Half Marathon races near Valley Park

Spooky Sprint St. Louis is a Halloween-themed running event in the St. Louis area offering distances for nearly all types of participants: a kids dash, untimed 1 mile, 5k, 10k, half marathon, virtual race, and a Volunteer then Run option. It is designed for families as much as runners aiming for a specific time, with youth pricing for the 5k and 10k and a free kids dash option for children not wanting the shirt and medal package. The in-person races begin together in the morning, with packet pickup beforehand and live results available post-race. The timed events use chip timing and include awards, while the 1 mile and kids dash remain low-pressure. Registrations typically include a custom bib, designer shirt, and finisher medal, with a mini bib and youth-sized shirt for the kids dash. Finish-line treats, free race photos, and the virtual option contribute to a casual holiday run atmosphere rather than a competitive race-day production.

The Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race is a fall race weekend in Eureka, Missouri, focusing on Halloween costumes alongside finish times. Participants can select a half marathon, 10K, 5K, or 1-mile fun run, accommodating those aiming for 13.1 miles, families on a short outing, and anyone seeking a costume-friendly race day.

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.

The Saint Louis Half Marathon and 5K begins and ends at the Muny Festival Grounds in Forest Park, providing both races a focused starting and finishing area within one of St. Louis’s most utilized public parks. Organized by the St. Louis Track Club, this autumn road race features a half marathon and a 5K. It employs an open-start window following each official gun start, allowing runners to cross the start line individually rather than in a mass start. First held in 1980, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running half marathon in the St. Louis area. The event provides a traditional road race structure, prioritizing the competition over a festival atmosphere. All finishers receive custom medals, prize money is awarded to the top three male and female half marathon finishers, and age-group awards extend through 70+. Overall awards are also given to the top 5K runners. A virtual participation option is offered for those unable to attend Forest Park in person.

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.

Trail Trot on Turkey Ridge is a timed trail race held after Thanksgiving in Wildwood, Missouri, presented by the Saint Louis Track Club. Rather than a set distance, participants select either a 2-hour or 4-hour race, aiming to cover as much distance as possible within their chosen time limit. The event has limited capacity with only 75 entries, and Saint Louis Track Club members receive a $5 reduction. The race route follows a 1.8-mile loop on the Turkey Ridge trail, completed counterclockwise from the starting point and returning to it each lap. Each loop includes 347 feet of elevation gain, making the race demanding despite its short length when run repeatedly. Awards are presented to the leading male and female runners in both the 2-hour and 4-hour race divisions.

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.

Run Queeny Park's shady, rolling, fast, gravel trails. A rucking option is available. Every finisher earns a custom medal and a T-shirt. Music plays at racer village.