Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 @ 7:00 AM
Registration Opens Mon. Aug 3, 2026 @ 12:00 AM CT

Festival Description:

The Memphis Running Festival was born out of a desire to bring the Memphis running community together in one place for an incredible day of community, running, and fun. Focused first and foremost on building a vibrant community of runners in Memphis, this event is built on the premise of running being an activity for everyone in an environment that all Memphians know and love.

The premier event of the day will be the 12-hour run beginning at 7am and ending at 7pm. Total mileage run over the course of that 12 hours will be tallied up and considered your result for the day. If running 12 hours alone seems a bit daunting, you can also sign up for the relay with two friends rotating out however you would like to cover as many miles as you can.

If 12 hours still seems a bit long you can also sign up for the 6-hour solo event or with a relay team as well.

Outside of these events we will also be hosting a 5k, 10k, mile, and donut mile.

Starting at 10am we will also have various running clubs in the area come out to do fun runs throughout the day. If you're looking to join a running club this is a great place to meet folks, run with some groups, and find out where you belong.

The day's events will culminate at 6pm with the golden hour of the 12-hour event. These folks have been running all day and deserves all the support and cheers that everyone can muster to bring them home strong to finish up their last few miles for the day.

Course Description:

All of the events will be following the Old Forest Loop or Limestone Loop trail. They run parallel with each other through the park, so pick whichever you prefer. We only ask that once you enter the portion of the loop that is accessible by car that you hop up on the limestone trail. Please leave the road open for cars to traverse through the park.

Timeline:

7am: 12-hour solo and 12-hour relay begins
8am: 5k and 10K
10am: Run Club Showcase
4pm: Donut Loop Race
5pm: 1 Loop Race
5:30pm: 1 Loop Relay
6pm: Golden Hour for 12 hour runners. Cheer those folks on!

Aid Station:

We will have one aid station at the Rainbow Lake Pavilion. The aid station will have water, electrolyte drinks or mix, coke, sprite, pickle juice, pancakes, bacon, and various other snacks to enjoy.

If you are participating in the 12-hour or 6-hour event we will also have more significant food brought in around lunch and dinner hours. Stayed tune for more info on this as we get closer to the event.

Runners participating in the 12-hour or 6-hour events are encouraged to set up tents on the greenspace to supply their own aid and hydration if they have specific things they would like to use.

SWAG:

All runners will receive a t-shirt and a finisher medal. Any signups after November 1st are not guaranteed a shirt or a medal.

Event's current local time: 5:53 AM CT