MEMPHIS, Tenn. — They are coming from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. And starting Saturday morning, they will be walking and running in Memphis for the 20th edition of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon.
Some 17,000 participants, including those taking part in wheelchair races, will be in person – while about 3,000 will participate virtually. All of it to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its nearly 60-year-old effort successfully fighting childhood cancers.
The marathon, which was all virtual last year because of the pandemic, is the largest single day fundraising event for the hospital – and has now brought in more than $100 million since it began 20 years ago.
This year, more than 1,100 participants will be family members of St. Jude patients, which is a testament to the enormous gratitude for the hospital’s life-saving work. There is without question no institution in Memphis that is cherished more than St. Jude, because no other place has given so many families hope when it appeared there was no hope. I know that firsthand. My granddaughter is a former St. Jude patient and our family eagerly joins countless others to support the medical miracles taking place there every day.
So to all of the out of town marathon participants, welcome to the home of good music, great food, friendly people and an absolute jewel of a children’s hospital. Enjoy the day.