Running for a Cause at the Memphis St. Jude Half

Jennifer Clark (MM15623, DA3643, HF16743) – Medal Monday!!
Half 259 is in the books.
St. Jude Half Marathon, Memphis, TN, December 2.
This past Saturday I had the privilege of running in the St. Jude Half. I cannot say enough good things about this race and everything connected with it. I learned that it is the single largest one-day fundraiser for St. Jude, bringing in over $15 million for the children’s research hospital. Many people love this race and fundraise for it every year and I can see why. From the time I signed up, through check-in at the expo, and follow-up I received great communication from the organization.
Each runner is required to pick up their own packet at the Expo, which was open Thursday and Friday before the Saturday race. There are other distances also, and around 20,000 participants. The Expo was held at the Convention Center and was a typical large Expo with everything for sell from energy gels and shoes to massage guns and curling irons.
The 5k and 10k start 45 minutes before the half and full and there’s a challenge medal for doing two races. They encourage you to be parked long before the first races start and we were able to find a convenient parking garage.
The race course went up and down several streets in downtown Memphis, then along the Mississippi River. We turned to go through a warehouse area before a run through the St. Jude campus and a neighborhood before finishing near the Red Birds baseball stadium, where the finish festival was held. There were many spectators along the course and that made it even more fun. I understand the course has changed over the last few years and some of the favorite neighborhoods are no longer included. Memphis is hilly and there were definitely a few on the course.
Immediately after finishing we received water, fruit, and a bag of snacks. Inside the stadium we were able to get pizza and beer, always welcomed after a race!
This was my first time to run a St. Jude race and it won’t be my last. Great organization, great spectators, and running for a great cause!