FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Tiffany Strange, ALSAC/St. Jude
office: 901-578-2344, pager: 877-493-3421
tiffany.strange@stjude.org
St. Jude Memphis Marathon adds new 5K to race weekend
MEMPHIS, TENN. (September 8, 2005) Runners and walkers now have a third race option during marathon weekend with the addition of the new Memphis Grizzlies House 5K. To be held Saturday, December 4, in conjunction with the St. Jude Memphis Marathon and Half Marathon, the new 5K is named for and will benefit the Memphis Grizzlies House, a short-term stay facility for patients receiving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. The Marathon and Half Marathon will benefit St. Jude, the world's premier pediatric cancer research center.
"We are excited about the addition of the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K to the St. Jude Memphis Marathon weekend," says Andy Dolich, president of Memphis Grizzlies business operations. "For many St. Jude patients, the Memphis Grizzlies House is a home away from home while they are here in Memphis for treatment. Our commitment is to continue making their lives a little bit easier at the Memphis Grizzlies House as they face some of the most difficult times in their lives."
Last year, more than 5,000 runners and walkers from across the United States and many other countries participated in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon and Half Marathon. This year's 26.2 course will begin at Fourth and Beale Streets and continue to encompass many Memphis landmarks such as Sun Studio (where Elvis Presley cut his first record) and the National Civil Rights Museum. The half marathon will have a similar route as the full marathon but will span 13.1 miles. All races will finish at AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds. Prize money totaling $33,200 will be awarded.
-more-
Memphis Grizzlies House 5K
Add One
Marathon participants can also become a part of the St. Jude Heroes team, which is comprised of individuals who are committed to raising additional funds for the hospital through pledges. Last year, the St. Jude Heroes program raised more than $300,000. Not only will St. Jude Heroes benefit the hospital through their efforts, they can also earn exclusive incentive prizes. For more information about the St. Jude Heroes program, visit www.stjudeheroes.org.
Take advantage of early registration savings and sign up now. Early registration for the full marathon is $65, $40 for the half marathon and $20 for the 5K before Oct. 3. After Oct. 3, the full marathon registration fee is $75, $50 for the half marathon and $25 for the 5K. For more information, visit the official marathon Web site at www.stjudemarathon.org. The St. Jude Memphis Marathon and Half Marathon, presented by Juice Plus+®, is a collaborative effort between St. Jude and the Memphis Runners Track Club.
###
About the presenting sponsor:
Juice Plus+® is an easy and inexpensive way to add nutrition from a wide variety of different fruits, vegetables and grains to your diet, everyday. It provides whole food based nutrition from 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains in convenient capsule, chewable or gummi form.
About St. Jude:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.