Memphis Running Festival

Memphis Running Festival

The Memphis Running Festival is a multi distance running event held in Memphis, Tennessee, centered on community running and shared use of local park trails. The event offers timed endurance formats and shorter races on looped trails that run through the park.

The main endurance format is a 12 hour event in which total mileage covered during the period is tallied as the result. Participants may enter the 12 hour event as solo runners or as part of a relay team with rotating teammates. A 6 hour solo option and a 6 hour relay are also available with the same approach to tallying mileage.

Other events on the course include shorter distance races and fun runs held on the same looped trails. Distances offered include:

• 12 hour solo
• 12 hour relay
• 6 hour solo
• 6 hour relay
• 5 km
• 10 km
• Mile
• Donut mile

All loops follow either the Old Forest Loop or the Limestone Loop trail; the two run parallel through the park and participants are asked to move onto the limestone trail where the loop becomes accessible to vehicles to keep the road open.

One aid station will operate at the Rainbow Lake Pavilion offering water, electrolyte drinks or mix, soda, pickle juice, pancakes, bacon, and other snacks. Participants in the 12 hour and 6 hour events are encouraged to set up tents on nearby greenspace for personal aid and supplies.

All registered runners receive a t shirt and a finisher medal; registrations after November 1 are not guaranteed a shirt or medal. Registration opens on August 3, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.