RacesReviewed / Top 25

Top 25 Races in Missouri

Missouri offers a diverse racing landscape worth exploring.

Missouri's racing scene has something for every runner.

Ranked races

25Missouri's best racing events.

Race types

Road, Trail, UltraMissouri's diverse terrain.

Signature event

See #1The state's premier event.

How we ranked these races

What went into the selection

Field Size

How many runners typically participate.

Longevity & Prestige

Event history and regional standing.

Course Quality

Scenery, variety, and support.

Runner Experience

Aid stations, swag, and overall satisfaction.

Notable Features

Unique elements that make the race memorable.

Full ranked list

All 25 races ranked

25 visible
#1

The Michelob ULTRA St. Patrick's Day Parade Run is a 3K shuffle (1.86 miles) through St. Louis that brings together approximately 5,000 runners annually to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style. This family-friendly event is perfect for runners of all skill levels who want to join in the green festivities and parade spirit. Runners can expect a lively atmosphere with shamrock-themed celebrations and beer gardens along the course.

Michelob ULTRA St. Patrick's Day Parade Run3K Shuffle (1.86 Miles)Spring
St. Louis3K Shuffle (1.86 Miles)~5,000 runners
  • St. Louis
  • 3K Shuffle (1.86 Miles)
  • ~5,000 runners

#2
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The Top Fundraiser Celebration Marathon in Clayton, MO, unites approximately 3,801 runners in 2025 who are passionate about turning every mile into meaningful impact. This unique marathon weaves through Clayton's charming streets, offering participants the chance to challenge themselves physically while making a difference for their chosen causes. Perfect for runners who believe their training should fuel something greater than personal achievement, this event celebrates the powerful union of athletic goals and charitable purpose.

Top Fundraiser CelebrationMarathonFall
ClaytonMarathon~3,801 runners
#3
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This marathon in Saint Louis, MO, organized by Pedal the Cause Team Captain Summit, pedal the cause team captain summit. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a marathon in the Saint Louis, MO area.

Pedal the Cause Team Captain SummitMarathonFall
Saint LouisMarathon~3,801 runners
#4

Pedal the Cause

Saint Charles, MO

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Pedal the Cause brings nearly 4,000 runners to the PTC Circuit in historic Saint Charles, Missouri for an unforgettable race experience. This popular annual event showcases the charm of Missouri's third-oldest city while delivering an exciting circuit course that keeps participants coming back year after year. Whether you're a competitive runner seeking a personal best or a first-timer looking for that perfect race atmosphere, Pedal the Cause delivers.

Pedal the CausePTC CircuitFall
Saint CharlesPTC Circuit~3,801 runners
#5

Heartland 39.3 Series

Kansas City, MO

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The Heartland 39.3 Series in Kansas City, MO challenges runners with a unique 39.3-mile distance through the heart of the Midwest. This iconic event draws approximately 3,000 runners annually to experience the charm of Kansas City while pushing their endurance limits. Perfect for seasoned runners seeking a new challenge and those wanting to conquer a distance between a marathon and 50K.

Heartland 39.3 SeriesHeartland 39.3 SeriesSpring
Kansas CityHeartland 39.3 Series~3,000 runners
#6

Olivette Turkey Trot

Saint Louis, MO

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Join nearly 2,000 runners in the Olivette Turkey Trot Virtual Half Marathon, a beloved Saint Louis Thanksgiving tradition that brings community spirit to runners everywhere. Whether you're near Olivette or miles away, this virtual race lets you chase your half marathon goals while staying connected to the local running community. Lace up, log your miles, and make this Thanksgiving memorable—one step at a time.

Olivette Turkey TrotVirtual Half Marathon - AdultFall
Saint LouisVirtual Half Marathon - Adult~2,000 runners
#7
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The MO' Cowbell Marathon in Saint Charles, Missouri brings festive energy with cowbells ringing throughout the course, creating an unforgettable race experience for participants of all skill levels. This beloved Midwestern event features multiple distances including the popular Mini Moo Mile for young runners, making it a perfect family tradition. Nearly 1,500 runners gathered in 2025 to experience the charm of historic Saint Charles combined with Missouri's legendary running hospitality.

MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5KMini Moo MileFall
Saint CharlesMini Moo Mile~1,428 runners
#8

St. Peter Dash

Kirkwood, MO

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This kid's fun run in Kirkwood, MO, organized by St. Peter Dash, st. peter dash. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a kid's fun run in the Kirkwood, MO area.

St. Peter DashKid's Fun RunFall
KirkwoodKid's Fun Run~532 runners
#9
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This innsbrook half marathon in Innsbrook, MO, organized by The Innsbrook Half Marathon & 10k, the innsbrook half marathon & 10k. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a marathon in the Innsbrook, MO area.

The Innsbrook Half Marathon & 10kInnsbrook Half MarathonSeasonal
InnsbrookInnsbrook Half Marathon~500 runners
#10
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Experience the magic of an evening run at the 2026 Ferguson Twilight Run in St. Louis, MO. This community-focused 1 Mile Fun Run welcomes runners of all ages for a festive twilight journey through the neighborhood streets. Join approximately 433 runners for a family-friendly event that captures the spirit of summer evenings in the Gateway City.

2026 Ferguson Twilight Run1 Mile Fun RunSpring
Saint Louis1 Mile Fun Run~433 runners
#11
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Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with the University City Memorial Day Run, a cherished community tradition drawing over 360 runners to the streets of University City, MO. This family-friendly fun run honors the spirit of the holiday with a scenic course through tree-lined neighborhoods, perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Join hundreds of local runners in this welcoming event that blends patriotic pride with community connection.

University City Memorial Day RunFun RunSpring
University CityFun Run~366 runners
#12
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The Tour de Kirkwood Triathlon offers Saint Louis athletes an intimate individual triathlon experience with approximately 350 runners competing in the 2025 edition. This community-focused event provides the perfect opportunity for mid-Missouri triathletes seeking a competitive yet accessible race without traveling far from home. Set in the heart of Kirkwood, this triathlon delivers a challenging course that tests swimming, cycling, and running skills while fostering local athletic camaraderie.

Tour de Kirkwood TriathlonIndividual TriathlonSummer
Saint LouisIndividual Triathlon~350 runners
#13
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The Team O'Reilly 5K Run/Walk brings together 326 runners and walkers in Springfield, Missouri for a community-focused event that welcomes participants of all fitness levels. Whether you're forming a team with friends, family, or coworkers, this 5K offers the perfect opportunity to stay active while supporting a great cause. The scenic Springfield course provides an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone from first-time runners to seasoned athletes.

Team O’Reilly 5K Run/Walk5K Run/WalkFall
Springfield5K Run/Walk~326 runners
#14
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Join approximately 300 runners at Laura's Run 4 Kids 5K & Family Fun Run in Saint Louis, MO for an inspiring community event! This family-friendly 1-mile course welcomes runners of all ages and skill levels, creating the perfect opportunity for parents, kids, and beginners to experience the joy of running together while supporting a meaningful cause.

Laura's Run 4 Kids 5K & Family Fun Run1 Mile Fun RunSeasonal
Saint Louis1 Mile Fun Run~300 runners
#15
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This 4 mile in Cuba, MO, organized by Rocking to the Rocker, rocking to the rocker. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a 4 mile in the Cuba, MO area.

Rocking to the Rocker4 MileSeasonal
Cuba4 Mile~240 runners
#16
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The Accept Zero 5K in Independence, MO celebrates the power of zero—zero judgment, zero limits, and total acceptance. This inclusive run/walk event welcomes all fitness levels with a virtual option, bringing together 200+ participants in 2025. Whether you're a seasoned runner or taking your first steps, this race proves that when we accept zero barriers, everyone crosses the finish line together.

Accept Zero Run, Walk, and Virtual 5K5K Run/WalkSeasonal
Independence5K Run/Walk~203 runners
#17
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The Rock Bridge Revenge is a challenging 25K trail race set in the scenic forests surrounding Columbia, Missouri. This intimate race draws approximately 175 runners each year who seek a more personal and rugged racing experience away from crowded city streets. Runners tackle winding singletrack trails through the beautiful Missouri countryside in this must-do event for trail running enthusiasts in the Midwest.

