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 belief that running is for everyone and should be celebrated in an environment that all Memphians know and love.
The premier events of the day are the 12-hour and 6-hour endurance runs, beginning at 7:00 AM. Runners will take on the challenge of covering as much distance as possible within their selected time frame, with total mileage completed serving as their final result for the day.
If running solo for 6-12 hours feels a little daunting, grab some friends and sign up for the relay option. Teams of three will work together, rotating runners however they choose, to cover as many miles as possible before time runs out.
Throughout the day, we will also host a variety of races for runners of all ages and abilities, including a 5K, 10K, Free Kids Dash, Donut Dash Race, A Single Loop Race, and 3 Loop Relay. Whether you are chasing a personal record, trying something new, or simply looking for a fun way to spend the day, there is a challenge waiting for you.
Beginning at 10:00 AM, we will also welcome local running clubs from across the Memphis area for a Run Club Showcase featuring fun runs and opportunities to connect with the local running community. If you are looking to join a running club, meet new runners, or find your place in the Memphis running scene, this is the perfect opportunity to come out, run with different groups, and discover where you belong.
As the day comes to a close, we will celebrate the final hour of the 12-hour event with the Golden Hour celebration at 6:00 PM. These runners have been moving all day, and we want to surround them with the support and encouragement they deserve as they push through their final miles. Come cheer them on, celebrate their accomplishments, and help bring them home strong.
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:
TIMELINE SCHEDULE
7:00 AM - 12-Hour & 6-Hour Solo and Relay (Teams of 3)
See how many loops you can finish in the allotted time.
8:00 AM - 5K & 10K Races
9:30 AM - Kids Dash — FREE
Parents join your kiddos for a free kids dash around the 1.47 mile loop. Kids will be awarded a finisher ribbon.
10:00 AM — Run Club Showcase
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.
EVENING SHENANIGANS!!!
As the sun starts to drop, we turn up the fun with three unique events that combine competition, creativity, and a little bit of chaos.
🍩 The Donut Dash - 4:00 PM
Can you run and eat your way around the loop? The Donut Loop is a 1.47-mile challenge where runners stop every quarter mile to eat a donut before continuing. Complete the loop while conquering five donuts along the way. Part race. Part eating contest. Completely ridiculous.
🏃 The Single - 5:00 PM
One loop. One chance. All out. The Single is a 1.47-mile race where runners push their limits and see how fast they can complete one loop. No pacing. No strategy. Just go as fast as you can.
🔄 The Three-Peat Relay - 5:30 PM
Three runners. Three loops. One team. Grab two friends and take on the 1.47-mile loop as a team. Each runner completes one loop before tagging the next teammate in.
Golden Hour Celebration - 6:00 PM
As the day winds down, we’ll celebrate the runners still pushing through the 12-hour race. Come cheer on the endurance athletes as they take on the final hours of their challenge.
One day. One course. One running community. Welcome to the Memphis Running Festival.
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: 7:20 PM CT
