Memphis, Tennessee, December 3, 2025
As the St. Jude Memphis Marathon approaches, Memphis prepares to host over 22,000 runners and 30,000 spectators with comprehensive traffic and security plans. Scheduled for December 6, the marathon will lead to significant road closures starting December 5. The Memphis Police Department will ensure safety for participants and attendees while promoting community involvement. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for parking and road restrictions to facilitate a smooth experience during the event.
St. Jude Marathon in Memphis: Traffic & Security Essentials
Prepare for Marathon Excitement and Local Engagement
Memphis, Tennessee โ As the St. Jude Memphis Marathon approaches, the city gears up to welcome thousands of runners and spectators with a well-organized plan that underscores the spirit of community involvement. Scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, this event not only showcases athleticism but also highlights the power of local leadership and community initiative in creating memorable experiences. Organizers aim to demonstrate that with reduced bureaucratic hurdles, large events can be conducted more efficiently, fostering both civic pride and individual participation.
This year, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) will implement comprehensive traffic and security measures in anticipation of the marathon, which is expected to feature over 22,000 runners and draw approximately 30,000 spectators. Such events are invaluable as they embody the collaboration that drives economic and social vitality in Memphis, encouraging community members to engage in activities that elevate public well-being.
Road Closures and Towing Procedures
To facilitate the smooth flow of the marathon, several key roadways will be subject to closures:
- Union Avenue: Closed from B.B. King Boulevard to Danny Thomas Boulevard starting Friday, December 5, at 6 a.m., reopening Saturday, December 6, at 5 p.m.
- B.B. King Boulevard: Closed from G.E. Patterson Avenue to A.W. Willis Avenue on Saturday, December 6, from midnight to 5 p.m.
- Additional streets: 2nd Street, A.W. Willis Avenue, Shadyac Avenue, Front Street, Poplar Avenue, Beale Street, G.E. Patterson Avenue, Georgia Avenue, and Riverside Drive will be affected between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on race day.
Drivers should be aware that vehicles parked in designated “No Parking” zones along the marathon route will be towed starting Friday, December 5, at 10 p.m. Towed vehicles will be relocated to the secured “Friendly Lot” at 540 S. Front Street, where they can be retrieved until 4 p.m. on race day. After this time, unclaimed vehicles will be moved to a private lot owned by Blues City for later pickup. Owners will not incur costs if they retrieve vehicles within five days. Local drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and move their vehicles to avoid inconvenience.
Parking and Transportation
Participants and spectators are encouraged to arrive downtown and secure parking by no later than 6 a.m. on race day due to the anticipated road closures. To assist with parking arrangements, an interactive parking map is available, and advance purchase of parking is encouraged to ensure convenience. Having a well-defined plan will help maximize the experience for everyone involved.
Security Measures
The MPD is set to reinforce the safety of participants and attendees with officers stationed along the marathon route, alongside medical personnel prepared for any emergencies. To enhance safety, attendees are advised to leave important belongings at home and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Utilizing navigation apps for real-time traffic updates will enable participants and families to find alternate routes and evade closed streets effectively.
Event Details
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon encompasses several race categories, including a 5K and 10K starting at 7 a.m., followed by the half and full marathons at 8 a.m. The courses will traverse iconic downtown and midtown locations, historical neighborhoods, and the celebrated St. Jude campus. This prestigious marathon is a vital fundraising effort for St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital, supporting its mission to find cures for children afflicted with catastrophic diseases.
As the community prepares to support the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan meticulously, heed posted signs, and actively contribute to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
FAQ
What are the road closures for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon?
Key roadways, including Union Avenue, B.B. King Boulevard, and several others, will be closed or restricted during the marathon. Specific closure times vary; please refer to the official MPD announcements for detailed information.
How can I retrieve my towed vehicle?
Towed vehicles can be retrieved from the “Friendly Lot” at 540 S. Front Street until 4 p.m. on race day. Owners must present proper identification and proof of ownership. After 4 p.m., unclaimed vehicles will be moved to a private lot owned by Blues City for later pickup.
What parking options are available during the marathon?
Participants and spectators are encouraged to arrive downtown and park no later than 6 a.m. on race day. Due to road closures, alternative parking options are recommended. An interactive parking map is available to assist in planning. Advance purchase of downtown parking is encouraged.
What security measures are in place for the marathon?
MPD will have officers and medical personnel stationed along the marathon route to ensure safety. Attendees are advised to leave important belongings at home and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Colonel Willie Mathena recommends using the Waze app for real-time traffic updates and to find alternate routes to avoid street closures.
What are the event details for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon?
The marathon features a 5K and 10K starting at 7 a.m., followed by the half and full marathons at 8 a.m. The race courses traverse iconic downtown and midtown locations, historic neighborhoods, and the St. Jude campus. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital, supporting its mission to discover cures for children with catastrophic diseases.
Key Features of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
| Expected Participants | Over 22,000 runners and approximately 30,000 spectators |
| Race Start Times | 5K and 10K at 7 a.m.; Half and Full Marathons at 8 a.m. |
| Road Closures | Multiple key roadways closed or restricted; refer to MPD announcements for details |
| Towing Procedures | Vehicles in “No Parking” zones towed starting Friday, December 5, at 10 p.m.; retrieved from “Friendly Lot” at 540 S. Front Street until 4 p.m. on race day |
| Parking Recommendations | Arrive downtown and park no later than 6 a.m. on race day; alternative parking options recommended; interactive parking map available |
| Security Measures | MPD officers and medical personnel stationed along the route; attendees advised to leave important belongings at home and report suspicious activity |
| Event Purpose | Primary fundraiser for St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital, supporting its mission to discover cures for children with catastrophic diseases |
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
