
From the Organizer
The Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K returns for its 47th year on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
First run in 1980, this event holds the title of the longest-running half marathon in the St. Louis region, offering runners a classic road race experience through the historic and scenic setting of Forest Park.
THE COURSE
Both the Half Marathon and the 5K start and finish at the Muny Festival Grounds.
START
We use an “Open Start” format, meaning there will be a formal half marathon gun-start at 7:30 AM, but you may start your half marathon race any time between 7:30 and 7:40 AM. For the 5K, there will be a formal gun-start at 8:00 AM, but you may start your 5k race any time between 8:00 and 8:10 AM.
PRIZES & AWARDS
All finishers receive a custom medal!
Half Marathon: Prize money awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female overall finishers.
1st place: $500
2nd place: $250
3rd place: $100
Age Group Awards: Recognizing the top 3 finishers in each age group, male and female. Age groups are: 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.
5K: Overall awards for the top 3 male and female finishers only.
PACKET PICKUP
Packet pickup will be held Friday, Nov. 6 at Running Niche, 1601 Tower Grove Avenue, St.Louis, MO 63110.
Packet pickup will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Voyager Room in the Forest Park Visitors Center. Detailed times will be emailed to participants.
Race-day packet pickup will be from 6AM-8AM.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
60°
Typical Low
42°
Based on US Climate Normals data from St Louis Sci Ctr, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
293,109
as of 2023
Elevation
471 ft
Nearest Airport
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 9 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
153
Days to train
Coming Up
All-American 5K
Less than a mile away
Beer Mile North American Classic Presented by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
Less than a mile away
Beer & Bagel Run - Queeny Park
Less than a mile away
Big River Cross Country Camp
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K
Nov 8, 2026