The GO! St. Louis Marathon Weekend Half Marathon is the centerpiece of one of the Midwest’s largest spring running events, drawing thousands of participants to the Gateway City each April. The half marathon course takes runners on a tour of St. Louis’s most iconic landmarks, including views of the Gateway Arch, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square, and tree-lined sections through Tower Grove Park.
The course is largely flat with a few gentle rolling hills, making it accessible for first-timers while still fast enough for experienced runners chasing a personal best. Starting and finishing downtown near the Arch grounds, the route showcases St. Louis’s diverse neighborhoods, from the brick-lined streets of the Hill — the city’s famous Italian district — to the grand Victorian homes of the Central West End. Spring weather in St. Louis typically brings mild temperatures ideal for distance running.
With roughly 25,000 participants across all distances during the weekend, GO! St. Louis creates a festival-like atmosphere that energizes runners from start to finish. The event includes a full marathon, relay, and 5K alongside the half, and the combined crowd support along the course makes for a lively, well-supported race. For runners looking for a big-city half marathon experience in the heartland, GO! St. Louis offers a flat, scenic course through one of America’s most underrated running cities.
