Course Map
About this Race
The GO! St. Louis Marathon is a rolling course through the Missouri river city, passing the iconic Gateway Arch and the city's historic neighborhoods on terrain that undulates throughout. The hills make it more challenging than a flat record course, requiring measured early pacing. Held in April, it offers generally cool spring conditions and lively crowds in one of the region's signature races. The Arch and riverfront provide the scenic highlights. It suits runners who want a characterful Midwestern course with a famous landmark backdrop and don't mind the rolling terrain over a fast time.
Course Insight
St. Louis rolls more than most expect, a spring marathon past the Gateway Arch over terrain with honest undulation and variable April weather. Pace the hills by effort and watch the forecast, since spring here can swing warm. The Arch and riverfront are a striking backdrop. Bank nothing on the descents you'll repay later. Run the rollers with restraint and the course stays an ally rather than an ambush.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (259m), tough late hills, lots of turns.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 259m
- Elevation loss
- 270m
- Highest point
- 165m
- Lowest point
- 126m
- Net elevation
- -11m
- Start
- Market Street
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The GO! St. Louis Marathon grew into its modern form in the 2000s as the Missouri river city's premier road race, a rolling course past the iconic Gateway Arch and historic neighborhoods. Its undulating terrain set it apart from flat record courses. From its founding it became the region's signature spring marathon. Held each April, it draws a field to the characterful river city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- St. Louis Lambert (STL)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown by the Arch for proximity to the route, the Central West End for characterful upscale stays, and the Delmar Loop for lively, value options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is downtown near the Arch; walk from downtown hotels, as it's a compact central course.