The City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, offers entry options ranging from $30 to $150, with distances of 1 mile and half marathon available. The race starts at 7:00 AM on September 27, 2026, at 1625 N. Kingshighway. If you can't attend in person, a virtual participation option lets you complete your chosen distance on your own schedule. This setup works well for athletes juggling race weekends or looking for flexibility in their fall training calendar.
From the Race Organizer
THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE TO HALF MARATHON SHIRT DEADLINES! We are bringing in some fantastic long sleeve UVB shirts this year. You don't want to miss these shirts. To be guaranteed a Half Marathon UVB Long Sleeve shirt on race day, you must register by AUG 31! After that date, your shirt will be ordered post-race and you will receive it a month later. YOU WANT TO WEAR THIS SHIRT FOR YOUR POST RACE PICTURES, so sign up by Aug 31. 5k - You must register by September 13 to be guaranteed a 5K T-Shirt. SIGN UP NOW! We will not be ordering surplus shirts. Race Day Registration is available during packet pickup Saturday & Sunday. Online registration closes Friday at midnight. 46th Annual City of Roses Half Marathon and 5K Weekend . The 5K Race and the Half Marathon will be held Sunday, September 27th. 5K will start at 7AM, Half Marathon 7:10AM (6:30 Non-competitive early start available for Half Marathon) HALF MARATHON PRIZES! Overall Male & Female - $300 Overall Masters Male & Female - $200 Relay Option - Get a team of 3 and have a great time! Join the fun by running Missouri’s premium, long-standing City of Roses Half Marathon. This course takes you along a paved trail through residential Cape Girardeau and out into the beautiful county. The course is well supported with volunteers to keep you safe as you wind around, up and down paved roads, past horse farms, tree-filled woods and beautiful homes. You will loop back to the Osage Center to find a cheering crowd and lots of good food, water, Gatorade and locally brewed beer. There will be pancakes & coffee along with traditional post-race snacks. This race is in its 46th consecutive year. Water stops are available every 2 miles in the beginning, then every mile from mile 8 on. Gatorade will be available at the water stops from mile 6 through the end of the race. The Water Stops are manned by some really happy people, ready to encourage you on your journey. We offer an early start for those who feel they may take longer than 3 hours to complete the course. Our City of Roses 5K is a flat, fast USATF Certified Course on a paved trail. There will be lots of cheering and snacks at the finish. Virtual Option - Run your best between September 1 and September 30, 2026. AWARDS - Half Marathon Awards will be recognized for Overall Male, Overall Female, Overall Masters Male & Female, and 5 year age divisions - 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, through 65-69, 70 +. 5K Awards will be recognized for Overall Male, Overall Female, and 5 year age divisions - 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, through 65-69, 70 + Saturday September 26th, 2026: 3:00-6:00 Packet pick up at the Osage Center Sunday September 27th, 2026 5:30-6:30 AM Half Marathon & 5K Packet Pickup 6:30 AM Walkers & Non-Competitive Runners Start* 7:00 AM 5K Start 7:10 AM Half Marathon Start 7:45 AM Awards Ceremony for 5K 9::40 AM Awards Ceremony for Half Marathon *There are no awards for those runners that start at 6:30, but they are eligible for finishers metals.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Cape Girardeau, MO. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Cape Girardeau, MO
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Cape Girardeau, MO.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Cape Girardeau, MO?
City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Cape Girardeau, MO takes place on September 27, 2026. The race is held in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Where is City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Cape Girardeau, MO held?
City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Cape Girardeau, MO is held at 1625 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Where can I find hotels near City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K 2026 — Cape Girardeau, MO?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Cape Girardeau. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
