Uptown in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

St.Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis to Peoria Run

30th Anniversary Campus Walking Trail 2011

Photographed By Thomas Smith, December 28, 2022

1. St.Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis to Peoria Run Marker

Inscription. In late 1981, Gene Pratt and Mike McCoy began talking about ways to raise more money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. After much deliberation, they decided on a 465-mile relay-style Run from Memphis, TN to Peoria, IL. 21 brave souls agreed to be a part of the first Jude Memphis to Peoria Run, which coincided with the 1982 Telethon held in. Peoria, IL. The runners presented a check for $22,500.
In 1984, auxiliary runs were born, allowing those who couldn't commit to the 5-day Memphis trip to be a part of the event. To date, the Peoria Runs have raised nearly $26 million for the children of St. Jude and there are 29 auxiliary runs, in addition to the Memphis to Peoria run and Memphis to Mobile Run.
Much has changed in 30 years; but there is one thing that will never change - why the runners do this - They run to give every child a chance to grow up - they remember those who didn't. Now patients, staff, visitors and runners can enjoy the campus and appreciate the hard work of these dedicated volunteers by strolling the walking trail which was named to honor the 30th anniversary of the Run.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1981.

Location. 35° 9.248′ N, 90° 2.421′ W. Marker is

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Uptown. Marker is at the intersection of Danny Thomas Pl Ln. and St. Jude, in the median on Danny Thomas Pl Ln.. on the property of St. Jude's Hospital. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 612 St Jude St, Memphis TN 38105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Winchester Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); New Winchester Burying Ground (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lauderdale Courts / Presley Family at Lauderdale Courts (approx. 0.4 miles away); Poplar Tunes / One-Stop Shop (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Mary's Catholic Church (approx. half a mile away); Pre-Civil War Lynching at Market Square (approx. half a mile away); Fort San Fernando (approx. half a mile away); Fort Adams / Fort Pike (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 20 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 29, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.