Marathon races near Jennings

The DeClue Loops Trail Race takes place annually at Greensfelder Park in Wildwood, Missouri, on the DeClue Trail during October. Runners can choose their distance: one loop covers approximately 8 miles, two loops total 16 miles, a marathon distance follows three-plus loops, and four loops complete the 50K. The loop measures about 8.2 miles, beginning and ending near the park's Visitor's Center. Participants travel clockwise on each circuit. This format accommodates newer trail runners seeking a single circuit and seasoned runners desiring a longer challenge on Missouri's natural terrain of dirt, hills, and wooded parkland. Awards are presented to top finishers, and St. Louis Track Club members receive a registration discount using the email associated with their membership.

The Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra-Marathon begins and ends at Rosecrans Airport in Saint Joseph, Missouri, situated near the Missouri-Kansas border within the Missouri River valley. Benton High School organizes the event, offering 100 miles, 50 miles, 50K, marathon, and half marathon options. The course is designed as a 25-mile loop run counter-clockwise. This setup simplifies navigation for longer races: the 100-mile race requires four laps, and the 50-mile race requires two laps. The shorter races utilize the same course. 50K participants complete one full 25-mile loop and then begin a second, turning back after 3 miles. Marathoners turn around after 0.6 miles on an additional section, while half marathoners go 6.55 miles out before returning. Proceeds benefit the Benton High School Cross Country and Track & Field programs, providing a local-school objective. A runner handbook and training plans for various distances are also provided, a practical resource for participants in both marathon and ultra-running events.

MO' Cowbell takes place on race morning in historic St. Charles, Missouri, offering a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K on flat, fast courses. The setup is manageable for first-timers and runners aiming for a personal best. A virtual option is available for those unable to run on site. The in-person entry includes a long-sleeve performance shirt, a unique finisher medal, free parking, free downloadable race photos, and packet pickup available over two days. Following the races, the event continues its cowbell theme with a family-friendly party featuring food, music, and post-finish socializing.

The St. Louis Track Club Marathon Relay is a marathon-distance relay held in Tower Grove Park, typically in November. Rather than a point-to-point course, it divides the 26.2 miles into repeated laps of approximately 3.2 miles on the park's east side. Runners can compete solo, as a pair, in a four-person group, or with a larger team of five to eight, accommodating marathoners, friends, families, and co-workers sharing the distance. The loop follows a horseshoe shape, with the start and finish lines situated near the Sons of Rest Pavilion. Teammates take turns running laps, and each team member must complete at least one. This course design simplifies spectating, allowing supporters to view runners at the start area and again near the midpoint of each loop. Teams frequently establish a base camp with tents and chairs, contributing to a park gathering atmosphere rather than a typical road marathon.

The St. Louis Marathon Relay takes place annually in Tower Grove Park, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central and concluding within a six-hour timeframe. Participants may run the full marathon solo, share it with a single partner, divide it among four individuals, or form a 5-8 person Relay Party Pack designed for shorter segments and a more relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere. The event's structure accommodates serious solo runners, standard relay teams, club participants, and friends, allowing them to use the same marathon course without requiring identical objectives. The Party Pack option supports up to eight participants, averaging about a 5K per person. Members of the St. Louis Track Club receive a modest discount on registration for all event categories. This race is a long-standing tradition of the St. Louis Track Club, not a temporary event, and Tower Grove Park serves as the single, familiar location for the entire day.

The Greater St. Louis Marathon is a spring race weekend held in downtown St. Louis. The marathon, half marathon, and 10K begin simultaneously at 7:00 a.m. A 5K follows at 7:30 a.m., and a 1-mile family fun run starts at 9:00 a.m. This schedule accommodates dedicated marathoners, shorter-distance participants, walkers, and families. The marathon and half marathon commence and conclude downtown, with the finish line festival located outside St. Louis SC’s CITYPARK. Participants in the full and half marathons who require an early start may apply for one hour before the main field, contingent on a recent finish time. This group will have lead and tail vehicles. Packet pickup occurs before race day at the Greater St. Louis Marathon Expo in Ballpark Village. There, registered runners receive their bibs, race details, and race bags. The weekend also features the National Running Club Championships & Rally, concluding with live music and local food at the after-party.