St. Jude Marathon Weekend: Grey skies offset by enthusiasm of thousands of runners - Commercial Appeal

Micaela A Watts Memphis Commercial Appeal

Published 2:35 PM EST Dec 7, 2019

It's possibly the only time in Memphis where thousands gather Downtown without alcohol, pork or sports as the motivating factor.

Instead, as it is every year, the pediatric patients of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the life-saving research that combats childhood cancer, propelled 26,000 registrants to slap a racing bib on their chests and hit the pavement for the Memphis Marathon Weekend.

With the target goal set for $12 million in the largest single fundraising event for St.Jude, marathon organizers say this year follows the trend of eclipsing the previous in funds raised. 

Rick Shadyac Jr., CEO of St. Jude's fundraising and awareness organization ALSAC, spoke at the start line for the marathon and half-marathon, and emphasized the emotional impact of the race. 

"Over 900 patient families and participants are in the race, so you'll see them there, that's an amazing physical presence," Shadyac said, while also noting that some patients who wanted to race, but are too sick to do so, "feel the love of the 26,000 people running for them. It's helping them, it's lifting their spirits."

Family members of St. Jude patients running the race sported gold and purple armbands. The gold signified a child who is either currently a patient or in remission from childhood cancer. The purple armbands were worn by bereaved patient family members.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris spoke briefly at the start of the half and full marathon, thanking the runners and visitors that descended upon the Bluff City. St.Jude reports that at least 3,600 hotel rooms were booked for race participants. 

The race route is slightly tweaked each year, showcasing different Memphis jewels like Overton Park, but Strickland noted the section of the route that funnels the runners through the St.Jude campus remains a favorite.

"I talk to runner after runner, who says the best part (of the race) is going through the campus," Strickland said. 

Meet your heroes

This year, runners hailed from all 50 states plus 17 foreign countries. 

Of the 26,000 participants, 7,200 are designated as St. Jude Heroes for their individual fundraising efforts. 

This year's highlighted St.Jude hero is Sue Kessler, who is reported to have raised more than $73,000 over eight marathons, in addition to her work as an ambassador for the Heroes program. 

If Kessler crosses the finish line today as expected, she will have completed her 100th full marathon. 

Behind Kessler, was Lindsay Walter, who traveled to Memphis from Charlotte, North Carolina, to participate in the full marathon, her 40th one of her running career. 

Walter has alopecia, a condition wherein the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patches of hair loss. 

Walter was quick to point out her alopecia diagnosis in no way compared to childhood cancer, but she knew something about having a visible condition that sets you apart from others. Her alopecia made her run for St. Jude especially significant.

"I'm honored to be here today and run for these kids," Walter said. "These kids have my entire heart." 

One runner's corral behind Walter, Cade Baccus, 42, was stretching and waiting for the race to start. 

Baccus, a stay-at-home father, explained that he too was here entirely for the children of St.Jude. After all, he said, kids are his entire life. 

"Kids mean so much to me, and I just wanted to do something to give back to them," Baccus explained. 

Walter, Kessler, and Baccus' motivations were shared by nearly every runner asked before the start of each race. 

Since St.Jude is one of two major marathons in the country that benefits a singular cause, the race offered a rare chance to see thousands aligned for a singular purpose.

Batman, Elvis, and Santa walk into a marathon

In the last decade, the rise of costumed marathoners has increased immeasurably, possibly fueled by the chances of instant internet virality. 

The rise of the costumed runner was apparent in Saturday's race, as the amount of tutu-clad runners seemingly multiplied from previous races.

Batman masks, Santa suits and Elvis wigs could be regularly spotted amid the streams of Under Armour leggings, REI running jackets, and high-tech hydration belts.

In a sport where wind-resistance isn't your friend, extra material and flapping fascinators do not immediately make sense. But if clinching a best time falls second to making others smile, then they do. 

Nestor Anzola, from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, opted for the smiles. 

Dressed as a Catholic bishop, Anzola stretched sanctimoniously before the start of the full marathon, his white and gold mitre pointing at the grey sky above. 

"I always dress up as something different," Anzola explained. "So today, I am running for the youth of St. Jude, and I decided I would run as a bishop."

As the race started, Anzola trotted alongside traditionally-dressed runners, carrying his makeshift crozier along with him. 

Bystanders who were possibly more accustomed to Santa costumes in a December race, stared, confused, for a beat before giggling at the sight.  

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St. Jude Marathon Weekend: Grey skies offset by enthusiasm of thousands of runners - Commercial Appeal
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