Discounts and 15 Places to Carb Load For The St. Jude Memphis Marathon

If you’re gearing up for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to fuel your run and save while you’re at it. From marathon-exclusive discounts to the best spots in Memphis to carb load before race day, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your marathon weekend.

Have a discount you want to share? Email us at [email protected]!

aerial photo of runners at the start of St. Jude Marathon
Julian Harper

DISCOUNTS FOR 2024 ST. JUDE MEMPHIS MARATHON PARTICIPANTS:

Amuse - The Adventure Museum: 20% off all passes for St. Jude Runners. Use promo code MARATHON

The Archives Bar & Bistro: They'll have grab-and-go breakfast until 10 a.m. With a purchase of a dinner entree, participants can enjoy one free glass of champagne with bib.

Aldo's Pizza Pies: Participants can get 20% off food now through Saturday when you show your bib/medal. In-store only.

Amerigo Italian Restaurant: 20% off select pastas + $1 off draft beers to runners who show their bib. Valid 12/6/24.

Bardog Tavern: Runners/walkers - show your race bib or medal to receive 20% off food Thursday 12/5 through Saturday 12/7!

B.B. Kings: Free cover for all runners

Crosstown Brewery + WYXR: Bring your race bib to the free Raised By Sound festival and Crosstown Brewing Company will treat you to a FREE BEER as a well-earned post-race refreshment!

Edge Motor Museum: $7 group rate tickets to the American Speed exhibit for all runners, friends, family, and support team members. Just mention you are here for the St. Jude Marathon at the front desk.

Flyway Brewing: $1 off beer at Flyway with bib!

Hilton Memphis: offering a 'Pasta Buffet' in Ridgelake Restaurant (located on the lobby level at the Hilton Memphis) on Friday December 6th from 5pm until 9pm. Adults $22, Children (yrs 6-12) $12, Children under 6 eat free.

IKEA Memphis: Refuel with meatballs! Show your bib and receive one free meal (entree + fountain drink) at IKEA Memphis! Valid at IKEA Memphis only, from 12/7/24 - 12/8/24. Limit: One meal offer per runner. Valid during applicable IKEA Swedish Restaurant hours for dine-in purchases only while supplies last.

The Lobbyist: After the big race and refuel with 50% off all pasta dishes and a complimentary glass of champagne!

Metal Museum: free admission on Saturday to all St. Jude Marathon runners and also to anyone who visits the Museum with a St. Jude Marathon runner.

Memphis Botanic Garden: Runners who show their bib at the front desk receive free admission to the Memphis Botanic Garden and a discount on Holiday Wonders at the Garden tickets. Must show bib from the race to receive perks. To redeem discount on Holiday Wonders, when selecting your tickets, click the link that says "Have a Promotional Code?" and enter MARATHON into the Promo Code box, then hit "Apply." Offer only valid for tickets purchased online. Limit to six tickets."

Memphis Chess Club: Show your bib or medal on for 15% off their food and drinks menu on Saturday-Sunday. 

Memphis Escape Rooms: 25% off for runners. Use promo code MARATHON

Memphis Made: Enjoy $3 pints for runners on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.!

Memphis Toast: Runners can get 10% off all their sammie's as well as the lean omelet, smokey city club, grilled chicken wrap, and avocado toast.

Mempops: $2.00 pops at their shops (1243 Ridgeway Rd & Crosstown Concourse) to runners showing their bibs December 6-8. 

Momma's: Participants can get 20% off food now through Saturday when you show your bib/medal. In-store only.

Orpheum Theatre Group: Buy one ticket get one ticket free for A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday December 7 at 5pm or 7:30pm. Use offer code SNOOPY to unlock this special deal. Offer valid through December 6 at 10pm. Valid on 5pm and 7:30pm performances only. Not valid on previous purchases. Valid on select seats only. Reflected as 50% off each ticket. Limit 4 tickets. Service fees may apply.

Ounce Of Hope: Post Race Rcovery Drinks (2 for 1) 20% coupon available for in store use.

Overton Park Shell: Show your bib for $3 off your tour of the Overton Park Shell's Backstage History Museum. To book your tour, contact Cole Early: [email protected]. Look for the Shell on Wheels at mile ten for some entertainment or join them in cheering on runners!

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park: Use code STJUDESTARRY for a 10% discount for any drive through or flex Starry Nights ticket. Not valid on December 9, 10, 11, 17.

Sunrise Memphis: Show your bib for 15% off your meal on Saturday

Wings On The Fly Food Truck: Get a 5pc. Wings, Fries, & Drink for $9.01

Wiseacre Brewing Downtown HQ: An official cheer station for the St. Jude Marathon, opening at 8:00 a.m. Saturday with a sign-making station to support runners. In celebration, they brewed Lightning in All, a lean pale ale loaded with Amarillo hops and inspired by the first marathon. Runners can enjoy 20% off draft beer with their race bib.

Zio Matto Gelato: Buy one get one free for any racers that come in with a bib/number!

+ SOME GOOD THINGS TO KNOW:

Silky O'Sullivan's will open their Oyster Bar located on 3rd St./BB King Blvd at 6:30am Saturday, December 7th, as a hospitality suite offering complementary beverages, fruit & protein bars for all runners and supporters.

