The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. You may need to adjust your time goal, especially if you are not acclimated to higher temperatures and/or humidity.
The Greater St. Louis Marathon was the 67th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 69th largest in 2022.
Last year 10.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 9.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Greater St. Louis Marathon the 173rd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 187th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 98.96 ranks it as the 202nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Missouri.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Greater St. Louis Marathon a PR Score of 98.96. This PR Score ranks it as the 148th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Missouri.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Greater St. Louis Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 506 feet (154m) Min Elevation: 406 feet (123m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Greater St. Louis Marathon
View available accomodations around the Greater St. Louis Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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Dan B's review of 2022 Greater St. Louis Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Running through various neighborhoods was neat. Rolling hills for the first half, but more down than up. The second half was an out and back, which proved to be neat because you got to see a lot of runners who are both slower and faster. Plenty of water stops. Could use a few more port-o-lets.
Race Tips
Decent crowds, but nothing at all like Chicago, etc. Spring weather is unpredictable, but typically on the cooler side. No need to carry water. Start conservatively as most of the rolling hills are early. The end is flat and will give you a good opportunity to push.
It is a point to point race. If you have transportation, that's easier than taking a bus to the start or finish. Gear check was free for all runners and was very quick and easy.
SW's review of 2021 Greater St. Louis Marathon.
1 /
5 Stars
Review
Of the 30 marathons I ran in 27 states plus the District of Columbia, there was the first and the only marathon where there was no energy bar/fruit/food of any kind along the route - there were only water (and some Gatorade) stations . The finisher's bag include one 12-ounce bottle of water, one can of beer, a mug, and a one-bite-size pie.
The runners and volunteers were very friendly. People alone the way were very encouraging and fun. I enjoyed seeing Jackie J. kersee greeting everyone before the race. What I didn't like was the pavement was a little uneven , there were holes in some areas. One of our marathoners/ racer (I am not sure which race she was in) fell and I don't think she finished the race. Also the port potties were disgusting, but I don't think anything can be done about, some people just don't care.
Race Tips
I suggest that you run your race. get with a group that is running or walking your pace and try to keep up with them. If you fall a little behind it's okay as long as you can see them in front of you.
I enjoyed the shuttle although I didn't ride the shuttle after the race. It was very organized and a great option if you don't want to drive and find parking.
Emily H's review of 2018 Greater St. Louis Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The course has changed over the years, but in 2018 we started and finished at the arch and the course was great and entertaining. We ran by Busch Stadium, AB brewery, tower grove and forest park. It was a little hilly but not bad. The race was very well organized and there were lots of spectators!
Race Tips
Train for hills! It's always in early April so the weather is unpredictable.
The bag drop was a little crazy and so were the port a potties - as most races are. I lived in St. Louis at the time so ubered there and it was a mess because of all the street closures so be prepared if you will be doing the same.
RJC's review of 2017 Greater St. Louis Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
New course for 2017 as start and finish were at revitalized Gateway Arch grounds on the riverfront. Runners go over Martin Luther King Bridge into East St. Louis then over the Eads Bridge back into downtown St. Louis for the first couple of miles. Pass Busch Stadium at mile 5, Anheuser-Busch Brewery at mile 7, Tower Grove Park miles 13-14, Missouri Botanical Gardens at mile 15, Forest Park miles 17-20 and then through downtown back to the riverfront for the finish. Crowd support was pretty thin throughout the entire race but those who came out cheered loud.
Pros: Race started at 7am which was nice because St. Louis weather can be very unpredictable this time of year. Full marathoners only had to run 3 miles in Forest Park compared to 6 miles in year's past. Volunteer support was second to none as they had plenty of people handing out water, gels, etc at the aid stations and were very encouraging along the way. Very nice finisher medal and long sleeve quarter zip shirts for marathon and half marathon. Post-race race food was good with Ted Drewes ice cream sandwiches, Pasta House toasted ravioli and Crown Candy chocolate. Parking is limited around Laclede's Landing and Arch grounds so the GO! race organizers offered a shuttle service from Union Station close to the start for $5 which was very convenient.
Cons: Still a pretty hilly course overall. Only had about 20 porta potty's for 16,000 runners so this needs major improvement for 2018. This race is still very much catered toward half marathoners as 4,500+ finished compared to 1,100+ in the full marathon. In my opinion there were not enough pace groups for the full. They had advertised a 3:15 pace group a week before the race but later removed. This meant that the fastest pace group was 3:30 which for a marathon is on the slower end. Most bigger city marathons have a 3:00 or 3:05 pace group because of Boston Marathon qualifying standards. Race organizers must not think there are enough serious marathoners who sign up based on the course profile.
I signed up for this race since I am from St. Louis and wanted to cross Missouri off my marathon state list. Overall a good experience for my first GO! St. Louis Marathon but improvements definitely need to be made to draw more marathoners to this race in the future.
4 Stars from 11 Reviews
