The Memphis Running Festival is an exhilarating celebration of the city's vibrant running community, designed to bring runners together for a day filled with camaraderie and competition. Rooted in the belief that running should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, this festival offers a variety of races catering to all ages and abilities. At 7:00 AM, endurance enthusiasts can challenge themselves with either a solo or relay option in the 12-hour and 6-hour events. Solo runners will aim to cover as much distance as possible within their chosen time frame, while teams of three can strategize and rotate through the course for maximum efficiency. These races take place on Old Forest Loop or Limestone Loop trail, allowing participants to choose which path suits them best. For those looking for shorter distances, a 5K and 10K race start at 8:00 AM, offering runners of all levels an opportunity to test their speed and endurance over familiar terrain. The festival also includes the Kids Dash, a free event that encourages young participants to run around a scenic loop with parents cheering them on. At 10:00 AM, local running clubs from across Memphis gather for the Run Club Showcase. This is not just an opportunity to join or meet new members but also a chance to connect and discover where you fit within the city's diverse running community. Throughout the day, runners can explore different groups and engage in fun runs organized by various clubs. As evening falls, three unique events add excitement to the festival: The Donut Dash at 4:00 PM challenges participants to run while consuming five donuts along a 1.47-mile loop; The Single Race at 5:00 PM pushes runners to see how quickly they can complete one lap without pacing themselves; and the Three-Peat Relay at 5:30 PM invites teams of three to take on multiple laps together. The day concludes with the Golden Hour Celebration, honoring those still pushing through their endurance races. This event acknowledges the dedication and perseverance displayed by runners as they near the finish line after hours of continuous effort. Aid stations are strategically placed throughout the course at Rainbow Lake Pavilion, providing water, electrolyte drinks, snacks like pancakes and bacon, and other refreshments to keep everyone fueled and hydrated. For those participating in the longer events, additional food is available during lunch and dinner hours. All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt and finisher medal upon completion of their chosen race or event. Early registration ensures guaranteed swag for all runners who sign up before November 1st. The Memphis Running Festival promises an unforgettable day filled with scenic routes, friendly competition, and the warmth of community spirit in one of America's most vibrant cities.
Races Offered
1 Loop Race
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
1 Loop Race
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Type —
Running
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07:00
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$15.00
1 Loop Relay
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
1 Loop Relay
terrain
Type —
Running
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07:00
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$50.00
12 Hour Relay
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
12 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
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07:00
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$200.00
12 Hour Solo
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
12 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
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07:00
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$100.00
6 Hour Relay
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
6 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
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07:00
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$150.00
6 Hour Solo
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
6 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
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07:00
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$75.00
Donut Loop
Nov 14, 2026
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Distance —
Donut Loop
terrain
Type —
Running
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07:00
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$15.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Memphis.
thermostatTemperature
8.9° / 17.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.0° / 15.6°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
7h 38m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
11.3 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
71.9%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:35
nightlight
Sunset
17:54
About Memphis
Learn more about the host city, Memphis.
Memphis is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, after Nashville. The state rests in the southeastern portion of the United States. Memphis, with a population of more than 651,000 (2019), is also the county seat for Shelby County. The city's claims to fame include Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley lived in during his later years. Perhaps more importantly, Memphis is considered by many to be the home of blues music.
