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Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K

Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K

Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K offers a classic road race through historic Forest Park.

Race Date

Nov 8, 2026

Location

Saint Louis, MO

Runner Favorite81

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Location
Saint Louis, Missouri
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 13.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
14,759

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K, first run in 1980, stands as the longest-running half marathon in the region. This event offers a classic road race experience through the historic and scenic setting of Forest Park.

The course winds through Forest Park, passing landmarks like the zoo, the Muny theater, and the Art Museum. While some reviews mention rolling hills and uphill sections, making it less of a PR course for some, others describe it as an easy run with some uphill. The fall foliage is often highlighted as spectacular.

With approximately 854 finishers in recent years, runners come from about 33 states, and about 17% return annually. Participants receive a custom medal, and post-race amenities include snacks and water. The race also offers prize money for top finishers and age group awards.

Race-provided description

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.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Half Marathon Race Shirt

Start Location

Macklind Dr, Saint Louis, MO, 63110

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Park, Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

5K13.1 Miles

Quality Score

Runner Favorite81
Methodology
Heritage20/20

19 years running

Size15/15

~854 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

shrinking

Loyalty17/20

17% returning runners

Course & details3/15

5 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 33 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:07:07

Weather8/10

typical high 63°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

63°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

68%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 14,759 finishers actually crossed the line across 19 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

14,759

Median time

2:04:00

Latest turnout

854

States

48

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:004:35

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K?

The Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K is held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K take place?

It takes place in Saint Louis, Missouri.

What distances does the Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 13.1 Miles.

Is the Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K course flat and good for a PR?

The Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K is a rolling hills, loop course course.

How many people run the Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 14,759 runners who have completed the Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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