Twenty-six thousand participants from all 50 states and 17 foreign countries gathered alongside 40,000 spectators on Dec. 7 for the 18th annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend presented by Juice Plus+. Among this year's participants were more than 7,200 St. Jude Heroes — runners who fundraise while training for their race. They raised $12 million, the most ever for this event, which is the single-largest one-day fundraiser for St. Jude.
Among the St. Jude Heroes was Adam Higham, who finished first in the marathon. Since running his first marathon here in 2012, Higham has steadily worked his way to the top; he placed seventh in 2015, and second in both 2016 and 2017.
2019 winners
Full marathon
Male: Adam Higham of Collierville, Tenn., with a time of 2:29:17.
Female: Tia Stone of Searcy, Ark.., with a time of 2:58:20.
Half marathon
Male: Pius Nyantika of Memphis, Tenn., with a time of 1:04:25 (new course record).
Female: Rebecca Robinson of Windermere, Cumbria, England., with a time of 1:16:22 (new course record).
10K
Female: Dylan Hassett of Alpharetta, Ga., with a time of 34:29 (new course record).
Male: Owen Church of Jonesboro, Ark., with a time of 40:27.
5K
Male: Tyler Pasley of Shelbyville, Ill.., with a time of 16:04.
Female: Amber Douglas of Camden, Tenn.., with a time of 21:13.
"In the 18 years of St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, more than 250,000 runners have come from across the country and around the world to embrace our great city and provide hope for our patient families in what can be the darkest time of their lives. Watching these tens of thousands of dedicated athletes running for a reason and raising more than $90 million in since the event's inception reminds us of the power of people of every background to unite together to change the lives of those most vulnerable: our sick children from across the globe," said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
"We offer our most heartfelt gratitude to Adam and to all of the devoted St. Jude Heroes, volunteers, partners, safety officials and supporters who helped make this year's race weekend the best yet."
The 2019 event weekend was made possible with the support of 4,000 volunteers and more than 20 sponsors.
Next year's race will be held on Dec. 5, 2020.