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How to navigate the 2024 Greater St. Louis Marathon like a pro

How to participate, where to watch, family-friendly activities, and more

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You’ve been training for months, eagerly anticipating the moment that you tightly tie your laces, put on your racing bib, and take your position at the starting line for the 2024 Greater St. Louis Marathon. Good news: The wait is almost over.

Race weekend is less than a month away, with the 24th annual marathon slated for April 27. Whether you’re running the full marathon or heading downtown to cheer on a loved one, there’s plenty of information to digest in order to make the event as enjoyable as possible. 

When does each event begin?

The Greater St. Louis 10K, half marathon, marathon relay, and full marathon each begin at 7 a.m. But don’t wait until the last minute to make your way to the starting line. “The earlier the better,” says Mona Vespa, president of GO! St. Louis. The 1-mile family fun run begins at 3:30 p.m., and the 5K begins at 4 p.m.

Where does the marathon start? Where does it end?

The marathons will begin and end downtown and include a finish line festival outside St. Louis SC's CITYPARK.

When and where is packet pickup?

All registered participants receive a race bag including official race numbers, race information, and promotional product samples. Packet pickup will be held at the Greater St. Louis Marathon Expo at St. Louis Union Station on April 25 or 26. There will be no race day packet pickup for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, or relay on race day.

What's new this year?

A few things. For one, there's an update to the course, which will begin and end downtown with a brand-new finish line party at CITYPARK. The party will include live music and local food options. The course is designed showcase the city's top historic sites, landmarks, and parks. The new Greater St. Louis Marathon Expo & Packet Pickup will feature 50 vendors related to health, fitness and running. Last but not least, GO! St. Louis is launching the inaugural Running Club Championships this year.

What does the course look like?

Here's the map:

Where are the best areas to watch?

On a 26.2-mile course, there are lots of places where fans can cheer on friends and family. But a few locations stand out for their accessibility and views:

  • Gateway Arch National Park: Post up along the park's skirts on the riverfront to catch a long stretch of runners.
  • Near Busch Stadium: Try hanging out near Busch on Clark Ave. to score a few classic St. Louis photos of the runners.
  • Lafayette Park: Take in race-day views from one of St. Louis' most picturesque parks before grabbing brunch at one of Lafayette Square's shops and restaurants.
  • Near Union Station: To catch the finish-line stars in all their glory, make camp near Union Station or by CITYPARK, where the race-day party will be thrown.

What kinds of family-friendly activities will be available?

Starting at 3:30 p.m. on race day, join in the 1-mile family fun run. At the end of your jaunt, stay for the CITYPARK party!

Which coffee shops are located near the course?

There are plenty of places to satisfy your caffeine needs. Among them:

Downtown:

Soulard and Lafayette Square:

Central West End:

What are some post-race brunch options?

Whether you’re running or simply watching, you’re sure to be hungry by the time the competition closes late Sunday morning. Consider one of the many nearby brunch spots:

Downtown:

Soulard and Lafayette Square:

Central West End: