If there has ever been one constant in the oldest marathon in the state of Tennessee, it would have to be Dr. Jack Butterick.

A native of Memphis and resident of Tampa, Fla., Butterick looks to finish the 26.2 mile Andrew Jackson Marathon for the 41st straight year, Saturday.

The Andrew Jackson Marathon began in 1972 as part of the City of Jackson’s Sesquicentennial.

“I first ran the Andrew Jackson in 1978, “Butterick said, “I have family in Memphis, and this was my first marathon. I decided I would continue to run this marathon and keep a streak going.”

The Andrew Jackson may have been his first marathon, but the general surgeon has lost count of the total number of marathons he has completed.

The 68-year-old guestimates he has completed just north of 150 marathons, which includes 13 trips in what is recognized as the world’s most prestigious road race – the Boston Marathon.

“I ran a 2:51 (2 hours, 51 minutes),” Butterick said, when asked his best marathon time in Jackson, “But this year it’s going to be ugly (he said laughing). I run for pleasure, and Jackson has a special place in my heart, and I want to run this marathon as long as I can.”

The 47th running of the Andrew Jackson Marathon (7 a.m.) and 13.1 mile half marathon (7:15 a.m.), begin at the corner of New Market and West Lafayette Streets.

The number of entrants for Saturday’s races has reached 320.

Runners will head west to Lambuth Street, wind through the Lambuth Area Neighborhood (LANA), the Medical Center before heading to Carriage House Drive.

The race returns to LANA, and and continues to the LiFT Wellness Center to the finish line on West Lafayette Street.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child  Abuse.

(PHOTO: Dr. Jack Butterick prior to 2018 race)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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