(See Information on the Memphis Marathon and Half Marathon)
The Memphis Grizzlies House 5K will start at 7:15 a.m. (wheelchairs start at 7:10 a.m.)
Entries capped: To ensure the quality of the “race experience” for all participants, registrations will be limited to 3,500 in the marathon ... 8,000 in the half marathon ... and 4,000 in the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K.
Want to participate but not quite ready to run or walk 26.2 miles or even 13.1? Sign up for the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K! The 3.1 mile race will take you through downtown Memphis right by the Memphis Grizzlies House, the short-term housing facility for St. Jude patients. The facility, which opened in January 2004, houses up to 100 patients who have traveled to St. Jude for treatment. The Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA made a $5 million pledge to the residence and continues to support it through fund-raisers. The race benefits Memphis Grizzlies House.
Become a hero in the fight against childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Sign up today to become a St. Jude Hero and raise additional funds by obtaining pledges from family, friends and co-workers to support the lifesaving research and treatment at St. Jude.
Course Information
The fun course starts in front of the FedExForum on Third Street (near Beale Street), goes by the St. Jude campus, and through Victorian Village as it returns to the Downtown area. Participants enjoy the same dynamic Finish as the marathoners ... in AutoZone Park, the AAA baseball stadium.
The course has been certified by USA Track & Field (USATF #TN08063MS).
This year's course map.
List and description of course attractions and landmarks.
Parking
There are an abundant number of surface lots and parking garages located within four to six blocks of the start and finish lines. These are the same lots which serve major sporting and entertainment events in Downtown Memphis. Obviously, lots closer to AutoZone Park will fill-up first and traffic on Race Morning will be heavy, so plan to get there early (see map of the Downtown area which includes lot locations).
On Course Support
Aid Stations at mile marks 1 and 2: Featuring water and PowerAde®.
Spirit Stations: Be entertained by Memphis-style music at two locations on the course.
Traffic control will be directed by the Memphis Police Department.
Medical Support: There will be a full emergency field hospital at the finish. Runners who must drop out of the race will be picked up at one of the Aid Stations and transported to the finish.
Post Race Support at AutoZone Park: Finishers will have access to a variety of food and beverages. There is also an attended bag check area and access to the shower facilities in the ballpark’s locker rooms (participants should furnish their own soap and towels).
Participant Amenities
All registrants will receive a race number, timing chip, goodie bag, and official long-sleeved T-shirt (available at packet pickup area only).
All finishers will receive a medal, access to food and beverages, and invitation to the afternoon Post-Race Celebration.
Certificates of Completion are available online several weeks after the event.
Awards
Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and top three female finishers in the following running divisions: Open (Overall), Masters (40+), Grand Masters (50+) and Senior Masters (60+) and wheelchair athletes. Trophies for the Open (Overall) Division will be presented at the Awards Ceremony on race day (See Schedule of Events). All other trophies will be mailed within two weeks after the event.
Plaques will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in each of the following age groups: 9 & under, 10 - 12, 13 – 15, 16 – 19, 20 – 24, 25 – 29, 30 – 34, 35 – 39, 40 – 44, 45 – 49, 50 – 54, 55 – 59, 60 – 64, 65 – 69, 70 – 74, and 75+. Since plaques are personalized, production and distribution takes about 45-60 days following the race.
A Note About Official Times for Prizes and Awards: The results for the Open (Overall) Division only in all three races, including determination of cash prizes in the Marathon (as well as Course Record Bonuses), will be based on the actual order of finish (“gun time”). Results determining the awarding of trophies and plaques in all other divisions and age groups of all races will be based on “chip time.” Runners will be eligible for prizes and awards only in the specific race for which they registered.
Wheelchair Athletes
To recognize their equal effort and ability, the following program and guidelines will apply to wheelchair athletes for all three races:
- Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and top three female finishers in each race (category was previously awarded same plaques as age group finishers)
- Early start with police escort
- Special restroom facilities near the Start and on the courses; proper facilities are also available at AutoZone Park, site of the Finish.
- Special parking near the Finish (contact Race Office for details)
The races follow the definition for participants in this category as set by Wheelchair Sports USA in Division 3 Specific Rules for Track Events, Rules 50.5 (no mechanical gears or levers) and 50.12 (mandatory use of approved helmets). The WSUSA Rules in sections 70.0 (“Specific Rules for Road Racing”) and 71.0 (“Assistance to Competitors”) will also apply.
Other Important Information
Timing: The ChronoTrack System will be used to determine all official finishing times. Along with race numbers and other information distributed at Packet Pickup/Expo, each participant will be furnished a disposable "D-tag" timing device which is affixed to a show during the race.
Walkers: Walkers are welcome, but should maintain a 20-minute/mile pace. For safety reasons, walkers should start behind the runners.
Historical Temperatures for Memphis during the first week of December:
Average high - 56 degrees F (Record high is 81 degrees F in 1982)
Average low - 38 degrees F (Record low is 15 degrees F in 1937)
Mean - 46 degrees F
Headphones are now allowed, but not recommended: In accordance with revised regulations of U.S. Track and Field, this event no longer bans the use of headphones and other listening devises (such as iPods) while participating in our three races (except for elite athletes; see below). However, the SJMMW recognizes the potential danger of wearing such devices during a sometimes-crowded race on city streets shared with auto traffic and strongly urges participants not to use headphones. According to Road Runners Club of America’s tips for running safety: “Don’t wear headsets. Use your ears to be aware of the surroundings. Using headphones, you lose the use of an important sense—your hearing. Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.”
Note: The SJMMW will continue to enforce a “no headphones” policy for those competing for cash prizes.
What’s Prohibited: Unregistered runners, unauthorized vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades/skates, strollers, baby-joggers and runners with pets are strictly prohibited on the course to assure runner safety and to comply with liability insurance requirements. Any type of support or unauthorized pacing will not be allowed. Noncompliance will result in immediate disqualification.
