For years, the Memphis In May Sunset Symphony closed out the month-long celebration on Memorial Day weekend. But the Sunset Symphony is being replaced with two new events next year, one of which will be the Great American River Run — a half-marathon and 5K race. The other event replacing the symphony will be announced in January.
The Great American River Run will be held on May 28th, 2016. The race course will run along the bank of the Mississippi River and through downtown and feature live entertainment along the route. There will also be a post-race festival with music, food, and beverages on the river bluff.
Runners will have an opportunity to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, a service organization for wounded veterans of post-9/11 military actions. A portion of the race’s registration fees will also go toward the Wounded Warrior Project.
“Our city sits on America’s greatest river, and we want to celebrate this tremendous local asset with a healthy lifestyle event for local participants and running enthusiasts from across the country.” says James L. Holt, President and CEO of Memphis in May International Festival. “We also want to honor our veterans and celebrate all they do, and have done, for our country, which is the true purpose of the Memorial Day Weekend holiday.”
