Online registration now open; other changes announced
Online registration for the 2008 St. Jude Memphis Marathon, Half Marathon and Memphis Grizzlies House 5K is now available. For more information about the races or to register, go to www.stjudemarathon.org
Changes for this year's races include:
Entry Cap: Registration will be limited to 3,000 in the marathon, 8,000 in the half marathon, and 3,000 in the 5K to ensure the quality of the race experience for all participants.
The marathon committee implemented a race cap to ensure a quality race experience for all. “We have experienced a tremendous growth in entries over the past few years. By limiting the number of registrants, we are able to keep the finish line at AutoZone Park, Memphis’ AAA baseball stadium,” said Wain Rubenstein, race director. “The finish line at the ballpark is one our signature imprints of race weekend and our participants enjoy completing their race on the field. We also wanted to keep the finish line in the heart of downtown Memphis, just a few blocks from the start.”
Earlier deadline for receipt of off-line entries: Pending availability of spots, hard-copy registration forms sent by USPS mail, express mail, fax or hand delivery will be processed only if received (or postmarked) by November 7. Online registrations will still be accepted through the Monday of Race Week (December 1) for races that are not already sold out.
No increase in entry fees for longer races: The registration fees for the marathon and half marathon are the same as last year. However, for the first time since the 2005 introduction of the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K, the entry fee for this popular race has been increased from $20 to $25 (if registered by September 15).
Earlier Start for MGH 5K: The start of the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K has been moved up by 15 minutes to 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 6. The “Start” location (in front of FedExForum) remains the same.
A Note About Official Times for Prizes and Awards: The results for the Open 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.”
For more information, please visit the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Web site or e-mail marathon@stjude.org.
