If you’re planning to run a half marathon in Missouri, don’t forget to check out these races that runners from across the country rated the best in the “Show Me State”.
Go! St. Louis Halloween Half Marathon – St. Louis
The Halloween half marathon is quite the fan favorite, attracting thousands of participants to Soldiers Memorial in downtown St. Louis. The event encourages costumes and offers a contest for anyone who wants to win some cool prizes. There is also a 25% military discount for eligible runners. Learn more about the costume contest and register here.
The Course
According to the marathon’s website, “The course starts and finishes in downtown St. Louis and includes plenty of scary cool things, which add to the festive feel of the event.”
Reviews
“This was my fourth year running in this race and let me tell you they make sure you are taken care of… Friendly volunteers, water stations galore, Pacers and even Crown Candy chocolate that I wish I could have eaten during the last few miles.” Carrie, Facebook Review
“Ran the Go! St. Louis Halloween half marathon this morning and it was an awesome experience! ! Thank you too all the volunteers and cheering sections! You made it a lot easier.” Karol, Facebook review
Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon – Kansas City
Many runners are not into courses with hills but this half marathon is the exception. Since 1974, one the most challenging half marathons in Missouri has been the most rewarding, with over 2,000 charities participating since 2008. The cost ranges from $50 to $95 depending on how early you register. Find a charity to support and register here.
The Course
Though the course is very hilly, it will show you some of Kansas City’s best sights. This includes the Kansas City Star building and National World War I Museum and Memorial. Here is the course map:
Reviews
“Race support was amazing. There were plenty of water stops and the people in the neighborhood are super supportive of the racers. Many people were out to cheer, hand out ice, orange slices, and some even sprayed water hoses! It was, all MUCH appreciated.” Stephanie, yelp review
“Hospital Hill is a great race through and through. It is a tough course, but if you have run other local downtown races, it won’t be anything you can’t handle.” Courtney, yelp review
F*L*A*T*S Trail Half Marathon – Kirksville
This run through Thousand Hills State Park is both beautiful and adventurous. Camp out near the starting line and help raise funds for the development and access of the trail. The cost to run this half marathon starts at $35. Click here for more information.
The Course
Racers will start at the marina and finish in Jackson Stables. There are some stream crossings so there will be some mud spots. The downside to this course is that several aid stations come at irregular intervals.
Reviews
“It was intense and challenging yet a beautiful place to run! There was great support all along the way! Def want to run it again and beat my time!” Sandy S., Facebook review
“Beautiful, moderately challenging course maintained with painstaking care, manned by enthusiastic volunteers and raced by a series of individuals with just a hint of crazy. All in all, a perfect trail race. So glad I made the drive, even as a back-of-the pack runner! (And the swag was awesome too)” Andrew M. Facebook review
Frog Hill Half Marathon – Waynesville
This race is one of the unique and challenging half marathons in Missouri with a descending and climbing hill. There is a virtual event if you can’t make it that allows you to skip the hills portion of the race. However, if you can, bring the family for the Frog Festival, a splash park, and trails of fun. Learn more about the new challenges here.
The Course
You start the race on top of frog hill and descend to downtown Waynesville. There is a trail to travel on that leads you to the Rubidoux River. The race ends in the middle of the frog festival where you will receive a one of a kind frog medal.
Reviews
“My favorite runs so far! Loved the unique start of the race, the course was great and offered challenges, plenty of water stations and all the volunteers involved kept spirits up and were very encouraging!” Misti Noah, Facebook review
“Great event! 2nd year running and ran 10 minutes faster than last year.” Patricia Ann, Facebook Review
Go Girl Run Half Marathon – Springfield
In series of four half marathons, Go Girl Run in Springfield presented by GYN Cancer Alliance is dedicated and geared towards women. Aim for the triple crown award by running 3 out of 4 Go Girl Runs. Support the accomplishments of women and spend the day shopping after the race. Learn more about the new expo and register here.
