From Hospital Halls to Marathon Miles: A Run Fueled by Gratitude
It was another year for Rochard Weaver to run and raise funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a participant in the annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon. The race, which was held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Memphis attracted more than 22,000 runners. Some were running to beat time, others were running for fun, while Rochard was running to express his gratitude.
This was the third year Rochard participated in the marathon. He is passionate about the cause and ran with a purpose.
“I participate because this cause is personal to me. My daughter was born prematurely and later had brain surgery after cavernomas formed on her brain. I know firsthand what it’s like to have a sick child and worry about how medical care will be paid for,” said Rochard. “She received care through St. Jude, and the compassion and support our family experienced there was unlike anything else. Running this marathon is my way of giving back and helping other families receive that same care and hope.”
Rochard Weaver is a corporal with the Whiteville Police Department. Although meeting physical fitness standards is a requirement for his position, he created a special training plan as he prepared for the race.
“I prepared by following a steady training plan and reminding myself why I’m running. When training gets tough, I think about the families this race supports and that motivation carries me through,” said Rochard, who has seen his time improve each year. “My time improved from year one to year two. This year, I chose to focus less on the clock and more on appreciating the experience and the purpose behind the run.”
Taking his time and appreciating the experience reinforced why Rochard runs the St. Jude Memphis Marathon.
“Seeing a runner with both legs amputated was incredibly motivating and reminded me not to take the ability to run for granted,” said Rochard. “Another unforgettable moment was watching a man stop a runner (Jennifer Marcum) mid-race and thank her for running, sharing that his daughter had once been treated at St. Jude. It was a powerful emotional moment that really captured the spirit of the race.
Although the St. Jude Memphis Marathon has runners from first-time participants to those who run in record time to beat the clock, it is a race about community; people running and some walking in support of a common purpose. The families of children who receive care from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are not charged for medical care. That is a significant factor when a parent does not have to worry about affording medical care for their child who is battling cancer.
“Each year I come back to this race with a deeper appreciation for health, family, and the community that surrounds St. Jude. You don’t have to be the fastest runner to make a difference. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering, or donating, everyone plays a role in supporting families who need it most,” said Rochard.
If you want to join Rochard Weaver in raising funds for St. Jude, save the date for Saturday, December 5, 2026, which will be the 25th anniversary of the marathon.
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