Calling all Memphis Vols!

Volunteers are needed - please consider signing up for this world class event that honors a VFL and Memphian. 

The Ed Murphey Classic, Memphis’ premier track and field event, showcasing world-class, Olympic-level track and field competition along with a youth competition, is set to return for its 9th annual celebration July 11-12, 2025. Recognized as a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event, the Ed Murphey Classic will once again bring elite athletes, community spirit, and youth engagement to the heart of the Bluff City. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://edmurpheyclassic.com/.

“It is truly an honor to be able to bring this extraordinary track and field event named after my father to Memphis for the 9th year. This event offers Memphians the chance to experience Olympic-level track and field right here in Memphis, providing an opportunity to introduce these types of events and the opportunities available through sports to young people in Memphis. We invite everyone to experience it for yourselves and want to thank all of our sponsors including First Horizon Foundation, Ally Bank, The City of Memphis, and McNeal McDonnell Family Foundation along with USATF and the World Athletics Continental Tour for helping make this event possible,” said Eddie Murphey, Jr., Ed Murphey Classic and  Murphey Track Club President.

Event Highlights:

Friday, July 11

The first event of the Ed Murphey Classic will kick off on Friday, July 11 with the Beale Street Murphey Mile sponsored by First Horizon Bank. Run, walk, or jog past downtown Memphis staples with scenic views of Beale Street, the FedExForum, The Orpheum, and more. This event is for participants of all ages and skill levels with the fun-run beginning at 6:00 p.m., tickets can be purchased for the mile run here. Registration also includes a complimentary drink ticket for adults 21 years and older at Alfred’s on Beale.

Capping off the night is the John “Buck” Ewing Beale Street Pole Vault competition presented by Ally Bank and Mitchell Spurlock. All are welcome to watch top-tier athletes fly through the sky as the sun sets on downtown Memphis for this free event.

Saturday, July 12

Anchoring the multi-day event is the Ed Murphey Classic presented by First Horizon Bank on Saturday, July 12 at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex at the University of Memphis. Gates will open in the morning with food trucks, music, youth events and more. Youth events will include the 100m, 400m, 1500m, shot put, and long jump; for more information regarding tickets and registration, visit https://edmurpheyclassic.com/youth-meet-details.

Following the Youth Meet, the evening transitions into a showcase of world-class talent as elite athletes from across the globe, including Olympic medalists, take center stage at 6:30 p.m. Spectators will witness a thrilling lineup of events, featuring sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws.            

Breakdown of Events:

Women: 200m, 800m, 100mH, 400mH, Shot Put, Triple Jump, Long Jump, Discus

Men: 100m, 800m, 1500m, 110mH, Shot Put, Triple Jump, Long Jump, Discus

Men: Combined Events Triathlon Events: 200m, Discus, Long Jump

Tickets for the Ed Murphey Classic can be purchased at the Ed Murphey Classic website - https://edmurpheyclassic.com/. Proceeds from ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise will directly support local youth initiatives, including the Murphey Track Club. This community-focused organization is dedicated to empowering young athletes by promoting healthy lifestyles through track and field.

Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals of all ages and experience levels. All volunteers will receive an event t-shirt, complimentary food and drinks during their shift, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at a world-class track and field event. For more information or register, visit https://edmurpheyclassic.com/volunteer.

Ed Murphey History

Ed Murphey was one of the most dominant athletes in the University of Tennessee track & field history, excelling from 1954 to 1957 as a cross country and track standout. A three-time SEC champion in the mile and an All-American in 1956, he set multiple records and narrowly missed qualifying for the 1956 U.S. Olympic team. His legacy continued through the Ed Murphey Award, established in 1965 to honor outstanding men's track & field performances at UT. Murphey, who passed away in 2014, was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

About Murphey Track Club

Founded in 2023, the Murphey Track Club has been a driving force in the Memphis community, providing free coaching, clinics, and opportunities for young athletes to pursue healthy lifestyles through track and field competition. The club's dedication to at-risk youth in Memphis has positively impacted over 500 young athletes annually, fostering their talents and providing access to world-class facilities and coaches. The Murphey Track Club is funded in part through the Ed Murphey Classic.

More info: Ed Murphey Classic