The Course
Great for first time runners, the Springfield course is flat and fast. Aid stations every 1.5-2 miles will supply scratch lab hydration and hammer gels. According to the race’s website, “Strollers are allowed, however, we ask if you run or walk with a stroller to start at the back of the pack.”
Reviews
“Even with the cold, heavy rain, this race was awesome! Running a large portion of it on the trails really made the miles go by quickly! Good job to the organizers and volunteers. Thanks for hanging in there in the rain for us!” Barbara Smith, Facebook review
“I always love the time spent after the race with good friends…we loved the smoothies in our fancy little glasses.” Janet Clements, Facebook Review
Go Girl Run Half Marathon – Columbia
As the previous half marathon, this race is part of the Go Girl Run Half Marathons in Missouri where you can become the winner of the triple crown. If you complete the Triple crown challenge, you will receive a special designed poly-cosmic technical pullover. Find the all qualifying triple crown half marathons here.
The Course
The course has some rolling hills and trails, which is different from the flat Springfield course. Football fans will enjoy the run as you pass by the University of Missouri stadium. The race will end at Flat Branch Park where finishers will get custom Go Girl wine glasses.
Reviews
“The go girl run was AWESOME – lots of encouraging. I am ready to do it again. You know what is an even better feeling than crossing the finish line of a 1/2 marathon? How proud my daughter is of me for doing it!“ Peggy Hull, Facebook Review.
“A group of six of us completed our first, and not our last, 1/2 marathon. What an awesome group of ladies!” Valerie Cochara, Facebook review
Big Party Half Marathon – Springfield
All proceeds from this fundraiser go to help send kids with special needs and chronic illnesses to Camp Barnabas. Register as a wheelchair or individual runner. Teams are assigned with camp captains for encouragement at packet pick up. Learn how to start a fundraising team here.
The Course
With mostly flat roads, this course is not challenging and is considered to be a fun event. Start at Jordan Valley Park and run through midtown Springfield. Live entertainment is set up throughout the route. Join everyone at the finish for the Big Party.
Reviews
“My husband and I had a blast doing this race! Everything was so organized! Great job on a great event! Team green!” Katy M Buck, Facebook Review
“Awesome race! I will definitely do it again ND share with all my friends! Thank you Camp Barnabas! #TeamYellow” Starlett R., Facebook Review
Roots n Blues n BBQ Half Marathon – Columbia
Considered one of the best festivals in the Midwest since 2007, it’s half marathon benefits the Roots and Blues Foundation. In 2013, over 1,200 people signed up for the run. Cost for the race starts at $50. Festival tickets sold separately. Participants will receive a discount voucher in their pick up packets for the festivities. Click here for registration and festival details.
The Course
There are six aid stations and live music throughout the course. Encounter trails and run across the University of Missouri Campus. The finish is located in Stephens Lake Park where they serve complimentary BBQ.
Reviews
“The day was perfect and the course was beautiful. The race was well organized and the bands were fun. Well done!” Amy Schroeder, Facebook Review
“Going 13.1 is even greater when the race is just part of a jam-packed itinerary.” A.C., Runner’s World Review
Rock the Parkway Half Marathon– Kansas City
One of the largest half marathons in Missouri, founded in 2010, had over 8,000 registrants in 2014. Science City, the charity partner for this event, is a center for modern science and educational exhibits. Swag includes Mylar blankets and high quality techs tees for all finishers. Learn more about this runner’s favorite and register here.
The Course
The marathon’s website is proud to state,“The fairly flat terrain, together with the long downhill finish, makes it one of the fastest half marathon courses in the area. It has been voted a “Best Course” by area runners.”
Reviews
“I really liked the addition of a wave start in 2013 and it definitely helped make the start less crowded. The aid stations are well spaced and the spectator support is high.. and best towards the end. The swag is also an A in my book.” Courtney L., Yelp Review
“I ran the 5k in 2013 and the half marathon this year. For such a large event it is definitely managed and executed exceptionally well.” Andrew M., Yelp Review