Running in St. Louis
St. Louis is a fantastic running city anchored by Forest Park, one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the country. The park's 5.5-mile loop is the social center of St. Louis running, and the surrounding neighborhoods offer diverse routes with character. The Gateway Arch and riverfront provide unique scenery for downtown runs. The GO! St. Louis Marathon in April brings the community together, and the running culture here is welcoming and enthusiastic.
Best Seasons
Spring and Fall
Terrain
St
Top Race
GO! St. Louis Marathon
Country
US
Climate and Weather
St. Louis has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures in the 90s. Winters bring cold temperatures in the 30s with occasional ice and snow. Spring and fall are ideal for running, with comfortable temperatures in the 50s to 70s. The region can experience dramatic temperature swings in spring and fall.
Terrain and Landscape
St. Louis has a mix of flat paths and rolling hills. Forest Park is gently rolling with mostly paved paths. The Katy Trail and Grant's Trail are flat. Castlewood State Park offers hilly, forested trails. Urban running through neighborhoods like the Central West End and Tower Grove involves gentle to moderate hills.
Top Running Routes
Forest Park Loop
5.5 milesEasyA paved loop through Forest Park, passing the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and multiple lakes. The path is gently rolling and shaded. This is the most popular running route in St. Louis and a gathering point for the community.
Katy Trail
240 milesEasyThe longest rail-trail in the country, running from St. Charles to Clinton, Missouri. The crushed limestone trail follows the Missouri River through scenic countryside. Most runners use the first 10 to 20 miles from St. Charles.
Gateway Arch Grounds
2 milesEasyA flat loop around the Gateway Arch National Park along the Mississippi River. The route offers views of the Arch, the Old Courthouse, and the river. A unique, historic running experience.
Grant's Trail
8 milesEasyA paved rail-trail running from Grant's Farm south through suburban St. Louis County. The path is flat, shaded, and popular with runners, cyclists, and families. A great option for easy long runs.
Castlewood State Park Trails
5 to 8 milesModerateA network of dirt trails along the Meramec River west of the city. The trails feature bluffs, river views, and rolling terrain. The best trail running destination near St. Louis.
Popular Races
GO! St. Louis Marathon
St. Louis's premier marathon through downtown, past the Arch, and through surrounding neighborhoods. The April timing brings spring weather and the course showcases the city's landmarks.
Turkey Trot St. Louis
A Thanksgiving morning tradition through Forest Park. One of the largest holiday races in the Midwest, drawing families and competitive runners alike.
GO! Halloween Half Marathon
A festive fall race through Forest Park with costumes encouraged. The scenic park course and cool October weather make it a popular local event.
Running Culture
St. Louis has a passionate running community centered around Forest Park. The St. Louis Track Club is the main organized group, hosting races and weekly meetups. Big River Running stores are hubs for group runs and training programs. The GO! St. Louis Marathon in April is the signature event. Forest Park Saturday morning runs are a social institution, and the community is known for being friendly and encouraging to runners of all levels.
Local Runner Tips
Forest Park is the must-run route in St. Louis and the center of the running community
The Katy Trail near St. Charles is the best flat, scenic trail for long runs
Castlewood State Park is worth the drive for trail running with river views
Join the St. Louis Track Club or Big River Running for group runs and events
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated in summer when humidity amplifies the heat
Watch for ice on paths during winter weather events
Be visible in Forest Park during early morning and evening runs
Share trails with cyclists, especially on the Katy Trail
Be cautious on bluff trails at Castlewood where footing can be loose
Make Running in St. Louis a Game
St. Louis's neighborhoods and park system make it a great Motera city. Capture Forest Park, push through the Central West End, Tower Grove, and Soulard, and expand your territory across the river into Illinois. The rolling terrain and active running community create an engaging leaderboard competition.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best running route in St. Louis?
Forest Park Loop is the most popular at 5.5 miles through one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the country. The path passes the zoo, art museum, and multiple lakes with a gently rolling profile.
When is the St. Louis Marathon?
The GO! St. Louis Marathon takes place in April each year. The course runs through downtown, past the Gateway Arch, and through surrounding neighborhoods with spring weather.
What running clubs are in St. Louis?
The St. Louis Track Club is the largest organized running group. Big River Running stores host regular group runs and training programs. Various neighborhood and brewery groups also meet weekly.
Is there trail running near St. Louis?
Yes, Castlewood State Park along the Meramec River offers excellent trail running with bluffs, river views, and rolling terrain. Cliff Cave Park and several other county parks also have trail options.
What is the Katy Trail?
The Katy Trail is the longest rail-trail in the country at 240 miles, running along the Missouri River. The crushed limestone surface is flat and scenic. Most runners access it near St. Charles, about 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
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