GARR General Information
Yes, some else can pickup your packet from the Expo. Please visit the Expo page for additional details.
All races start and finish at the same place in AutoZone Park (200 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103).
Be sure to check out our travel page for a list of nearby hotels we recommend while you visit Memphis.
With the race taking place on Memorial Day weekend, we want to honor armed forces personnel. The military discount should only be selected for those who are active or who have served in the armed forces.
Click here to view details on Premium Parking options.
Click here to view a detailed list of parking options for race day.
Strollers are permitted for either race.
We love dogs! But they are not allowed on the racecourse due to insurance requirements, with the exception of service dogs.
Stick around Beale Street and downtown Memphis once your finish to enjoy the sights and sounds of our river city!
Half Marathon – 7:00 a.m., 10K & 5K – 7: 30 a.m.
We strongly caution every runner to consider the health and safety risks before deciding to run. With that being said, we do not have an age limit for the 5K, but we require runners to be 10 years of age or older to participate in the 10K and 13 years old to participate in the half. Parents must sign the liability waiver for any minor children under the age of 18 who participate in the Great American River Run.
The time limit to complete the half marathon is four hours.
PERMITTED/PROHIBITED ITEMS
What Can I Bring?
- Government issued photo identification
- Small bags, backpacks, fanny packs and purses (18” x 18” x 18” ALL BAGS MUST BE A CLEAR)
- One factory-sealed water bottle of 20 oz or less
- Camelback hydration packs (1.75Litres or less)
- Sunglasses & Hats
- Earplugs
- Sunscreen lotion – non-aerosol containers only (we’ll have sunscreen stations around the park too)
- Blankets
- Lawn chairs
- Strollers
- Cell phones
- Non-professional flash/still cameras
What Can’t I Bring?
- Illegal substances
- Firearms, explosives and weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, pepper spray, mace, fireworks, etc.)
- Aerosol containers (including sunscreen & personal beauty products)
- Selfie sticks
- Drones**
- Outside food or drink
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Professional radios / walkie-talkies
- Cans, containers, glass bottles and coolers
- Laser pointers (or similar devices)
- Yard games, glow sticks, marker pens and inflatables
- Chains / Chain wallets / spiky jewelry
- Oversized umbrellas (small, collapsible umbrellas are permitted)
- Tents, canopies or shade structures of any kind
- Totems, flags, banners or signs
- Water Guns
- Thrown objects (baseballs, footballs, frisbees, etc.)
- Recording Equipment
- Oversized purses, bags, backpacks, etc. (larger than 18” x 18” x 18”)
- Pets (with the exception of service animals)
- Hula Hoops
- Bikes, rollerblades, hoverboards, skates, skate boards, scooters, etc.
- Musical instruments
- Stickers or adhesive decals
- Balloons of any kind
- Bad attitudes
*These items are subject to change. Please recheck this section before attending the event to have the most up-to-date listing.*
**Drone operators flying in Tom Lee Park during Memphis in May events will be arrested and prosecuted by the City of Memphis**
Any COVID19 protocols that are in place at the time of the event will be enforced. Event details subject to change. The safety of our patrons and staff are our top priority.
Accessibility
We want to ensure Memphis in May International Festival events are enjoyable for all our patrons and we recognize some of our guests may need accessibility-related assistance. Most of the access-related questions are answered below. For additional assistance, please contact us at garr@memphisinmay.org.
PATRONS WITH MOBILITY LIMITATIONS
All events are wheelchair accessible. Please be aware the grounds do include natural terrain, so if it should rain there will be mud in some places.
Memphis in May does not provide personal care, golf cart rides, or push service. We also do not rent wheelchairs. Please come prepared.
Viewing areas for patrons with mobility disabilities, plus one companion, are located on stage right at all main stages and the entry ramps are accessible from the sidewalk. The platforms have limited capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To provide unobstructed lines of sight to the stage, patrons in the wheelchair platform area will be asked to sit during the performance and folding chairs will be available on a first-come, first serve basis.
Accessible portalets are available at each of the portalet areas and are marked on the map in the event program.
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
Food and beverage items may not be brought in select Memphis in May events, particularly the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Persons with special dietary needs may bring small amounts of food, for personal use only, into the venue if accompanied by a doctor’s note. For special requests for food items brought into the festival, please contact us at garr@memphisinmay.org.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Pets are not allowed. Service animals that are trained to assist an individual with a disability are allowed at the events; emotional support animals do not qualify. Per ADA regulations, the service animal must remain under the handler’s control at all times and must not pose a danger or threat to other service animals or patrons. Owners of service animals are responsible for the animal’s personal care. For entry with a service animal into the events, please be prepared to explain what work or task the dog has been trained to perform, per ADA guidelines. While a specific service animal vest or harness is not required for the animal’s entry, due to the number of people at each event, having it identified as a working service dog would help deter patrons from wanting to pet the animal while it is working.
ASL INTERPRETATION
Interpretation services for patrons may be available upon request. To request such service, please notify Memphis in May when purchasing your tickets. A minimum of three weeks prior notice is required to obtain a qualified interpreter and the artists’ lyric sheets.
LARGE PRINT OR BRAILLE SCHEDULES/PROGRAMS
Memphis in May will provide, with four weeks prior notice, event programs in Braille or large print. To request such a program, submit the request to garr@memphisinmay.org or by calling the Memphis in May International Festival, Inc offices at (901) 525-4611.
For any other questions, please email garr@memphisinmay.org.