Course Map
About this Race
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is one of the most emotionally powerful races in America, a charity-driven event that runs directly through the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital campus, lined by patients and families. The course tours the Tennessee city past Beale Street and its musical landmarks on gently rolling terrain. Held in December, it offers cool conditions and famously moving crowd support around its mission. The cause defines the day far more than fast times. It suits runners drawn to meaning and charity, who value the deeply affecting atmosphere over a personal best.
Course Insight
St. Jude Memphis is run for the children's hospital, and its emotional core is the stretch through the campus where young patients cheer, a lump-in-the-throat lift few courses match. The route is mostly flat and cool in December, so the test is even pacing rather than terrain. The cause gives the miles real weight. The crowds and meaning carry you when legs tire. Pace it evenly and the flat course rewards both heart and legs.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 200m
- Elevation loss
- 199m
- Highest point
- 91m
- Lowest point
- 68m
- Net elevation
- +1m
- Start
- Beale Street, Downtown Memphis
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon was first held in 2002 as a charity-driven race that runs directly through the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital campus, lined by patients and families. Touring Memphis past Beale Street, it built its identity around a deeply moving mission. From its founding it grew into one of America's most emotionally powerful races. Held each December, it draws a field united by its cause.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Memphis International (MEM)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown by Beale Street for proximity to the route and lively stays, the Medical District for proximity to the St. Jude course, and Midtown for characterful options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is downtown near AutoZone Park and Beale Street; walk from downtown hotels to the start.