Great American River Run Ambassador Program
Lead the Run. Build the Community. Shape the Momentum.
Applications for the 2026 Ambassador Team are open through December 31
The Great American River Run Ambassador Program is a community-powered initiative designed to ignite excitement across the Mid-South leading into race weekend. Ambassadors serve as coaches, connectors, motivators, and storytellers. bringing more people into the GARR movement through weekly group runs, consistent communication, and genuine enthusiasm for running in Memphis.
Applications for the 2026 Ambassador Team are open through December 31. If you’re the person who brings the hype, rallies your crew, and knows every running route in the city, this program is for you.
What GARR Ambassadors Do
GARR Ambassadors help shape the runner experience leading into Memorial Day Weekend. Your role includes:
● Leading weekly or bi-weekly group training runs
● Motivating new and experienced runners alike
● Sharing race updates, training tips & community events
● Posting consistent content across social channels
● Building excitement in neighborhoods, clubs, schools & churches
● Using your referral code to grow the GARR community
● Showing up as a leader during Memphis’ signature holiday race weekend
Become a GARR Ambassador
You’ll enjoy exclusive perks while making a real impact on the city’s running community. Ambassador Perks:
● Free 2026 GARR race entry
● Ambassador gear + swag
● Training resources & support
● Spotlights on GARR/Memphis in May social channels
● Recognition at the GARR Expo
● Access to a supportive ambassador cohort
● In-person kickoff meet-up + virtual training session
● Private Facebook group and group text for all team members
This is your chance to build momentum, grow your personal platform, and help runners of all backgrounds find their community
Who We Are Looking For
Whether you run with a club, your neighborhood, your gym family, or your church group, your enthusiasm matters more than your pace.
You might be a perfect fit if you are:
● The runner who always convinces friends to sign up for races
● The leader who brings encouragement from mile one to mile 11
● The person who knows the local trails, routes, and hidden gems
● The one who posts your runs and lifts others up online
● Someone who believes running is better together
Ambassadors come from all zip codes, all fitness levels, and all backgrounds. Memphis thrives when its communities lead together.
Program Timeline
December 1–31: Recruitment Period
Four themed weeks of announcements, storytelling, and community outreach:
● Week 1: New Year, New Run Crew — Applications Open
● Week 2: Are You This Runner? — Personality Fit Recruitment
● Week 3: Give the Gift of Community — Holiday Incentive Push
● Week 4: Last Call — Final Countdown to Dec. 31 Deadline 2026 GARR Ambassador Program (1)
January: Selection, Onboarding & Kickoff
● Week of Jan. 1: Application review + final selection
● Week of Jan. 6: Acceptance emails
● Week of Jan. 12: Kickoff Event
● Week of Jan 20: Training runs officially begin
Ambassadors will host 1–2 group runs weekly, invite their communities, log attendance, and share updates across social.
Program Impact & Success Metrics
Ambassadors play a key role in growing and energizing the race. We track:
● Race registrations from ambassador referral codes
● Engagement in training runs
● Social reach and impressions
● Diversity of participants across neighborhoods, clubs & schools
● Earned media tied to ambassador activity
● Community impact through grassroots leadership 2026 GARR Ambassador Program (1)
Your leadership shapes the GARR experience for thousands of runners each Memorial Day Weekend.
Ready to Lead Memphis Into Race Season?
If you’re committed to community, love inspiring others, and want to help build a stronger running culture in the Mid-South—this is your moment.
Applications close December 31. Spots are limited—don’t wait! Let’s make 2026 your run year.