The GO! St. Louis Marathon, formerly the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon debuted in October 2000. It was changed from an October race to an April race in 2003. The GO! St. Louis Marathon has been recognized as a great race for experienced or first-time competitors, who are looking for an event that provides an abundance of participant services and amenities. Additionally, crowd support along the course and helpful volunteers, make this event one of the highest quality marathon races in the Midwest. Each year thousands of people participate, not only from the St. Louis region, but from numerous other states and countries. The course starts and finished in the beautiful and architecture rich downtown St. Louis area.

The GO! St. Louis Half Marathon presented by PNC Bank was introduced in 2003 and has become the most popular race during the two-day weekend. More than 13,500 individuals registered in 2011, making it one of the largest half marathon fields in the United States. Due to the increased interest in the race, the participant cap was increased to 15,000 in 2011, allowing more competitors to enter.The half marathon distance appeals to runners and walkers, who are looking for a challenging distance, without committing to the training for a full 26.2-mile marathon. Participants in the half marathon start at the same time as marathon and marathon relay participants. Half marathoners share the same course until the 9-mile mark, where they turn and head back towards downtow.

The marathon relay race presented by Lockton Companies is held each April as part of the Family Fitness Weekend. Relay teams are comprised of four members, running or walking approximately six miles each, to complete a full 26.2 marathon. The marathon relay race continues to increase in popularity each year with more than 500 teams participating in 2011, which was a sellout. The race offers an opportunity for family, friends, co-workers and organizations to join together to compete as one. Marathon Relay divisions include: women, men, co-ed corporate and co-ed family & friends and the Battle of the Badges competition between area police and firefighters.

The annual 5K (3.1 miles) race takes place in April as part of the GO! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend and takes place on Family Fitness Day in Forest Park. The 5K is one of the most diverse events held, with all ages and fitness level joining together to compete. In 2011, more than 2000 competitors registered for the race, which included more than 300 Read, Right & Run Marathon middle school children, who were completing their final program miles.

The GO! St. Louis Read, Right, & Run Marathon® (RRRM) presented by Express Scripts was launched in 2001 and quickly gained national recognition. The program goal is to develop reading-proficient, community-minded and physically fit children by challenging them to READ 26 books, RIGHT the community with 26 good deeds, and RUN 26.2 miles over a six-month period. It is a standards-based, sustainable, enrichment program that endorses and supports existing school curriculum.

The children’s fun runs are held as part of the annual Family Fitness Weekend. The runs take place in Forest Park and feature four different events for children ranging from toddlers, who maneuver the short carpeted course with a crawl or quick burst of energy to the awaiting arms of a parent, to children aged 2-10 years-of-age, who compete in either a 50-yard dash, 100 yard dash or half mile run. The excitement of these young participant’s faces as they compete is inspiring and for some is the starting line for a lifetime of fitness commitment.

The Mature Mile is an event held in conjunction with the Family Fitness Weekend that encourages older adults, 60 plus years-of-age to walk a mile. The event started in 2005 and continues to inspire hundreds of seniors from local retirement communities, senior centers and area individuals each year to get fit.

The Health & Fitness Expo presented by Big River Running Company is a two-day event that is open to participants in the GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend, their family members and friends. The Expo is free and includes vendor booths from companies and organizations that promote fitness and healthy living. More than 30,000 people are estimated to attend the Expo in 2012.