You are here:
Greater St. Louis Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
- Race Date: 04/03/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Greater St. Louis Marathon Description
The Greater St. Louis Marathon anchors one of the Midwest’s largest spring race weekends, taking runners past the Gateway Arch and through the historic neighborhoods of Soulard, Lafayette Square, and tree-lined Tower Grove Park. The Boston-qualifying course is largely flat with a few gentle rolling hills, making it approachable for first-timers while still fast enough for a personal best. Race weekend also features the area’s most popular half marathon, drawing thousands of runners to the Gateway City each April. Pace groups help runners of every level find their rhythm.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Greater St. Louis Marathon Additional Details:
Finishers get pampered here more than most: free massage therapy waits at the finish line alongside the medal, plus a cozy blanket for runners who want to sit and recover rather than rush off. Beyond Soulard and Lafayette Square, the course threads past genuine St. Louis landmarks, Busch Stadium, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the wooded expanse of Forest Park, giving out-of-towners a real tour of the city’s character beyond its riverfront. Race photography is included in registration, so you’re not stuck paying extra to remember the day. A post-race party with local food and drinks caps things off, rounding out a race locals brand with genuine civic pride under the “Rally the Lou” banner.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 3,000+
Marathon: 1,150 to 1,200
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 455 ft (138 m)
Elevation Loss: 423 ft (128 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 51°F
- High: 71°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in St. Louis, MO, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Sports & Entertainment
Saint Louis Science Center
Explore hundreds of hands-on exhibits, including a life-size animatronic T. rex, at the Saint Louis Science Center — a relaxed, indoor way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Art Hill
Take in views from Art Hill in Forest Park, home to the Saint Louis Art Museum’s grand perch — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Arts & Culture
Saint Louis Art Museum
See one of the country’s leading comprehensive art collections at the free Saint Louis Art Museum atop Art Hill — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Outdoors & Trails
Forest Park Trails
Walk or bike more than 30 miles of trails through Forest Park, weaving past old-growth forests and wetlands — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Saint Louis Zoo
See more than 17,000 animals at the free Saint Louis Zoo inside Forest Park — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Landmark
The Muny
Catch an outdoor Broadway-style performance at The Muny, filling Forest Park with music for more than 100 years — an easy, low-impact evening outing after race weekend.
Museums & History
Missouri History Museum
Explore the region’s story at the Missouri History Museum, free and set inside Forest Park — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Greater St. Louis Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Greater St. Louis Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes