Event Day

RUN ARRIVAL DETAILS:

• Runs Arrive from 2:00 – 4:00pm (for specific information, follow each Runs social media page)
  • Satellite Runners will turn off Kumpf to Monroe (RED ARROWS)
  • Visit Chick-fil-A tent for runners
  • Enter Civic Center for Hope Hub (see additional details below)
  • Shower Shuttle pick-up/drop-off point (ORANGE STAR)
• Spectator Information
  • The best place to watch Runs come in is on Kumpf.
  • Specator viewing for the Runners’ Parade will be on Jefferson (new to 2026!)
  • Parking instructions can be found on the below Parking drop down section.
  • Vendor food trucks and CxT Roasting Company inside the Civic Center will be available for purchase starting at 2 pm.
• Runners’ Parade at 5:00 pm
  • 4:40pm Satellite Runs line up by flags along Monroe
  • 5:00pm Memphis to Peoria to start parade
  • Parade route: Monroe -> Main -> Jefferson -> Civic Center (BLACK ARROWS)
  • Spectator viewing spot on Jefferson (Orange stars on map)
• Runners’ Reception
  • 5:15pm – inside Civic Center
  • Complimentary meal for participants provided by Avanti’s Ristorante and Kuna Food Service
• HOPE Hub presented by RLI opens at 2:00 pm
  (Green arrows on map)
  • Photo opportunities
  • Grab ‘n Go post-run snacks
  • Family Area
  • One Crazy Idea documentary viewings
• St. Jude Store opens at 2:00 pm
  (Green Arrows on map)
  • Custom St. Jude Runs/Telethon 2026 shirts (printing on-site)
  • Bremer Jewelry x St. Jude Runs bracelets
  • Custom St. Jude Runs shirts printed on site
  • All transactions are cashless.
• Telethon
  • 6:30 to 10:00pm
  • Encourage your family & friends to tune into 25 News from 6:30-10:00pm on Saturday, August 1st to watch the Telethon. It will also stream at www.week.com
  • Check presentation (check with your Run Coordinator for specific time)

For Participants

• The Fulton Lot (Monroe entrance) is reserved for St. Jude Runs approved vehicles only. Specific Runs are assigned to a reserved section in the CAT lot.
• Please contact your Run Coordinator for exact parking location for your city. If you are bringing a personal vehicle there will be an area available in the CAT lot. (available Saturday only)

For Spectators

• Free Parking is available on the 4^th Street Lot for spectators, however spots are LIMITED.  
• The Civic Center Marquee Lot and Fulton Lot are reserved for Telethon VIPs and St. Jude Run vehicles only.
• Please refer to the map below for other parking options. These are public and private lots and decks. Some may have restrictions, but most will have spots open to the public for a fee. Street parking may also be available throughout downtown.
• Please note, travel times may be longer than normal due to road closures.

ROAD CLOSURES:

• 9 a.m.
  • S.W. Monroe Street will be closed between N. William Kumpf Boulevard and Main Street.
  • Fulton Street will be closed between S.W. Monroe Street and S.W. Madison Avenue. Access to the Pere Marquette Parking Deck will be maintained.
• 2 p.m.
  • N. William Kumpf Boulevard will be closed between S.W. Adams Street and W. Romeo B. Garrett Avenue.
  • The northeast-bound lane of W. Romeo B. Garrett Avenue will be closed mid-block between N. Hightower Street and N. William Kumpf Boulevard.
  • The northeast-bound lane of W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Avenue between N. Hightower Street and N. William Kumpf Boulevard will be closed.
• 5-6 p.m.
  • S.W. Jefferson Avenue will be closed to all traffic between Main Street and Harrison Street.
  • The two east-bound lanes on Main Street will be closed between S.W. Monroe Street and N.E. Jefferson Avenue.

LANE CLOSURES

• 2-5 p.m.
  • Intermittent rolling lane closures will occur on the Bob Michel Bridge.

There are 32 Satellite Runs participating in the 45th Annual St. Jude Runs! Please see below links to access send off times and routes.

2026 Run Satellite Routes: can be viewed here!

2026 Run Send Off Times: can be viewed here!

For 49 years, the St. Jude Telethon has served as the culminating event for Central and Southern Illinois’ year-round fundraising campaigns. It features check presentations from fundraising events and serves as the finish line for the St. Jude Runs program.

Additional Details

• 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
• Streaming will be available at 25newsnow.com/telethon
• Check with your Run Coordinator for your specific check presentation