St. Jude is a world-renowned pediatric research center and hospital based in downtown Memphis. Danny Thomas founded the nonprofit organization in 1962 based on the the idea that “no child should die in the dawn of life.” The hospital’s focus is to provide medical care to children of all backgrounds, so it does not charge patients’ families for any expenses. St. Jude relies on government grants, public donations and fundraising events to fund operations at a cost of $2.6 million per day.

Each year, St. Jude and several organizations come together to sponsor races, including the 5K, 10K and marathon. All proceeds go to the patients and research efforts in the hospital. The races provide opportunities for students to run and volunteer in a high-energy environment.

“You can see all the children cheering you on, and it is a really great feeling to see them out there,” Emma Shadow (10) said.

All the participants, no matter what race, begin at the same line inside the St. Jude campus. Volunteers cheer the runners and walkers on and provide water at booths stationed throughout the race. Refreshments and souvenirs are also offered at the finish lines.  

If running does not suit you, there is a myriad of other activities, such as Volunteen and blood donations, that St. Jude provides for people of all ages to participate in and contribute to the cause.

“Try to find something to do that impacts others in a good way, and do not discount your ability to do that,” Hammond Humber (11) said.