Automatic Slim's weekend brunch near the finish line features $3 Bloody Mary's and Mimosas, Saturday and Sunday 9am-3pm.

CARB UP AT THESE SPOTS:

It's all about the carbs! This guide is for runners fueling up for Memphis races—and for people who just like to eat all the breads. Coming in town for St. Jude Memphis Marathon and need to carb load before the race? Memphis has you covered.

And if you're not running in the half marathon or 5K or any other race, but you're looking for delicious pasta or pizza in Memphis, this list is also for you. I've focused on the mostly downtown Memphis area. Keep in mind, this is just a sampling!

We have tons of options. Got a favorite for pasta or other vehicles for carbs? Just leave it in the comments! 

Aldo's Pizza Pies

For New York inspired pies with every kind of topping—plus a local beer selection—head to Aldo's downtown or midtown locations. The garlic knots with vodka sauce will help you carb up with flavor! While they are heavy on the pizza -- Aldo's also offers fettuccine, ravioli, and spaghetti.

 

Catherine & Mary's

From James Beard-nominated chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman comes this upscale Italian eatery on the ground level of the historic Chisca Hotel. Their handmade pastas are worth every penny and upscale atmosphere give it special occasion vibes, but it's not overly fancy. They generally  offering larger, runner size portions of select pastas the evening before. Reservations recommended!

 

Capriccio Grill

The Peabody Hotel's Capriccio Grill is an Italian steakhouse that serves all your classic pasta favorites, pizzas, and grilled meats. There's plenty of pastas to choose from and they have a bread basket, too. Capriccio is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Cocozza American Italian

Make your way to Harbor Town for one of Memphis' newest spots. Cocozza has such a cozy nostalgic vibe to make anyone feel at home. Generous portions of your favorite American Italian dishes served with a side of pasta from the Shrimp Penne Arrabbiata to the Bucatini Alla Enzo and so much more.

 

Dino's 

Head to the no-frills Dino's in Midtown for Italian classics and comfort food. Expect pasta, including stuffed shells (pasta pockets filled to the brim with creamy cheese and spinach, topped with a meat sauce and served with a side of spaghetti "like mama made it"). 

 

Energy Famous Pasta

All the pasta you can think of—especially with Cajun flavors and proteins added— call it in, and it will ready to go for takeout meals (so you can pick up enough for post-race leftovers!) It's takeout only and is located in downtown.

 

Good Fortune Co.

Made from scratch noodles and dumplings. They offer a variety of noodle ramen bowls and rice bowls to fuel up on. Don't forget to try their wings--one of their most popular menu items! It does get busy so come early. They do not take reservations.

 

Flame Ramen

Another ramen spot! Flame Ramen has a Midtown location where you can ;load up on a big ramen bowl, Donburi rice bowls, or Yakisoba noodles.

 

Huey's

Pre-fuel or recover with Huey's long list of burgers. Cheese fries for a carb load are great too. There are many locations across the city but it's important to note that downtown's (right next to the finish line!). Celebrate with a beer and burger. 

 

Hive Bagel & Deli

One of our favorite forms of carbs to absorb--bagels! They offer all types of bagels and spreads in addition to bagel sandwiches. You can't go wrong with a breakfast bagel or bagel & lox! There are a few outdoor patio seats but this is mostly a grab and go spot.

 

Little Bettie Pizza

This pizza and snack spot is seriously good stuff inside Wiseacre's downtown taproom. Just ask Guy Fieri! They have next level pizzas you can't go wrong with but the Thud Butt is one of their most notable ones to order. 

 

Majestic Grill

Want to eat flatbreads, pastas, and more in a 1920s Art Deco style theater? Majestic Grill on Main Street is your place. They serve lunch and dinner, plus they have a fabulous patio. They have a cheese ravioli dish on the regular menu. Reservations recommended!  

 

Little Italy

If you need to carb up before your race in Memphis, but don't feel like getting out, Little Italy offers their beloved New York style pizza and other Italian delicacies located in South Main.

 

Rock'N Dough Pizza & Brewery

This new location in the Edge District is perfect for a pizza and/or pasta fix. They have a ton of pizza options to choose from and a choice of red and white Cavatappi pasta.

 

 

Tamboli's Pasta & Pizza

This Midtown cafe serves up handmade pastas, plenty of pizzas, garlic bread, and lots of other delicious Italian favorites with fresh ingredients.  They're open for dinner for all your carbo-loading needs for dine-in (inside or on the outside patio) or takeout.

Again, this is only a sampling! There are tons more places to carb load in Memphis, so leave your suggestions in the comments.

For more pasta and pizzas in Memphis, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Ciao Bella, and Amerigo— which are all in East Memphis. In midtown, check out Bari for delicious pastas and southern Italian cuisine.

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About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

three different pasta dishes at Catherine & mary's
Jalyn Souchek

Comments Make Us Happy

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Janice Taff
Rock & Dough on Ridgeway or the Trolley Stop on Madison... great pizza!
December 3, 2013 5:35pm
Helen
Rockin Dough has THE best pizza in town!
December 4, 2013 11:08am
Dena Ferrell Nance

You definitely missed the best of the best….Pete & Sam’s!! 

December 2, 2022 5:43am