Limited spots remain for inaugural St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis

April 20, 2021

St. Jude Heroes can register as solo athletes or part of 3-person relay team for Oct. 2 event

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 20, 2021) –Endurance athletes can seize one of the few coveted spots remaining for the inaugural St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis, a true test of fitness and courage for beginner and advanced athletes, making its big debut on Saturday, Oct. 2, and benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®.

While general registration spots have already sold out, athletes can still gain entry into the event by registering as a St. Jude Hero^®, either as a solo participant or as a member of a three-person relay team. St. Jude Heroes are an exclusive group of dedicated athletes committed to raising funds for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.^® As part of every St. Jude Hero^® registration into the St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis, athletes will receive detailed training plans and live chats with a training coach to help them on their journey to cross the finish line.

Since its inception more than 40 years ago, IRONMAN has drawn ambitious and courageous people who aren’t afraid to push their limits. For 2021, Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, serves as the backdrop for the triathlon that will put hundreds of participants through their paces with a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.

“Thanks to their tireless dedication and generosity, St. Jude Heroes^® epitomize the best in us when they sport their racing bibs in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Becoming an IRONMAN takes true grit. We will be rooting for all of these endurance athletes as they cross the finish line at the St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis come October.”

One of the St. Jude Heroes^® gearing up for the St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis will be returning to a place he already holds dear, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2019, Scott Sandlin competed in the Vega Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, becoming the first St. Jude Hero^® to do so.

During his training for the prestigious event, Sandlin connected with St. Jude Hero Coach^® and owner of OnPoint Fitness, Lloyd Henry, to get him ready for the big day. St. Jude patient families and supporters joined Henry (aka “Coach Lloyd”) in cheering Sandlin on as he trained at Shelby Farms, further deepening his connection as a St. Jude Hero^® and growing his determination to help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Memphis was announced as a multiyear host city for the IRONMAN 70.3 event in November 2019. While the 2020 event was postponed, endurance athletes have awaited this year’s return to racing, which now includes new safety guidelines implemented at all races going forward.

The St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis is expected to draw more than 2,500 participants who will vie for slots to compete at the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship later this year in St. George, Utah.

Becoming a St. Jude Hero^® at the Gold, Silver or Bronze or Relay Team Member Level is a commitment to the kids at St. Jude, one that embraces its lifesaving mission. Visit stjude.org/ironmanmemphis to register as a St. Jude Hero^® and secure one of the limited remaining spots for the St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis.

Additional links: 

St. Jude IRONMAN  70.3 Memphis

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About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.^® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.