Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series
The Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series offers a summer of diverse distances in Memphis.
Race Date
Jul 12, 2026
Location
Memphis, TN
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, July 12, 2026
- Location
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + Full Series for MRTC Members, Full Series for Non-MRTC Members, Mini-Series (1st 6 races of the Road Race Series for kids aged 12 and under), 3.1 Miles, 5 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 10 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 17,777
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series, now in its 44th year, provides a consistent summer of racing for Memphis runners and beyond. With a median field size of around 717 finishers and a growing trend, the series has become a staple for local and regional athletes alike.
This series features a variety of distances, including 5Ks, 5-milers, 10Ks, 10-milers, and half marathons, spread across different parks and locations in and around Memphis. Races are typically held on Sunday mornings, with packet pickup available both in-person and via mail for early registrants, ensuring a smooth start to the racing season.
With approximately 45% of participants returning year after year, the series boasts strong loyalty. Runners from about seven states have been drawn to the event, highlighting its regional appeal. While the series is known for its consistent organization, the typical race-day temperatures can be warm, averaging between 73–89°F.
Race-provided description
2026 Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series Presented by the Memphis Runners Track Club
Join us for the 44th annual Road Race Series! The Road Race Series is:
Two 5ks in July, Cancer Survivors Park
Two 5 Milers in August, WJ Freeman Park
Two 10ks in September, Shelby Farms Park
Two 10 Milers in October, Meeman Shelby Forest State Park
Two Half Marathons, Martyrs Park
Click HERE for specifics on race dates and locations. All of the races take place on Sunday mornings with a start time of 7:00 AM with the exception of our 2nd Half Marathon (& Big River Crossing), which will be on a Saturday at 8:30 AM. Packet Pick-Up: Full series registrants who register by June 19th will have their race bib and timing chip mailed directly to them before the series begins. June 19th is also the deadline to receive a personalized race bib. We will not mail these out until June 27th. If you miss the June 19th mail out deadline, the in-person packet pick-up will be at Fleet Feet Memphis on July 11th from 10:30 AM–2:30 PM. Race morning pick-up will be available at each event.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38187
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
2 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Standout7421 years running
~717 finishers a year
growing or steady
45% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 7 states
winner 1:14:06
typical high 89°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
73°
Afternoon (High)
89°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 17,777 finishers actually crossed the line across 21 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
17,777
Median time
2:15:16
Latest turnout
399
States
36
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series?
The Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series is held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series take place?
It takes place in Memphis, Tennessee.
What distances does the Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus Full Series for MRTC Members, Full Series for Non-MRTC Members, Mini-Series (1st 6 races of the Road Race Series for kids aged 12 and under), 3.1 Miles, 5 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 10 Miles.
Is the Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series course flat and good for a PR?
The Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series?
HalfRuns has finish records for 17,777 runners who have completed the Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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