St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend Opens Registration for 25th Anniversary — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.

Event summary

Registration opens for the 25th St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, expected to attract 23,000 runners and raise $16 million.
Event has grown from 2,846 runners in 2002 to a lifetime fundraising total exceeding $100 million.
Local economic impact from the marathon weekend reached $43 million in 2023.
Bill Seely, President and CEO of Varsity Spirit, returns as 2026 Corporate Chair.

The big picture

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend has evolved into a critical fundraising mechanism for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, leveraging community engagement and corporate sponsorships to support its mission. The event's growth reflects broader trends in philanthropic events that combine athletic participation with charitable giving, creating a scalable model for nonprofit fundraising. The economic impact on Memphis underscores the dual benefit of such events, both for the cause and the local economy.

What we're watching

Participant Growth: Whether the event can sustain its growth trajectory and attract even larger numbers of participants in its 25th year.
Fundraising Momentum: How the $16 million fundraising target compares to previous years and the pace at which the event can continue to increase its financial impact.
Corporate Engagement: The role of corporate sponsors like Varsity Spirit in expanding the event's reach and fundraising capabilities.