44th annual Andrew Jackson Marathon draws more than 400 runners
JACKSON, Tenn. — The state’s oldest marathon draws hundreds from across the country to the Hub City this weekend.
The 44th Annual Andrew Jackson Marathon is the state’s oldest marathon hosted right here in the Hub City.
These runners braved the cold early Saturday morning, many running for those who can’t.
“I looked at this as an opportunity to honor him and do something for him and to scratch that of his bucket list for him,” marathon runner Donald Pemberton said. “I lost a really good friend of mine, a workout partner, about five weeks ago to stomach cancer and on his bucket list one of the things he wanted to do was to run a full marathon.”
A half marathon and 5K also drew more than 400 races out to raise money for the Carl Perkins Center.
“It started as the Jackson Centennial, that was the very first race in downtown Jackson. It was started by the Jackson Roadrunners and it’s been going on strong for 44 years,” race director Julie McMahon said.
Organizers say this marathon brings hundreds of people to the Hub City every year, and organizers said it’s like a big family reunion.
“It’s pretty awesome actually just to say that you actually get to run the Andrew Jackson Marathon and say ‘I did it’,” half marathon runner Erika Blaine said.
The marathon is also a Boston Marathon qualifier.
All the proceeds from the marathon this weekend go to support The local Carl Perkins Center.
