Final Joplin Memorial Run, Walk of Silence

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) — This year is the final Joplin Memorial Run and they have moved events to the area around Memorial Hall and  the Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex .

Friday evening the Final Memorial Walk of Silence sponsored by US BANK begins at 8th and Joplin, the start/finish line for the weekend events.

“Walk through the 161 Memorial Banners to remember those who passed in the 2011 Joplin Tornado. The Walk starts from the complex and goes 1 mile out and back, you can choose to walk some or all.”

— #JMR

The Memorial Banners are placed on both sides of Joplin Ave from 9th Street to 19th Street. The roadway is closed to vehicle traffic so participants can take photos of friends and family who were lost in the tragedy 13 years ago.

Presenting sponsor of the JMR, Freeman Health Systems, CEO Paula Baker spoke.

Then Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez shared some words and signaled the beginning of the Walk of Silence.

As everyone began the walk the host of the evening, the iconic voice of the Joplin Memorial Run, Bob Brown began reading each of the 161 names.

Saturday morning after the run events family  who have made arrangements can pick up the banner of their family member that has been used these past years. Begin the process to request a banner by filling out this form .

The Joplin Memorial Run is a project of Active Lifestyle Events and Produced by Rufus Racing, LLC .

Here are details on traffic patterns for Saturday morning from Joplin Police .

Additionally the March for Jesus 2024 will be held Downtown Joplin just as the run events are finishing up.