Aisling Maki - The Daily News -

Runners – 189 of them – are embarking on a 465-mile run from Memphis to Peoria, Ill., to support the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This is the 30th year for the run, which has raised $22 million for St. Jude since it was created by Peoria Sheriff Mike McCoy in 1982.

Patients, employees and supporters on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at noon will cheer on the runners as they depart from the front doors of St. Jude, 332 N. Lauderdale St.

Runners include Rick Shadyac, CEO of ALSAC, St. Jude’s fundraising arm, who will run the first leg of the race. He will be joined by Peoria officials and former St. Jude patients.

Prior to the runners’ departure, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell will present a proclamation to the group declaring Aug. 3 as Peoria Day in Shelby County, recognizing the group’s tremendous support of St. Jude.

Twenty-five satellite runs will take place, each ending in Peoria Aug. 6. The finale will feature an annual St. Jude telethon from Peoria on Saturday.