
Are there caps on the number of entries in any of the races?
Why are the races capped?
What is the St. Jude Heroes Program?
How late can I register?
I already registered for one of the races, but now I want to be a St. Jude Hero. Am I too late?
Will I receive a confirmation that my entry has been received?
I registered for the race but my name is not listed as confirmed... what should I do?
Are refunds available?
Can I switch my registration from one race to another?
May walkers participate?
Are wheelchairs welcome?
What is the elevation change for the course? Is the course hilly?
What are the age restrictions?
Is the St. Jude Memphis Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Will there be pace teams?
Is there still a "No Headphones" policy at the race?
Are hotel discounts available for participant?
What will the weather be like on race day?
Can I have my friend run with me if he/she is not entered in the race?
What or Who is Juice Plus+®?
What materials should I expect to receive after I register? When will I receive them?
Can someone else obtain my race number and T-shirt for me?
Where should I park on race morning?
May I obtain my race number and packet on Saturday morning?
Where is the starting line?
Will runners line-up at the start according to their pace-per-mile?
Is St. Jude the race sponsor?
When and where will the finishing times be posted?
I want to volunteer, what do I do?
Do Half Marathon finishers receive a medal?
How do I become a sponsor?
Are there caps on the number of entries in any of the races?
Yes. To ensure the quality of the race experience for all participants, registrations will be limited. Races have sold out in advance for the past three years.
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Why are the races capped?
Limiting entries is a common practice in the road race industry. It allows race officials to deliver the best runner experience, ensure runner and public safety and allows for effective and efficient collaboration with city officials and personnel. Feedback from past participants demonstrates that the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend has become a destination race due in large part to the unique nature of the course including the starting position near Beale Street, historic landmarks including running through the St. Jude campus and the finish line at AutoZone Park. Expanding the field could impact our ability to deliver a safe and unique, quality race experience for all participants.
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What is the St. Jude Heroes Program?
As a St. Jude Hero, you will be part of a community of people who commit to challenging themselves in endurance events while fundraising to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. When you become a St. Jude Hero you will receive your own fundraising website, support from local St. Jude representatives and the opportunity to earn great prizes. It's your race, but it's their victory. Do it for the kids of St. Jude, and make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Learn more about the Heroes program and how to register.
If you have already signed up for a race, you can still become a St. Jude Hero.
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How late can I register?
If spots are available, online registration will be open through 11:59 p.m. CT on Monday, November 28. No online entries will be accepted after this time. Please note that offline entries by mail, fax, hand delivery, etc. are no longer accepted.
If spots are still available, late registration will be available on Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2 at the site of the Expo and packet pickup area at Memphis Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis (refer to map in “Hotels/Area” section). Also, check the “Schedule” section of this website. There will be no race day registration for any of the races.
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I already registered for one of the races, but now I want to be a St. Jude Hero. Am I too late?
Even if you have already signed up for a race, you can still become a St. Jude Hero. Your $25 program fee will jumpstart your fundraising today.
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Will I receive a confirmation that my entry has been received?
Your confirmation is sent by email to the email address you provided on your online registration form. If you do not receive this confirmation, you will be able to request an additional confirmation email.
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I registered for the race but my name is not listed as confirmed ... what should I do?
If you register online through our website, it is received automatically and your name will show up as confirmed within the week. If your name still does not show up, call the Active.com Registration Customer Service toll-free at 877-228-4881 (option 3) or email support@active.com.
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Are refunds available?
Sorry, we cannot refund, transfer to another person or credit registrations to a future year. However, if you are unable to participate, your entry fee will become a direct donation to the children of St. Jude and is tax deductible.
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Can I switch my registration from one race to another?
Yes, but only if the race you want to switch to is not already sold out. In addition to a $10 fee to switch races ($25 after November 1), you will be charged the difference in entry fees in effect at the time of your request if upgrading (i.e., half marathon to marathon). If downgrading, (marathon to half marathon or 5K, for example), you will be charged the switch fee and will not receive a refund for the difference in registration fees.
To switch races, email an official request to marathon@stjude.org. You must include the following information:
- name of the race you originally registered for (confirmation number helpful, but not required)
- name of the race to which you want to switch
- statement giving us permission to charge the fee (and upgrade charge if applicable) to the same credit card you used when originally registering
The change in races will be promptly processed, and you will receive an updated confirmation by email within 48 hours.
Please note:
- requests to switch races will not be considered after November 15
- a participant who completes a race other than the one for which he/she is registered will not be eligible for any awards (i.e., not be listed as a finisher with an official time).
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May walkers participate?
Walkers are very welcome in the half marathon as long as they can maintain a 20-minute/mile pace (approximate finish time of 4:20). The course and aid stations will close on this pace. Walkers who cannot maintain a 20-minute/mile pace may be asked to complete the race on sidewalks without police traffic control support.
It is important that walkers start the race in the last corral behind all runners. Also, in order to cross the finish line (recording an official time) and to receive a medal, they must complete the entire course.
Walkers are strongly discouraged from participating in the marathon.
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Are wheelchairs welcome?
Yes! View more details for wheelchair athletes.
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What is the elevation change for the course? Is the course hilly?
