If you’re planning to run marathons in Missouri, don’t miss out on these races which are consistently rated the best by those who have run them.
Go! St. Louis Marathon – St. Louis
Marathons in Missouri aren’t as unique as this one. Which travels between two states (Illinois and Missouri), crossing over different bridges each time. In honor of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, famous Clydesdales are brought out for the runners. Click here to learn more about the Go! St Louis Marathon.
The Course
The course overall is nice but not without it’s gradual up’s and down’s. Elevation peaks above 500 ft more than once. The 3.5 mile bridge challenge is a unique and fun way to visit Illinois quickly. With a new design in 2016, the course offers to be flatter and faster. As it starts, and finishes, in the culturally interesting historic downtown district, it’s complimented by a scenic route through Forest Park (mile 17-22).
Image Source: gostlouis.org
Reviews
“They made everyone who ran this race feel like fricking Michael Phelps…It was such a jovial, happy, supportive place.” – T.M., Yelp Review
“It has great views of the city, you run in two states and you tour a beautiful park…This is a well-organized and well-supported run. Worth the trip if your looking for an April race.” – K.J. from Texas, Marathon Guide Review
Heart of America Marathon – Columbia
As the fourth oldest in America the history behind this race is amazing. Since 1960 runners gather on Labor Day to participate in what started as a challenge between boxers and runners. Click here for more fun facts and dates
The Course
The hills can be brutal on this challenging course. However, you will be able to run along the Missouri River and catch a nice rave run moment. Elevation can be as high as 802 ft. Train for hills before considering being part of history.
Image Source: Heart of America Facebook Page
Reviews
“I love this race! This year will be my third time. It’s not about getting a PR time but more about the joy of running. Tons of hills, not a ton of competitors, scenic routes, and fantastic volunteers. Can’t wait for September!” – Chelsea Bessey, Facebook Review
“In December of 2012 I had a cycling accident that required a grueling recovery. I wanted a special race to be my first race back. HOA never disappoints. This was my fourth HOA and ninth marathon. I prefer this marathon to any other. Home town atmosphere, Ice baths, Pizza, it’s the best.” – I.B. MarathonGuide.com Review
Joplin Memorial Marathon – Joplin
This is a great way to honor the friends and families of the lives lost in the tornado tragedy of Joplin, Missouri. The hills and emotions start rolling as you pass through the site where the tornado hit home. Click here to show your support.
The Course
It is a loop course that passes through Shoal Creek, Grand Falls (water fall), the medical district, and rebuilt nieghborhoods. The highest point in the course, which is 1073 ft, occurs right around the mile 7. All races start at Memorial Hall.
Image Source: Active.com
Reviews
“Great job to all who put this on! Very well organized. Great to see the Joplin community come together to host such an awesome event! Definitely will be back next year. Thank you!” – Melissa Martinez, Facebook Review
“My family as so many others were in the tornado and I feel I run with love and purpose. We are so blessed to have survived and I run to remember those who will never stand by my side. God bless Joplin for keeping this run going and making it a success!! It is beautiful, emotional and brings a sense of healing to a wound I thought never could get better. Thank you.” – Natalie Robinson, Facebook Review
Waddell and Reed Kansas City Marathon- Kansas City
The Kansas City Marathon in 2013 had the most participants ever with 12,019 running through the city of fountains. Some of the statues throughout the race are over 300 years old! After the race you get to try some great Kansas City BBQ. Click here to learn more.
The Course
According to the marathon’s website, “On the course, you will visit Sprint Center, Kansas City Power & Light District, Crown Center, the historic Westport area, and the Country Club Plaza. The marathon course continues on and also goes through Brookside Boulevard around Waldo and into historic Hyde Park and passes the famous 18th and Vine Jazz District.”
Here is a look at the elevation map:
Image Source: runinfinity.com
Reviews
“The course is hilly. It also lets you experience many of KCMOs varied neighborhood and scenery. The pace groups that my family experienced worked perfectly for us. They lay out their plan on the website; the pacers we used understood it; and they made it work for their runners” – D.Z., Marathonguide.com Review
“This race improves every year. Yes there are good hills in Kansas City, but it’s such a well run event. I paced this race and had a great time.” – Janice Woolery, Half2run.me Review
Mo’ Cowbell Marathon- St. Charles
If your looking for a small town race with a big city feel, Mo’Bell has it. The uniqueness of it’s Cowbell medal is cool among the younger crowds. With the use of timing chips and no race day packet pick up, this marathon helps runners focus on finishing. Click here to find out why over 5,000 participants are choosing this marathon
The Course
You start at frontier park in this flat and fast course. You will run along the Missouri River and through Katy trails. They use the corral start for the race and serve GU gels (tri-berry and salted caramel) at miles 7.25 and 16/23. The trail part is a converted rail bed and easy to navigate.
Image Source: mocowbellmarathon.com
Reviews
“This marathon did a great job of offering some of the perks of a big-city marathon (solid crowd support, a lot of post-race food, good expo) along with the luxuries of a small-town marathon (easy parking, friendly community, not-too-crowded roads and trails during the run)… Even on the secluded trail portion, spectators were frequent enough to provide a morale boost when needed.” – R.K., Marathonguide.com Review
“It’s about the marathon and the pain that all marathoners respect and the thrill of competing with some of the finest people in the world. Try this one. It’s a great run and each year it get just that much better at the CowBell.” – K.K., Marathonguide.com Review
Berryman Marathon Trail Run- Chamois
This trail is located in the Mark twain National Forest. It is a small town fan favorite and is considered to be central Missouri’s most rugged terrain. Hosting of this event is brought to by the S.L.U.G’s (St. Louis Ultra-runners Group). Click here to learn more.
The Course
This trail starts at the Berryman Campground. According to this marathon’s website, “The course crosses many stream beds that may or may not have water in them depending on recent rainfall.”
Source: ultrasignup.com
Reviews
“It is a worthwhile race filled with both beauty and enough challenge for anyone with a healthy sense of adventure. It is easy to see why this race fills in a single day year after year.” – R.R., Marathonguide.com Review
“The scenery in the Mark Twain National Forest couldn’t be topped! There were lots of downed trees to go over, under, and even around. I loved every minute of this race..” – C.K., Marathonguide.com Review
Bass Pro Shops Conservation Marathon- Springfield
The Bass Pro Shop Fitness Festival celebrates outdoor adventure, health, and wildlife conservation with thousands of runner’s and walker’s in the Bass Pro Shops Conservation Marathon. Proceeds from this event are shared with four charities including America’s Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. Early Registration starts at $55. Click here to learn more.
The Course
The Conservation Marathon course runs through trails, neighborhoods, and downtown Springfield with plenty of rolling hills. It also travels past Missouri State University and the historic “route 66”. Here is the course map:
Image Source: Bassprocorp.com
Reviews
“This was my 14th marathon and may be the first one I have run where there are no complaints.” – Z.R., Marathonguide.com Review
“I highly recommend this marathon it was my first time running it and by far one the best marathons in Missouri I have ever run. Well organized with plenty of parking right next to the start. Bass pro opened there store up for runners to stay warm and use the facilities. Ample well staffed aid stations every 2 miles.” – J.S., Marathonguide.com Review