MEMPHIS, TENN. - On Saturday, June 12, Country Music fans from around the world will lace up their sneakers to walk and run in support of patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® who are battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Hosted by Country Music star Jo Dee Messina, the St. Jude Music Fest Road Race is the first family run to be included in the 39-year history of the CMA Music Festival, an annual celebration of Country Music in Downtown Nashville that spans four days of concerts, autograph signings, family fun and more.
Race participants can register for the 5K race at www.musicfestroadrace.org. Registration fees are $20 through May 28. Fees increase to $25 beginning May 29 through June 11; race day registration is $30. In addition a one mile Fun Run for kids will be held prior to the 5K.
St. Jude Music Fest Road Race participants can become St. Jude Heroes and raise additional funds for St. Jude by collecting donations from friends and family as they train for the race. St. Jude Heroes receive helpful resources including fundraising tips, free online training at Active.com and a personalized fundraising Web page.
St. Jude Heroes who raise $250 will receive two tickets to the CMA Music Festival Saturday night concert. Those who raise $500 will be invited to an exclusive brunch with Jo Dee Messina. All funds collected from race registration and raised by St. Jude Heroes benefit St. Jude, one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers. To learn more about the St. Jude Heroes program, visit www.musicfestroadrace.org.
About St. Jude:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. For more information, go to www.stjude.org.
About CMA Music Festival:
2010 CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday, June 10 through Sunday, June 13, in Downtown Nashville. Four-day tickets are now available ranging from $110 to $185. Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival began as Fan Fair in 1972 as a unique celebration of the relationship between Country Music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City USA. Nashville's signature music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. This unparalleled celebration of America's music draws thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. CMA Music Festival was dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music festivals" by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year. For more information, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or visit www.CMAfest.com. The CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association.
