With the weather starting to change, and the first hints of spring in the air, the time is ripe for getting back outside. Kick off your running season with one of these highly-anticipated annual races.
MARCH
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WHEN: March 23
WHERE: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Granite City, Illinois
COST (THROUGH MARCH 22): $35
OVERVIEW: Along the course, runners will enjoy sweeping views of the Mississippi River while following a course into Missouri and back again.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: Not many races allow participants to touch two states in 6 kilometers. All proceeds benefit the St. Louis City League, a youth sports nonprofit.
APRIL
WHEN: April 26
WHERE: Downtown St. Louis
CATEGORIES: Full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-mile family fun run, virtual
COST (THROUGH MARCH 31): Full marathon $130; half marathon $105; 10K $55; 5K $40; 1-mile family fun run $30; virtual $50
OVERVIEW: The 26.2-mile course starts and finishes downtown, with a finish-line festival outside St. Louis SC’s CITYPARK.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: This event kicks off downtown and concludes with a lively afterparty for a weekend full of fun. Participants can look forward to live music, local cuisine, and unparalleled city views.
WHEN: April 19
WHERE: 161 Long Road
CATEGORIES: 5K, 10K, Sprout Sprint children’s fun run
COST (THROUGH MARCH 14): 5K $25; 10K $30; Sprout Sprint $15
OVERVIEW: This eighth-annual event caters to families, featuring runs that are suited to all ages. Organizers say the course is “flat, fast, and fun.” Perhaps best of all? There are no hills.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: A portion of the 10K course will allow participants to run on the taxiway of the Spirit of St. Louis Airport.
WHEN: April 19
WHERE: Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village
COST: Starts at $50
OVERVIEW: Pre-race activities will be held at Ballpark Village. The course takes runners on a scenic tour of Downtown, starting and ending on Clark Street. After completing the route, participants can take a victory lap around the warning track inside Busch Stadium before celebrating at Ballpark Village’s post-race party.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: How many races allow you to run on the field of a big league ballpark? Certainly not many. Runners also receive a Cardinals long-sleeved T-shirt and discounts to the Cardinals team store, Cardinals Nation restaurant, and Cardinals Hall of Fame museum, among others.on race day.
MAY
WHEN: May 3
WHERE: Tower Grove Park
CATEGORIES: 5K, ½ Measures Run
COST (THROUGH APRIL 5): $35
OVERVIEW: This run promotes the Fall Classic Conference, the largest Alcoholics Anonymous conference in St. Louis.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: Runners can participate in the full 5K, or opt for the ½ Measures run, which is half the distance. Or, if guests would like to support the cause but would rather not walk or run, they can register for the Easier, Softer Way ($35), score a T-shirt, and cheer on the participants on race day.
WHEN: May 3
WHERE: 113 E. Main, Belleville, Illinois
CATEGORIES: 5K, Youth Fun Run
COST: 5K $35 adults, $25 for kids under 12; Youth Fun Run $12.
OVERVIEW: The annual event benefits the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, as well as other legal aid organizations that provide litigation support to low-income and senior residents.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: This is the 21st anniversary of the race, making it the oldest 5K in Belleville. Participants can take part in a post-race pizza party at Bennie’s Pizza.
WHEN: May 2
WHERE: Frontier Park, St. Charles
CATEGORIES: 5K, Kids Fun Run, Kids 100-yard dash
COST (THROUGH APRIL 7): 5K $25; Fun Run $10; 100-yard dash free
OVERVIEW: This family-friendly event encourages parents and kids to enroll in age-appropriate runs, including a 5K and a fun run tailored to the tiniest sprinters. Proceeds benefit Bridgeway’s domestic violence programs.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: Dress as your favorite Star Wars character while taking part in the festivities to celebrate May the 4th. Participants will receive a glow-in-the-dark shirt.
WHEN: May 4
WHERE: 20 Allen, Webster Groves
COST (through April 15): $30; $25 for kids under 16
OVERVIEW: The course starts and ends at the Webster Groves upper municipal parking lot (20 Allen), taking runners on a path down West Lockwood before looping around Sherwood, West Sheffield, and North Crofton. The event races money for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.
WHAT MAKES THIS EVENT UNIQUE: Celebrate your completion of the course with a snow cone or margarita.
