street district and finish with a downhill on Union Ave. adjacent to the finish festival in AutoZone Park. The return of Riverside Drive and the stunning Tom Lee Park gives runners an amazing view of the revitalized Mississippi Riverfront and the Hernando de Soto bridge. Inspiration comes during the run through the St. Jude campus before an out and back on tree-lined North Parkway before a return to the downtown Memphis finish.
The 10K is paired with the 5K. The course starts on B.B. King Blvd. and finishes downhill on Union Ave. Both are adjacent to the finish festival at AutoZone Park. Inspiration comes during the run through the St. Jude campus before an out and back on tree-lined North Parkway.
The 5K is an extraordinary way for runners, family, friends, and supporters to experience Memphis and the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The 3.1-mile course starts on B.B. King Blvd. and finishes downhill on Union Ave. Both are adjacent to the finish festival at AutoZone Park. Inspiration comes at the halfway point with an emotional journey through the St. Jude campus.
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Good cause, okay race
The best part of the St. Jude Marathon is obviously the cause. It’s hard not to feel good about running an event that supports something so meaningful, and that gives … MORE
The best part of the St. Jude Marathon is obviously the cause. It’s hard not to feel good about running an event that supports something so meaningful, and that gives the race a different feel than other marathons.
As a race experience, I thought it was decent overall, if not especially memorable.
The course itself was fine. Memphis isn’t the most scenic marathon city, but there were a few good stretches, especially along the river. Crowd support was okay — solid in some areas, sparse in others. There was a higher-than-usual number of spectators handing out adult beverages on the course, especially in some of the residential neighborhoods, which gave the race a bit of a fun Memphis party vibe.
The part I was most looking forward to was running through the St. Jude campus. I expected that to be one of the emotional highlights of the day, but it felt pretty brief and didn’t hit me the way I thought it would. That’s probably more about my expectations than anything else, but I did come away wishing that moment had given more of the endorphin boost I was hoping for.
The expo was large and well attended, with plenty of vendors, though not a ton of swag. Still, it was nice to see so many businesses supporting the event.
I stayed at a Hampton Inn near the start, which was extremely convenient on race morning. Getting out after the race could have been tricky, but I found free street parking a few blocks away and avoided getting boxed in.
The post-race setup at the baseball stadium seemed solid, although I was pretty wiped out by then and didn’t stick around long. The medal is nice too.
Overall: a worthwhile race for a great cause. Not one of my favorite marathon experiences, but I’m glad I did it.
Disappointing for Serious Runners
I went into the St. Jude Marathon with high expectations given the incredible mission behind the event. Supporting St. Jude and the families they serve is truly meaningful, and that … MORE
I went into the St. Jude Marathon with high expectations given the incredible mission behind the event. Supporting St. Jude and the families they serve is truly meaningful, and that purpose is what draws so many people to this race.
Having run the New York City Marathon in 2019 and the Chicago Marathon in 2021 on behalf of St. Jude, this was a race I had always wanted to experience. When I began focusing on completing a marathon in all 50 states, it was one of the first races I prioritized.
From a mission standpoint, this race is outstanding. From a runner’s standpoint—especially for those approaching it competitively—it fell short.
Course support for full marathon runners was minimal, particularly in the later miles when it matters most. It became clear that the majority of resources and energy were directed toward the half marathon, 10K, and kids races, which naturally draw larger participation. However, for those running the full, it often felt like an afterthought.
If you’re a runner aiming for a PR or looking for a more competitive race environment, I would recommend considering other options. There were no pacers for faster groups, making it difficult to dial in goal times or race strategically.
I did place 2nd in my age group, which I’m proud of—but even that experience was underwhelming. The award plaque was poor quality and difficult to read, which didn’t reflect the accomplishment.
The expo was another area that lacked energy. Compared to other major marathons, there were fewer vendors and minimal giveaways, making it feel more functional than exciting.
As for the course itself, there were a couple of highlights. Running past the St. Jude campus around mile 13 was meaningful, though brief, and the river stretch offered a nice change of scenery. Unfortunately, much of the course—especially around mile 20—felt quiet, lacking crowd support, and overall uninspiring.
One suggestion that could elevate the experience: offering tours of the St. Jude campus for out-of-town runners. Given the powerful mission, this would create a deeper connection and make the race more memorable beyond race day.
Overall, the heart behind this race is undeniable, and the cause is worth supporting. However, the execution—particularly for full marathon runners—leaves significant room for improvement.
First Half but not last!
I just started running in March of 2025 to combat some mental health struggles. I’m not fast, or even good at running. St. Jude’s energy is indescribable. I ran the … MORE
I just started running in March of 2025 to combat some mental health struggles. I’m not fast, or even good at running. St. Jude’s energy is indescribable. I ran the first 8 miles without stopping. I’ve never been able to do that before. Will do this race every year. Plenty of water stations and volunteers cheering the entire course!!! Like I said, energy was there!!!!
Disappointing for back of packers
It took me awhile to write this review because I hoped my feelings would change but they have not. I'm very disappointed in this race. I wanted to love it … MORE
It took me awhile to write this review because I hoped my feelings would change but they have not. I’m very disappointed in this race. I wanted to love it — it’s a great race for a great cause, being the most $ raised in a single day for St Jude, but I am still sore about how back of packers were forgotten.
There was a corral system, but it went wrong. It took me over an hour to start. So, being that my pace is as slow as it is, plus being an hour behind everyone else, there were no patients to speak of when I made it to the St Jude campus (that was supposed to be the highlight of the race — to see the kids —, and I didn’t get to see them) and the hospitality lounges and finish line areas were broken down by the time I got to the finish, even though the finish line was still up.
If you’re not a back of packer, or if you are a half marathoner, this race will be awesome for you!
A MUST in Tennessee
I have been running the St Jude Marathon series for four years now, and this was my first marathon and I had to say that was very tough but during … MORE
I have been running the St Jude Marathon series for four years now, and this was my first marathon and I had to say that was very tough but during the race the city and the spectators remind your why’s you are running this. This race showed me that I am not scared of run a marathon but I do have a lot of respect to it. And yes, if you are looking for a race in December, I recommend you this one!
All the feels
This race is about more than running and it hit me in the feels more than once. Hearing about cancer survivors that were running that day gave me chills. Then … MORE
This race is about more than running and it hit me in the feels more than once. Hearing about cancer survivors that were running that day gave me chills. Then so see pictures of children during treatment and after made my eyes water. I enjoyed the race mostly for the cause 🙂 Overall, this should be done by all runners. The only gripe I have is the shirt is too short. I like the design, but length seemed off.
My first marathon!
Great cause! Great support! Plenty of official volunteers and unofficial ones out there cheering and helping drinks and food. I was even a fried chicken leg! (Hard pass). It’s worth … MORE
Great cause! Great support! Plenty of official volunteers and unofficial ones out there cheering and helping drinks and food. I was even a fried chicken leg! (Hard pass). It’s worth doing it for any distance as you do go through the st Jude campus and see all the kids cheering. I was on pace to beat 5hrs until the wall happened around mile 22. Still, I’m excited I did this one and happy with my finish.
A race for the kids and for Memphis
As a new transplant to Memphis, this race was a non-negotiable. The expo and packet pick-up were easy, well-organized, and full of plenty of shopping and merch opportunities. Race day … MORE
As a new transplant to Memphis, this race was a non-negotiable. The expo and packet pick-up were easy, well-organized, and full of plenty of shopping and merch opportunities. Race day itself was well-organized, well-corralled and very busy (this is a big race). You pass through Beale Street, downtown, uptown and down the parkway before splitting from the full marathoners (they cover up to Overton Park, which is also pretty). Plenty of port-a-pots, aid stations, and beers, snacks and treats offered throughout by those who support the race in addition to other volunteers. St. Jude is core to Memphis, so you will also get to pass through the campus and see and wave to the patients supported by St. Jude’s hospital and research. My sister and I had a great time until we settled into the out-and-back portion of the race around ~mile 9 or so on the parkway. This road is problematically crowned, so stick to the center because it will really hurt ankles/joints. There are some hills near the end that I did not love, but once you cross the finish line there are snacks and treats hand over fist. The after-party is hosted in the red birds minor league stadium and offers tons of soups, snacks, beers and pizza so recovery is quick. If I can find the mental strength, the marathon next year may be my next mission.
First Half Marathon
First and foremost this race supports a great cause, so it's worth it. It's a large race, but it's well organized. The corrals were very spacious and the crowd support … MORE
First and foremost this race supports a great cause, so it’s worth it. It’s a large race, but it’s well organized. The corrals were very spacious and the crowd support was excellent. The water stops were very frequent and the volunteers were top notch. The runner’s area at the finish was in the Redbirds baseball stadium and was super crowded, so be prepared to be patient. Overall, this was a great experience for my first half marathon.
Extremely well supported race
Chose this race for my TN race for 50 states half marathon quest. The expo and start line are walkable from downtown hotels. The course was extremely well supported, with … MORE
Chose this race for my TN race for 50 states half marathon quest. The expo and start line are walkable from downtown hotels. The course was extremely well supported, with ample official aid stations (as well as some unofficial/extra stops with beer, fireball, pickles, etc.) I finished just under 3 hours and was always surrounded by people and crowds. The post race party at the stadium had numerous food and beverage options. All of the volunteers were very supportive and friendly. The short trip through the hospital campus was uplifting. I don’t think I have ever given so many high fives. My friend tracking me was wondering how my pace got quicker that late in the race. I would definitely come back to run this race again.
The only negative for me was the swag (may have been the ugliest race shirt I have received in my 100+ races). The medals were nice!