Missouri is a state that focuses on education, creativity, and self-development. Its charms can briefly be described in two words – beauty and tranquility.
But calmness does not apply to fast Missouri races, with challenging courses and rugged trails. Still, Missouri offers many opportunities for all athletes, including fun 5k runs/walks for beginners.
5K in Missouri
1. Blue Moon 10K/5K
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1M run
Virtual Option
Joplin, MO
The Blue Moon 10K & 5K will be held on August 13 in Jasper County.
It is a chip-timed, luminary-lit run along Joplin’s beautiful Frisco Greenway Trail.
Prizes include a race shirt, glow bracelets, age group awards, and ice cream. And, of course, an after-race party with a live DJ.
2. Firefighter Memorial 5K
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
St. Joseph, MO
The Firefighter Memorial 5K Run to benefit St. Joseph, MO Firefighter’s Memorial is presented by Weaver Overhead Door.
The course starts and finishes at the St. Joseph Firefighter’s Memorial. All runners will receive a custom finisher’s medal. You need to register by July 23 to get a race shirt.
3. Strides for Hope
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Saint Charles, MO
All proceeds from the 15th Annual Strides for Hope memorial 5k run will benefit Infant Loss Resources, which helps families who have lost a baby. You have an opportunity to choose from an in-person race at Frontier Park located in St. Charles County or the virtual option.
4. Space Wizard 10K/5K
Aug 19, 2022 – Friday
10K, 5K run
Virtual Option
Rogersville, MO
The second annual Space Wizard 10K/5K will be held on August 19th, 2022. You will get a running experience you will never forget.
There will be laser swords with bright colors: Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Purple, Light Blue, and White!
All runners will receive a High-Quality Rechargeable LazerSword with adjustable sound settings & modes and an event medal!
5. Lunartic 5K
Aug 20, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Smithville, MO
The Lunartic 5K run is a nighttime race held on the eve of a full moon along the scenic shoreline of the Smithville Lake trails. That crazy feeling of running under a full moon is an awesome experience.
Taking a headlamp or flashlight is advisable as it gets very dark under the trees. The course is point-to-point, starting at the Smoke and Davey trailhead and ending at Sailboat Cove.
6. St Louis Turkey Trot 8K
Nov 24, 2022 – Thursday
8K, 5K run
St. Louis, MO
The St. Louis Turkey Trot is a 5k and 8k run through Tower Grove Park. In addition to local running is a virtual option.
You can join over 50,000 runners from around the country. Running results will be included in USA’s largest virtual Turkey Trot — Thankful Turkey.
10K Races in Missouri
7. Chamber 5K/10K River Run
Aug 20, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Parkville, MO
The 5k/10k River Run presented by The Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce will be held on Saturday, August 20th, and begins at 7 am in English Landing Park, Parkville, Missouri.
The course is certified and chip-timed, starting in English Landing Park at Herb Bush Drive.
8. Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K trail run
Kirksville, MO
The Royal Oaks Sunrise Trail Race will be held on Saturday, August 27th. The course starts and finishes at the Royal Oaks Trailhead, off-road.
This picturesque race goes north on Royal Oaks Ridge and then – for 10k racers – continues COUNTER-clockwise on the Rainbow Basin Loop in Thousand Hills State Park.
9. Jesse James Festival – Bill James 5K/10K
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1M run
Kearney, MO
Jesse James Festival – Bill James 5K/10K will be held on September 10th at 8:00 am. The run will take place on the Jesse James Park and Mack Porter Park tails.
The course starts and finishes on the Jesse James Park side and is a paved trail run. You will cross the footbridge that links the two great trails together. Plus, you get to take on the Jesse James Park BIG HILL. 10k runners get to tackle it TWICE!
10. Plaza 10K
Sep 11, 2022 – Sunday
10K run | kids run
Virtual Option
Kansas City, MO
The Plaza 10k is the premier 10k run in Kansas City. The course is flat and fast, runs along the banks of Brush Creek, and goes through the Country Club Plaza!
Proceeds from The Plaza 10K go to Saint Luke’s Homecare & Hospice. You will enjoy live music, tasty food, a race shirt, and a custom finisher’s medal.
Half Marathons in Missouri
11. Corps of Discovery Half Marathon and 5M Trail Race
Sep 3, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 5M run
Saint Charles, MO
Corps of Discovery Half Marathon and 5-mile trail races, presented by St. Louis Track Club, will be held on September 3rd, 2022.
The course starts at the Lewis & Clark trailhead in the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Half marathon runners will first run the 8-mile Lewis trail and then the 5-mile Clark trail. It will be a counterclockwise route. The trail goes along the bluffs of the Missouri River down the hardwood-lined ridges.
12. Pub to Pub Half Marathon
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 5K run
Rolla, MO
The Pub to Pub Half Marathon will be held on September 17th.
Water, food, and free beer will be provided to all athletes after the run in the St. James Winery & Public House Brewing Company Gardens.
All half marathoners will receive a race shirt and a medal after they cross the finish line.
13. City of Roses Half Marathon
Sep 18, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M run
Virtual Option
Cape Girardeau, MO
The City of Roses Half Marathon is Missouri’s premium historical run. This course goes along a paved route through residential Cape Girardeau and out into the beautiful county.
The distance also goes past horse farms, tree-filled woods, and scenic homes. You will loop back to the Osage Center, where you will find a cheering crowd, tasty food, water, Gatorade, and local beer.
14. Frog Hill Half Marathon
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M, 10K run
Waynesville, MO
Frog Hill Half Marathon is a scenic run along the banks of the Roubidoux River and one of the most beautiful roads in the Ozarks.
You will like the half gravel and half pavement route, and you will even have a chance to conquer “Superior Hill.”
The race starts at East Elementary School and ends at Waynesville Park.
Missouri Marathons
15. Heart of America Marathon
Sep 5, 2022 – Monday
26.2M run
Columbia, MO
The 63d annual Heart of America Marathon presented by the Columbia Track Club will be held on September 5th. It is the 2nd oldest running marathon in the US, having been continuously run since 1960.
There is a 6-hour time limit. Heart of America Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The course starts at Boone County History and Culture Center (Nifong Park).
16. MO’ Cowbell Marathon
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run | 13.1M relay
Virtual Option
St. Charles, MO
The MO’ Cowbell Marathon will be held on October 2, 2022. It is fun, fast, and flat. You can choose between 4 events on Sunday morning, the Marathon, the Half-Marathon, 10K, or the 5K.
It is an ideal run for beginners or those wanting to set a personal record.
You will get a race jacket, a custom finisher medal, free parking, and photos with registration. After the race, you can enjoy a family-friendly party with tasty food and music.
17. St. Louis Track Club Marathon Relay
Nov 20, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M relay
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis Track Club Marathon Relay is for groups of 4 people, so take your friends and have fun. 2 person teams and solo options are also available.
You and your mates will alternate running the roughly 1.63-mile loop within the East side of Tower Grove Park to complete the whole distance.
The course starts and finishes near the Sons of Rest Pavilion at the park’s east end. You can take a tent and chairs for rest during the race.