Rock Bridge Revenge25KFall
Columbia25K~175 runners
#18
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This community mile in Kansas City, MO, organized by KC Metro Mile Championship, kc metro mile championship. The event draws a strong community of local runners and visitors alike.

KC Metro Mile ChampionshipCommunity MileSummer
Kansas CityCommunity Mile~150 runners
#19

Capital City Race

Jefferson City, MO

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The Capital City Race Half Marathon takes runners through the heart of Missouri's capital in Jefferson City, offering a rare opportunity to race past iconic state landmarks on a scenic course. This intimate 150-runner event delivers a personalized race experience perfect for PR chasers and runners seeking community over crowds. Whether you're a first-time half marathoner or a seasoned runner, this capital city gem provides that small-town race charm with big-city成就感.

Capital City RaceHalf MarathonSpring
Jefferson CityHalf Marathon~150 runners
#20
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Lace up for the FLATS St. Patrick's 5K & 1.5 Mile in Kirksville, Missouri—a festive St. Paddy's Day celebration drawing around 120 runners each year. This unique race offers both a traditional 5K and a shorter 1.5-mile option, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike. Experience the charm of small-town Missouri while chasing your personal best in your finest green gear.

FLATS St. Patrick's 5K & 1.5 Mile RaceFLATS St. Pat's 1.5 MileSpring
KirksvilleFLATS St. Pat's 1.5 Mile~120 runners
#21

TOUR de HOPE Road

Kansas City, MO

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Experience the spirit of community cycling with TOUR de HOPE Road, a memorable 15-mile route through Kansas City, MO. This inspiring event brings together 115 riders united by hope and the love of cycling. Perfect for riders of all skill levels seeking a scenic challenge through the heart of the Midwest.

TOUR de HOPE Road🚴 15-Mile RouteSpring
Kansas City🚴 15-Mile Route~115 runners
#22

Whobilation 5K

Osage Beach, MO

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Celebrate the holiday season with the Whobilation 5K, a festive winter run through Osage Beach, Missouri near Lake of the Ozarks. This charming community event draws around 110 runners annually who embrace the holiday spirit while staying active. Perfect for families and runners seeking a fun, low-key race with seasonal flair and scenic Missouri views.

Whobilation 5KWhobilation 5KSeasonal
Osage BeachWhobilation 5K~110 runners
#23

Honor the legacy of Lance Cpl. Leon B. Deraps at this meaningful scholarship event in Jamestown, Missouri. This community walk, run, and ride brings together nearly 100 participants each year to celebrate a fallen Marine's service while supporting educational opportunities for future generations. Whether you walk, run, or ride, you'll join a tight-knit community in a heartfelt tribute that combines physical activity with meaningful cause.

Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps Scholarship Walk/Run/RideLance Cpl. Leon B. Deraps Scholarship Walk/Run/RideSpring
JamestownLance Cpl. Leon B. Deraps Scholarship Walk/Run/Ride~99 runners
#24

Power Of Pink

Wheaton, MO

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The Power Of Pink 1 Mile in Wheaton, MO is a community-focused run dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness. With approximately 98 runners participating in 2025, this empowering event welcomes all fitness levels to join the fight against breast cancer while enjoying a scenic route through Wheaton. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking for a meaningful way to get active, this race delivers heart, community spirit, and pink power in one compact distance.

Power Of Pink1 MileSpring
Wheaton1 Mile~98 runners
#25
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The Jim Schoemehl Run for ALS is a meaningful 5K run/walk in Saint Louis that brings together young athletes under 18 to honor a local hero and raise critical awareness for ALS research. This community event unites runners in a spirit of hope and solidarity, proving that even the youngest voices can make the loudest impact in the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease.

Jim Schoemehl Run for ALS5k Run/Walk (18 & Under)Spring
Saint Louis5k Run/Walk (18 & Under)~92 runners
Top 25 Races in Missouri | RacesReviewed