St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend draws 22,000 runners for fundraising event

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - About 22,000 runners and walkers participated in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend on Saturday morning, each carrying personal stories and hoping to help save lives through one of St. Jude’s biggest fundraising events of the year.

From first-time runners to familiar faces, many participants return year after year not just to run, but to change lives. Mike Soileau, who first ran in 2016, said the experience transformed his life.

“I ran here in 2016 and God talked to me and changed my life… and I’ve helped raise almost two million dollars since that day,” Soileau said.

For families like the Grusy’s, the race carries deep personal meaning. John Grusy runs to honor his son Hunter, who died in May 2023 after an 18-month battle with Ewing Sarcoma.

“Hunter’s our why… and he was a normal junior high boy,” John Grusy said.

Hunter was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma just a week before Christmas in 2021. St. Jude provided the family with immediate support and a treatment plan.

“Right away, like a family surrounding… there’s hope. We had a treatment plan ready to go and dove right in,” John Grusy said.

Now the Grusy family runs to honor Hunter and children still fighting cancer.

“He’s cheering us on… and also those other kids that haven’t made it. We see them here actively cheering us on, and it’s like we fought for a purpose,” John Grusy said.

Participants wore purple and gold armbands during the race. Purple armbands represented families who have lost a loved one, while gold armbands honored those still fighting.

Hannah Wildmon is one participant with a close connection to St. Jude, including her daughter.

“A friend of mine’s son was diagnosed with cancer… it’s very real, and we have to keep raising money so St. Jude can continue finding cures and saving lives,” Hannah Wildmon said.

Avalyn Wildmon is a cancer survivor, who came to St. Jude at 2 years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She said she enjoyed representing St. Jude at the event now that she’s 11 years old and healthy.

“I’m having a lot of fun and I really like being here… and I’m thankful for the support. We’re always happy to represent St. Jude,” Ava Wildmon said.

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, and the event’s goal is to raise $16 million to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They’ve also shared a link so you can receive updates for the 2026 marathon events.

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