St. Jude Memphis to Mobile starts running

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The third annual St. Jude Memphis to Mobile Run is underway with nearly three dozen runners participating. The first runners hit the pavement around 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Many of the runners are from South Alabama. They are joined by members of the Peoria, IL to Memphis run and a St. Jude Doctor.

The relay run raises money for South Alabama's children being treated by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

St. Jude gives parents peace of mind to focus on their child instead of medical bills. St. Jude treats children battling cancer and other terminal illnesses.

The St. Jude Memphis to Mobile Run first took place in 2010 with around 26 runners participating. Over the four day, 391 mile journey each runner logs about 40 miles.

The run will end at Battleship Park Saturday, May 19, and the community is invited to cheer the runners in.

They will be in the Mobile area around 10 a.m. and run down University Blvd., right onto Old Shell Road, right on Ann Street, left onto Government Blvd. through the tunnel, onto the causeway, and end at Battleship Park. Arrival time at the park is planned between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.