St2026

Racing it

1. 01

   Cool 07:00 start

   The marathon starts at 07:00 and typical race-day temperature is 12.4°C, so dress for a cool morning and avoid over-layering once you're moving.

   From the start time, temperature

2. 02

   Respect the 250 m climb

   The course is hilly with 250 m of total climb; run the climbs by effort and use the descents to recover rather than forcing the pace.

   From the elevation profile

3. 03

   Arch start and finish

   The race starts and finishes downtown near the Gateway Arch, so sort your warm-up and post-race meet-up around that area.

   From the description

4. 04

   Forest Park rhythm

   The route passes the Gateway Arch and long stretches of Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US; use the park roads to settle into a steady rhythm.

   From the description

In St. Louis, MO

• Getting around

  Use MetroLink to reach downtown on race day; it avoids the road closures around the Gateway Arch and start/finish area.

• Spectator spots

  Spectators can watch from the Gateway Arch grounds and Forest Park; both are central and give multiple views of the race.

• Recover and wander

  For recovery, take an easy walk in Forest Park or along the riverfront; then explore neighborhoods such as Central West End or Soulard.