The course can be described as relatively flat with rolling hills. The elevation change for the entire course is as follows:
Start = 245 feet above sea level
Finish = 215 feet above sea level
Highest point = 330 feet above sea level
Lowest point = 215 feet above sea level
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What are the age restrictions?
You must be at least 16 years old to participate in the full marathon and at least 11 years old to participate in the half marathon. There is NO minimum age to participate in the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K, though we request participants under the age of 11 be accompanied by an adult.
The Family Race and Kids Marathon is restricted to children 11 years of age and younger participating with parent(s) or legal adult guardian.
For all races, a parent or guardian must also sign the registration form if the entrant is under 18 years of age. Proof of age may be required.
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Is the St. Jude Memphis Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes.Visit the Boston Marathon website for more information on the qualifying times for this major race.
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Will there be pace teams?
Yes. Pace teams coordinated by volunteer members of the Memphis Runners Track Club will be organized at 17 target finish times, beginning with 3:05 through a finish time of 5:40, in 5, 10 or 15 minute intervals. For more information, see the Pace Teams page or visit the pace team booth at the Expo when you obtain your info packet and race number.
If you are an experienced marathoner and would be interested in leading a pace group for a specific time, please contact Vinh Vu, pace team coordinator, at vinhvu_68@yahoo.com.
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Is there still a "No Headphones" policy at the race?
Headphones are now allowed, but are 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 St. Jude Memphis Marathon 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 St. Jude Memphis Marathon will continue to enforce a “no headphones” policy for those competing for cash prizes.
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Are hotel discounts available for participants?
Refer to the list of hotels and special rates found in the lodging section of this website.
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What will the weather be like on race day?
We would all love to know the answer to that question! Unfortunately, we'll have to refer to the average temperatures for Memphis on the first weekend in December. The average high is 56 degrees F, the average low is 38 degrees F, and the mean is 46 degrees F.
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Can I have my friend run with me if he/she is not entered in the race?
No, all runners must be registered and be wearing a race number.
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What or Who is Juice Plus+®?
Juice Plus+®, the event’s Presenting Sponsor, is the brand name of a line of whole food based nutritional supplements manufactured and marketed by NSA, LLC, a privately-owned company headquartered in the Memphis area. In capsule form, Juice Plus+® provides the natural benefits of 17 fruits, vegetables, and grains.
In addition to financially supporting the event, the company and its people are committed to St. Jude in a number of ways. Juice Plus+® hosts the Spirit Station at the 10-mile mark in front of Target house, an apartment residence for St. Jude patients and their families. Juice Plus+® has an on going relationship with Target House and participates in a monthly activity and dinner with the patients and families. Last year, Target House nominated Juice Plus+® for The Spirit of Giving Award which recognizes outstanding Volunteers in the Memphis area.
To learn more about Juice Plus+®, visit www.juiceplus.com.
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What materials should I expect to receive after I register? When will I receive them?
Your packet (race #, final instructions, timing device, T-shirt, etc.) will be available for pickup at the Memphis Cook Convention Center on the Thursday and Friday `immediately prior to race day. For details and directions see Packet Pickup and Expo.
No materials will be mailed or distributed in advance. Also note that race day packet pickup is no longer available.
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Can someone else obtain my race number and T-shirt for me?
Yes, but the person picking up your packet must display both 1) a completed Packet Pickup Authorization Form and 2) a photocopy of your photo I.D. (i.e., driver’s license). This is a requirement. In case there are any unforeseen issues, a copy of the participant’s registration confirmation email will be helpful, but is not required. Request a duplicate copy of your confirmation.
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Where should I park on race morning?
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).
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May I obtain my race number and packet on Saturday morning?
Sorry, but race day packet pickup is no longer available for any race.
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Where is the starting line?
The marathon and half marathon start is in Downtown Memphis on Fourth Street at Beale Street, close to the finish line at AutoZone Park. The Memphis Grizzlies House 5K start is located in front of the FedExForum on Third Street, just south of Beale Street.
The Family Race and Kids Marathon starting line is on Third Street at Madison Avenue near AutoZone Park.
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Will runners line-up at the start according to their pace-per-mile?
Yes, signs at the starting line will indicate a number of pace-per-mile times ... from elite runners at the front to walkers at the rear. Participants are asked to assemble in corrals which closest describe their projected pace-per-mile.
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Is St. Jude the race sponsor?
No, the marathon is a collaborative effort of St. Jude and Memphis Runners Track Club (MRTC). All proceeds go directly to St. Jude. Participants can raise additional funds by participating as a St. Jude Hero. Learn more.
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When and where will the finishing times be posted?
Within 24 hours after the completion of the event, race times will be posted in the Results section of this website.
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I want to volunteer, what do I do?
Sign up to be a volunteer and learn about volunteer opportunities. Please call email stjuderacevols@aol.com.
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Do all race participants receive a medal?
Yes, everyone who completes one of the races will receive a distinguishable medal. A Certificate of Completion will also be available online to each finisher within a few weeks following the event.
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How do I become a sponsor?
For information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Dwight Drinkard at 901-578-2038 or 800-565-5112 or email dwight.drinkard@stjude.org. Back to top.