The Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K is a running event held on November 8, 2026, in Saint Louis, Missouri, on Macklind Drive. Both the half marathon and 5K distances are available, with races typically starting at 7:30 AM. Entry fees range from $45 to $120 depending on the distance and registration timing. If you're traveling to Saint Louis for the race, note that a virtual participation option is also offered, which may be useful if your travel plans shift. Plan your hotel stay accordingly based on your race distance and preferred start time.
From the Race 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. 2026 RRCA CHAMPIONSHIP RACE The St. Louis Track Club is proud to announce that the Half Marathon is a 2026 RRCA State Championship event. 2026 COURSE INFORMATION Both the St. Louis Track Club Half Marathon and the 5K routes start and finish at the Muny Festival Grounds in Forest Park. The 5K remains within Forest Park, the Half Marathon travels out of the park through The Grove neighborhood as well. For course maps, visit our website at https://www.stlouistrackclub.com/half-marathon-and-5k . START TIMES 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. Award winners will be based on the gun-start time only. EARLY START AVAILABLE! Half Marathon walkers and slower runners: you can start your race early at 7 a.m.! No need to check in, we'll have the start ready at that time and you can just go. *7 a.m. early starts are not eligible for awards. CUTOFF In keeping with our mission of providing a community for walkers and runners of all abilities, there is no official cutoff for these races. However, we do begin removing the street blockades by about noon on race day. The finish will remain open until all participants are accounted for. PRIZES & AWARDS The Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon is happy to award cash prizes for the top three males, females and non-binary participants*, as well as awards for the top three females, males and non-binary participants in each age group. 1st place: $500 2nd place: $250 3rd place: $100 Age Group Awards: Recognizing the top 3 finishers in each age group below for female, male and non-binary participants.* Half Marathon age groups: 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 female, male and non-binary finishers only (no age group awards for the 5K). *Non-binary cash awards for the Half Marathon are available if there is a competition pool of at least 10 runners. Non-binary age group awards and overall 5K awards are available for registrations made before Oct. 8. PACKET PICKUP For your convenience we offer multiple packet pickups before the race. We highly encourage attending one of these to avoid delays on race morning. You may pick up the packet of a friend or family member. Friday, Nov. 6, 1- 6 PM: Running Niche (1601 Tower Grove Ave.) – Pick up your bib, shirt, and any other race supplies and fuel you need. Running Niche is also a sponsor of this year’s Half Marathon and 5K so please give them your support. Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 AM-4 PM: Forest Park Visitor's Center – We’ll be set up in the Voyager room, so swing on by and grab your gear. You can even get a little shakeout run in at the park while you’re at it. Race day, Sunday, Nov. 8, 6-8 AM: Packet pickup will begin on race morning at 6 AM and will end at 8 AM (ends at 7:20AM for the Half Marathon). No race day registration will be allowed. Participants must pick up their own packet on race morning. Note: Virtual race packets can be picked up in person before the race, and will be mailed if they are not. SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER The Saint Louis Track Club is happy to announce that author and certified running, cycling and triathlon coach Jeff Horowitz will be giving a talk on Saturday, Nov. 6 in the Trolley Room of the Forest Park Visitor Center. Jeff has completed more than 175 marathons and ultramarathons across six continents. Jeff will give a presentation on how to do a structured post-race performance evaluation to help guide runners on figuring out how much recovery they would need and when they could expect to race again. He will have copies of his books Think Like a Runner and The Runner's Bucket List
Course & Travel Notes
Sunrise on race day is at 6:35 AM, with the Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon and 5K starting at 7:30 AM. November typically brings average highs of 56°F and average lows of 39°F in Saint Louis. The venue sits at 518 feet elevation. St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is located 9.2 miles from the race venue.
⛰️ 518 ft elevation☀️ Typically 56°F / 39°F✈️ St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) — 9.2 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon and 5K 2026 — Saint Louis, MO
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for November 8.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Saint Louis, 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 Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon and 5K 2026 — Saint Louis, MO?
Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon and 5K 2026 — Saint Louis, MO takes place on November 8, 2026. The race is held in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Where is Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon and 5K 2026 — Saint Louis, MO held?
Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon and 5K 2026 — Saint Louis, MO is held at Macklind Dr in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Where can I find hotels near Saint Louis Track Club Half Marathon and 5K 2026 — Saint Louis, MO?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Saint Louis. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
