5K races near Wentzville

The Harvest Moon Run is a flat, paved 5K run and walk at Route 66 State Park, beginning after dark at 7:00 PM CDT. This annual community race features a practical nighttime setup: 5K participants receive a long-sleeve shirt and an Energizer headlight. The event is operated by a volunteer 501(c)(3) charity. The course is simple and accessible, suitable for walkers, first-time 5K runners, families, and competitive age-group runners. Proceeds benefit local hunger missions, and the race encourages participants to bring canned or boxed food for its “Fill the Ford with Food” drive. Children have their own free Fun Run before the 5K, with awards for the Mini Moonie Dash, Moonie 1/2 Mile, and Moonie Mile. The 5K awards medals to overall and age-group winners, from youth runners through the 70-plus field. Fred Bird attends before the start, contributing to the evening's local festival atmosphere.

The Rayni Day Miracles 5K is a mass start running race, perfect for enjoying the energy of running alongside everyone.

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.

Run S'more for Hope is a 5K run held at 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters, Missouri. The start and finish lines are located at the park, with the event centered on this single local venue instead of a point-to-point course. The series is in its early stages; this event marks its third year. Featuring a single listed distance, the day focuses on a straightforward 5 km race. The S'more name lends the event a relaxed, campfire-themed character.

The Olivette Turkey Trot begins and ends at Stacy Park in Olivette, Missouri, on Thanksgiving morning. This chip-timed 5K run/walk, organized by the City of Olivette, takes place on a course closed to traffic, attracting over 2,000 participants. The event welcomes families, allowing strollers and leashed dogs, and offers a free Kids Fun Run for children under five. The 5K route departs Stacy Park, heading onto Old Bonhomme Road. It passes mile one near Char Bean Lane and mile two near Elkington Lane, then circles back via Lindley Drive to finish at the park. The course consists of quiet neighborhood streets and an asphalt trail, with Chronotrack chip timing for accurate results. Participants receive a custom Turkey Trot shirt. Following the race, there will be live music, refreshments, a post-race gathering, and awards. All proceeds benefit the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, supporting individuals throughout the St. Louis area.

The WILDWOOD 5K and 10K Turkey Trot begins at Racers Village, located at the Farmers Market in Wildwood, Missouri, on Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 a.m. Participants can choose between a 5K run, a 10K run, or a free quarter-mile Kids Dash for children 10 and under, known as "Chase the Turkey." Rockinator Racing is the organizer, and the event embraces its Trottinator theme through its shirts, neck buffs, finisher medals, medal pins, and age-group awards. The 5K route utilizes the paved Wildwood Greenway, leading from Racers Village along a pedestrian path to Wildwood Park before returning across the Wildwood Sky Bridge. The 10K also commences at Racers Village, incorporating a turnaround point there for the extended distance. The Kids Dash provides children with their own race number and a Trottinator finisher medal. Awards for the main races are presented to the top three finishers in age groups ranging from 1-13 to 70+. The event is designed as a family Thanksgiving run, incorporating numerous giveaways and child-oriented elements to enhance the holiday feel, rather than being solely a timed competition.

The Candy Cane Course in St. Peters, Missouri, is an annual Christmas-themed running event. It features a Kids Dash, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, and 15K. The main distances are chip-timed with live results and awards. The 1 Mile and Kids Dash are untimed, offering a more relaxed option. A virtual race option is available for those who wish to receive the shirt, medal, and bib without participating on-site. The event is included in the local Bodies Race Series and is geared towards families, casual runners, and mixed-ability groups, not exclusively competitive racers. Children aged 10 and under can participate in the Kids Dash, and runners aged 12 and under receive youth pricing. Registration provides a custom bib, a designer shirt, and a finisher medal. Free race photos and treats are available at the finish line.

The Classic 107.3 Beat Beethoven 5K is a run/walk at Creve Coeur Lake Park in St. Louis. The challenge is to cover 3.10 miles before Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 finishes playing. The music typically lasts 31 to 35 minutes, making it a race against the clock and the broadcast. This event is an annual fundraiser for Classic 107.3, St. Louis's sole community-supported arts and classical radio station. The race begins with the first note of the first movement broadcast live on Classic 107.3. The event also includes the Missy Mazzoli Mile, named for the Grammy-nominated contemporary classical composer, and a virtual 5K run/walk. Participants who register before the deadline receive a shirt and finisher’s medal. Children under 18 receive a discount. Prizes are awarded for themed costumes, the top fundraiser, and the top three overall finishers.

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.

The 17th Annual Ferguson Twilight Run benefits local non-profits. Participants receive a 2025 limited edition FTR T-shirt, and finishers get a commemorative medal. #RunWithFerguson