There is a particular kind of December morning in Memphis where the whole city seems to be awake before the sun, holding coffee, ringing cowbells, and yelling for strangers. That is St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, and this year it turns 25. Registration for volunteers and cheer stations opened September 10, and the best part is that showing up does not require running a single mile.
More than 3,700 volunteers make race weekend happen. Some roles suit a family with small kids, some suit a group of teenagers, and some suit one person who wants a quiet job and a good view of the finish line. Here is how to find the right fit.
Volunteers work a water stop downtown during St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.
Bring the whole crew to a Cheer Station
The Cheer Station Program is the easiest entry point for families, neighborhood groups, church groups, and small businesses. A station claims a spot along the course and spends the morning making noise for runners who need it most. Homemade signs are encouraged. So are costumes. Kids who are too young for an official role can absolutely hold a poster.
Work the Expo before race day
The Health and Fitness Expo runs Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4, and it is the indoor, low stress option. Roles cover expo operations, merchandise, participant experience, and the St. Jude Heroes Experience. Good pick for anyone who would rather help in a warm room than stand outside at sunrise.
Take a spot on the course
Race day is Saturday, December 5. On course roles include course marshal, start and finish line support, and gear check, while AutoZone Park needs food and beverage support, Green Team recycling help, and participant experience volunteers. Pre event preparation and pasta party operations round out the list for anyone who wants to help before the crowd arrives.
Why the noise matters
Marathon Weekend is the largest single day fundraising event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and it keeps families from ever receiving a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Memphis backs that mission in a lot of ways, including a $150 million promise from Chili’s. A cowbell on a cold morning is a smaller thing. Multiplied by a few thousand Memphians along a course, it is the reason a lot of people keep going.
Volunteer and cheer station registration is open now at StJude.org/MarathonVolunteer.
