RACE DAY GUIDE: St. Jude Memphis Marathon - Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

(WMC-TV) – Runners are preparing for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, which kicks off bright and early this morning.

More than 18,000 people from across the country will be in the Bluff City running the 26.2 mile course, which kicks off downtown.

Runners will pass World Famous Beale Street, the Mississippi River, Sun Studio and the National Civil Rights Museum during their run toward the finish line.

Participants will end their journey at AutoZone Park.

The marathon has been happening in Memphis since 2002. It now also includes a half marathon, marathon relay, Memphis Grizzlies House 5k, kids' marathon, and a family fun run.

In 2011, participants from 49 states, Washington, D.C. and 49 countries participated in the race. More than $4 million was raised for the St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Here is the schedule for Saturday's events:

• 7:15 a.m. – Memphis Grizzlies House 5K Start: Third St. at FedEx Forum
• 7:50 a.m. – Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay Wheelchair Start: Fourth St. at Beale
• 8:00 a.m. – Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay Start: Fourth St. at Beale
• 1:30 p.m. – St. Jude Memphis Kids Marathon and Family Fun Run Start: Third St. at Madison

Even if you are not participating in the race, you should be warned that most of the streets in downtown Memphis will be closed at one point or another on Saturday. Drivers in and out of the race area should expect delays and detours. For a complete list of those, click here.

Here are some other helpful resources for you:

• Packet pickup information for runners
• Race day itinerary
• Track your family and friends' progress during the race
• Road closures and delays
• Marathon stats and fun facts
• New features to expect during race
• Joe Birch shares race experiences

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