Greater St. Louis Marathon

The Greater St. Louis Marathon (Go! St. Louis) is a popular spring marathon with roots in the city's running community and a reputation for a well-organized urban course. Since its modern inception as a large-scale city race, it has become one of the region’s signature running events, drawing both competitive marathoners seeking fast times and recreational runners wanting to experience St. Louis landmarks. The course is USATF-certified and regularly serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier, making it attractive to time-focused athletes while still remaining welcoming to first-time marathoners. The course showcases many of St. Louis’s best sights and neighborhoods, routing runners past the Gateway Arch and along the riverfront, through scenic Forest Park with its tree-lined boulevards and cultural institutions, and into historic neighborhoods such as the Central West End and Soulard. Runners will encounter a mix of flat, fast stretches and gently rolling sections that keep the effort manageable while offering varied city scenery. The finish area often provides sweeping views of downtown and the Arch, creating a memorable closing experience. Race day atmosphere is energetic and community-driven, with enthusiastic local spectators, spirited aid stations, and live music along the route that reflect St. Louis’s rich musical and civic culture. Volunteer support is strong, and race logistics (start corrals, pacing groups, ample aid stations) are set up to help runners achieve their goals, whether chasing a qualifying time or celebrating a marathon finish. The event’s combination of certification, city highlights, and festival-like finish area makes it a favorite for both Midwest runners and visitors.