Runners gather for 47th annual Andrew Jackson Marathon

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Andrew Jackson Marathon hosted runners for the 47th time Saturday morning.

The course offered races in both half and full marathons around the city of Jackson.

“This is my first time here, but I ran a St. Jude half marathon last year,” said runner Saurav Acharya. “Just a good time, good running and never been to Jackson, Tennessee.”

Runner Yogesh Dhulgane from Memphis will also be running the half marathon.

“I’ve run a 5k before but this is my first half marathon,” Dhulgane said. “It took me like six or seven weeks to prepare for this race. I’m not hoping to win. I am just running for my own passion.”

Troy Johnson and his wife, Cathie Johnson, from Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee will be running the full marathon.

“We just enjoy marathoning and came out to Jackson to enjoy this one,” Troy Johnson said. “We just enjoy it and it’s great to see community support like you do here.”

“I love the community,” Cathie Johnson said. “That’s a cheering squad and the more the merrier, and it just makes you want to go on and do your best.”

The Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse aims to provide comfort to children who are victims of abuse. All proceeds from the race go to support the center.

Teddy bears used by the center for the children were on display at the marathon.

“Those bears are used when they are going through their therapy at the center, and they get to pick out a bear to help them through their journey,” said Stephanie Isaacs, Event and Marketing Manager for The Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

The first half marathon runner finished at 1 hour and 19 minutes.

The first full marathon runner finished at 3 hours.