How to navigate the 2025 Greater St. Louis Marathon like a pro

You’ve been training for months, eagerly anticipating the moment that you tightly tie your laces, put on your racing bib, and take your position at the starting line for the 2025 Greater St. Louis Marathon. Good news: The wait is almost over.

Race weekend is less than a month away, with the 25th annual marathon slated for April 26. Whether you’re running the full marathon or heading downtown to cheer on a loved one, there’s plenty of information to digest in order to make the event as enjoyable as possible. 

When does each event begin?

The Greater St. Louis 10K, half marathon and full marathon each begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. But don’t wait until the last minute to make your way to the starting line. “The earlier the better,” says Mona Vespa, president of GO! St. Louis. The 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 1-mile family fun run begins at 9 a.m.

Where does the marathon start? Where does it end?

The marathons will begin and end downtown and include a finish line festival outside St. Louis SC’s CITYPARK.

When and where is packet pickup?

All registered participants receive a race bag including official race numbers, race information, and promotional product samples. Packet pickup will be held at the Greater St. Louis Marathon Expo at Ballpark Village on April 24 or 25. There will be no race day packet pickup for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, or relay on race day.

What does the course look like?

Here’s the map:

---

Where are the best areas to watch?

On a 26.2-mile course, there are lots of places where fans can cheer on friends and family. But a few locations stand out for their accessibility and views:

Gateway Arch National Park: Post up along the park’s skirts on the riverfront to catch a long stretch of runners.

Near Busch Stadium: Try hanging out near Busch on Clark Ave. to score a few classic St. Louis photos of the runners.

Lafayette Park: Take in race-day views from one of St. Louis’ most picturesque parks before grabbing brunch at one of Lafayette Square’s shops and restaurants.

Near Union Station: To catch the finish-line stars in all their glory, make camp near Union Station or by CITYPARK, where the race-day party will be thrown.

What kinds of family-friendly activities will be available?

Starting at 9 a.m. on race day, join in the 1-mile family fun run. At the end of your jaunt, stay for the party!

Which coffee shops are located near the course?

There are plenty of places to satisfy your caffeine needs. Among them:

Downtown: 

Cafe de Blaire – Opens at 7 a.m., 442 N. 4th

Blondie’s – Opens at 8 a.m., 1301 Washington

Good Press Cafe at 21c St. Louis – Opens at 6:30 a.m., 1528 Locust

Anchor Room Coffeehouse – Opens at 8 a.m., 1610 Olive

Catalyst Coffee Bar – Opens at 9 a.m., 1223 Pine

Latte Lounge + HG Eatery – Opens at 8:30 a.m., 2617 Washington

Soulard and Lafayette Square:

Park Avenue Coffee – Opens at 7 a.m., 1919 Park

Protagonist Cafe – Opens at 7 a.m., 1700 S 9th

Cafe Anew in Soulard Farmers Market – Opens at 8 a.m, 730 Carroll

Baked & Broiled Bagels – Opens at 7 a.m., 1801 S. 9th

Central West End:

Northwest Coffee Roasting – Opens at 7 a.m, 4251 Laclede

Kaldi’s Coffee – Opens at 7 a.m., 52 N. Euclid

Quarrelsome Coffee – Opens at 7 a.m., 33 N. Sarah

What are some post-race brunch options?

Whether you’re running or simply watching, you’re sure to be hungry by the time the competition closes late Sunday morning. Consider one of the many nearby brunch spots:

Downtown:

BLT’s – Opens at 9 a.m., 626 N. 6th

Rooster – Opens at 8 a.m., 1025 Washington

Katie’s Pizza and Pasta at Ballpark Village – Opens at 10 a.m., 751 Clark

Soulard and Lafayette Square:

The Bellwether – Opens at 10 a.m., 1419 Carroll

Molly’s – Opens at 10 a.m., 816 Geyer

SqWires Restaurant & Market – Opens at 9 a.m., 1415 S. 18th

Milque Toast – Opens at 8 a.m., 2924 S. Jefferson

Egg – Opens at 9 a.m., 2200 Gravois

Hammerstone’s – Opens at 8 a.m., 2028 S. 9th

Central West End:

Bowood by Niche – Opens at 9 a.m., 4605 Olive

Brasserie by Niche – Opens at 10 a.m., 4580 Laclede

Kingside Diner – Opens at 6 a.m., 236 N. Euclid