St. Louis has a lot to offer runners, and running has a lot to offer you – just ask any runner in your life! There are lots of ways to move your body, and while running may have a bad rap in some circles, there’s a reason that running has been a standard in the fitness world for decades. Whether you are interested in starting a running program or you are new to St. Louis and looking to get plugged into the local running scene, you’ll find an overwhelming amount of resources. We’re sharing a selection of stores, social clubs, running routes, and local races to get you started. Here’s to more miles and smiles!
Running Stores
Finding deals online is all good, but for a quality pair of running shoes that will meet your specific foot shape, stride, and training needs, turning to the experts will ensure you find your perfect fit! You’ll also find answers to your questions on running gear and clothes. Sign up for the stores’ e-mail newsletters for sales alerts, product highlights, and special events.
Running Niche – South St. Louis City
Big River Running – multiple locations (South City, University City, Ballwin)
Fleet Feet – multiple locations
Running Clubs
Miles go by faster with friends! Finding a local running group is wonderful for encouragement, support in reaching your running goals, socialization, and, let’s be honest, safety. There are many great running groups, and you will surely find “your people!” Below are just a few of the many great local groups:
This group has three scheduled running meet-ups each week, one of which includes an optional speed workout. Most group runs take place in Kirkwood, Clayton, and Forest Park.
This group offers a weekly Wednesday evening 3-mile run for the after-work running crowd, starting at their store in South City.
Big River Running has training programs for beginners interested in attempting the 5K and 10K paces, trial running groups, half- and full-marathon training groups, and an annual (free!) summer speedwork series that takes place on local high school tracks (in the past, Clayton High School and Principia) and is open to runners of all paces.
Organized by local running coach (and mom!) Laura Filla, this group offers weekly social runs perfect for Eureka and Wildwood area based runners!
Open to runners and walkers, this fun and encouraging group offers a weekly Sunday running meet-up, typically in downtown St. Louis.
Running Routes
We are lucky to live in a great town for running, even if the weather isn’t always on our side. For more local running routes, download the popular running app, Strava.
The classic St. Louis run. The Forest Park outer loop is just under 6 miles, with interior paths to add to your mileage or plan a shorter run. Bathrooms and drinking fountains are available in the Visitor’s Center.
Located in Clayton, the pedestrian path on Wydown between Hanley and Skinker offers a wide path with rolling hills for walkers and runners and is always well-lit and generally well-populated. There are water fountains in the median during warm weather months. No bathrooms.
The Monarch Chesterfield Trail
You can access this flat and fast 11-mile path at the Boone’s Crossing exit of Highway 64/40. Parking is available in the District of St. Louis. There are bathrooms at the Chesterfield Baseball and Softball Association, but they are not always open.
A nice, relatively flat loop. In winter, parts of this path will remain frozen for longer as it is a well-shaded path. There are bathrooms at the Tremayne Shelter.
A nice 4-mile loop in south St. Louis city with beautiful scenery. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available.
You’ll find a 4-mile trail-like path and big hills at this pretty West County park. A year-round restroom is available at the Corporate Picnic Site. For a mid-run pick-me-up, take the Owl Creek Trail to run right past the Tails + Trails Dog Park.
Great Rivers Greenway offers 135 miles of paved trails throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles regions. This amazing resource is growing and continues to add new paths! Check their website for an easy-to-navigate interactive map showing existing and future greenways, and a feature that allows you to enter your address for exact walking, driving, and public transit directions. It’s easy to find a path near you or explore a new area! Bathroom access varies based on location.
Local Races
When you’re ready to race, try one of these great local events!
Cardinals 5K
Sunday, April 19, 2025
Ballpark Village + Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Join Fredbird for a 5K in downtown St. Louis, with the option to take a victory lap inside Busch Stadium! This event is a fundraiser for the Cardinals Care Redbird Rookies Program.
Greater St. Louis Marathon
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Downtown, St. Louis
St. Louis’ biggest race weekend takes place every April downtown and offers a 10K, half-marathon, and full-marathon distance. The course changes every year to keep you on your toes, but you can be sure it will feature hills.
Make Tracks Through the Zoo
Saturday, May 18, 2025
Forest Park
Runners will race through Forest Park and finish in our beloved St. Louis Zoo. There is a 5K and 1-mile option and this event is popular with families! Age group winners receive cheetah stuffies.
University City Memorial Day Run
Monday, May 26, 2025
University City, MO
Entering its 51st year, this community event includes a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile kids’ fun run. That’s longer than the typical kids’ fun run, so be prepared! This year’s event offers runners free admission to the Heman Park Pool on race day.
Macklind Mile
Saturday, June 28, 2025
South City, St. Louis, MO
Race your fastest mile in an almost downhill course in South City. There is a competitive mile, recreational mile, kids’ fun run, elite mile, and the best event of all – a dog mile. Some dogs will race a 5-minute mile with their speedy owners, and some dogs will be carried over the finish line after they lay down in protest. This event is very family friendly with varied activities and refreshments for children and adults to enjoy.
Market Mile
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Downtown St. Louis, MO
Race a mile by some of St. Louis’s most notable downtown landmarks. There is also a kids’ fun run and family-friendly after-party at Union Station.
MO’ Cowbell Marathon
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Frontier Park, St. Charles, MO
Located in St. Charles, this October race weekend offers a 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, and Full Marathon. There is only one hill in this race! This race can be very warm.
The Great GO! Halloween Race
October 18 – October 19, 2025
Kircher Park, Eureka, MO
This festive race weekend offers a 5K, 1-mile fun run, and the can’t-miss “Great PUPkin” run on Saturday, and a 10K and half-marathon on Sunday. Saturday’s events are tremendous fun, and costumes are encouraged for runners (canine and human!). Sunday’s events are hilly!
Turkey Trots
Go on, turn your family into a turkey trot family! Information for 2025 events is not yet available online. Keep your eyes open for information on the following popular Thanksgiving races:
Kirkwood/Webster, MO – the Super Bowl for local runners! There is a 3-mile and 6-mile event. Competition in the 3-mile event is fierce!
Olivette, MO – this growing event raises funds for the Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry.
Chesterfield, MO – 2024 marked the 40th year of this Thanksgiving tradition in Chesterfield!
Hi! This is such a great list! I would love to add another women’s Run Club, Stronger Together Run Club, which focuses on party pace and ensuring that no one ever runs alone! When we say all paces welcome, we mean it! We meet Wednesdays at 6pm and Sundays at 9am.