Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of supporters gathered in Music City for the 2019 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, which raised $2 million toward the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.
Among the runners were more than 3,000 St. Jude Heroes who committed to raising funds and awareness for the hospital while training for the race.
This year marked the 20th running of the marathon and is the eighth year of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the title partner. Throughout these eight years, St. Jude Heroes have raised more than $10 million for the hospital through this event.
“The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is a shining example of engaged communities (the greater Nashville area community, the global fitness and wellness community and charitable community) coming together to create significant impact for the children of St. Jude,” said Richard Shadyac, Jr., president/CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The sea of St. Jude Hero singlets worn by our fundraisers and representing our mission this weekend in Nashville and the thousands of supporters cheering was humbling, gratifying and motivating to all of us, and was a visual reminder of the spirit and commitment of our many generous supporters.”
In addition to the various activities tied to the race, the weekend also featured the NFL Draft, in which two St. Jude patients and a St. Jude Hero each announced a pick on behalf of St. Jude. Runner, football fan and St. Jude patient Owen announced the Seattle Seahawks’ round second draft pick. Owen is a proud Seattle Seahawks fan, which he attributes to the influence of his ‘favorite’ uncle who resides in Seattle.
Following the race on April 27, St. Jude patient Samantha announced the Cleveland Browns seventh-round pick, and top fundraising St. Jude Hero Amy Paige announced the seventh round pick for the Detroit Lions.
