GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend

The GO! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend, held in April each year, continues to be our signature event, attracting over 25,000 participants annually. Family Fitness Weekend features events and races for people of all ages and fitness abilities. The event is Missouri’s largest competitive fitness event and includes a marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 5K run/walk, children’s fun runs and a mature mile. The Family Fitness Weekend has become a national model for other running organizations and communities, looking to inspire residents to make community wellness a priority. The 2013 event is set for April 6 & 7 with registration opening on September 1, 2012.

2012 Information & Highlights

• Top quality medals awarded to ALL weekend event participants.
• Brooks short sleeve technical shirts for all marathon, half marathon and marathon relay participants, cotton t-shirts for all other participants 
• First name on race bib to all marathon and half marathon participants who register by February 3, 2012
• Water and Gatorade available at 17 aid stations along the marathon course, as well as at the start and finish
• Boston Marathon qualifier
• USATF certified courses
• Half Marathon is one of the largest in the United States - 13,500 entrants in 2011
• More than $20,000 in prize money, including prize money for all age group winners
• Michelob ULTRA After Party
• Athlete Tracking
• Corral Start

Event Requirements

Marathon: 18 years of age or older on race day
Half-Marathon: 14 years of age or older on race day
Marathon Relay: 14 years of age or older on race day
Wheelchair Marathon: must wear helmets at all times, hand crank chairs are not eligible for entry

Participant Race Cap

Due to course limits, participant race caps have been established. We will accept 3,000 participants for the marathon, 15,000 for the half marathon and 500 four-person teams (2,000 total) for the marathon relay.  The 5K Run/Walk is capped at 2,500 participants. The Children’s Fun Runs and Mature Mile are capped at 500 participants.

Race Courses

Marathon, Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay:
Course will be certified by USATF and for Boston Marathon qualification.  USATF insurance restrictions prohibit strollers/baby joggers, rollerblades/inline skates, and pets on the course.  The use of an iPod, mp3 player, CD player or other audio/Video device is strongly discouraged.

• Download 2012 Course Map HERE (course subject to change).
• Download 2012 Course Description Map HERE

5K Run/Walk

3.1 mile certified course running through beautiful Forest Park.  Participants will be timed up to 1 hour.
•  Download 2012 Course Map HERE

Wheelchair Marathon

Participants must wear helmets at all times and stay to the right side of the road.  Full Marathon ONLY. Hand crank chairs are not eligible for entry.

Amenities

All marathoners, half marathoners and relay participants will receive a Brooks short sleeve technical shirt, top quality finisher’s medal, mylar blanket, access to fluid stations, VIP tent for qualifying elite athletes, gear check, energy gels, course entertainment, post-race food & beverage, medical stations, massage therapy, and of course, spirited neighborhood crowds and hospitable volunteers. Finisher Certificates will be available to download and print from our website post-race.

All 5K, Children's Fun Run and Mature Mile participants will receive a T-shirt, finisher’s medal, 1 fluid station, post-race food, beverages & festivities.

GO! St. Louis VIP Race Package
New in 2012 is an exciting option for those participants competing in the Marathon, Half Marathon or Marathon Relay on April 15. Participants may choose to upgrade their race day experience with an exclusive VIP (Very Important Participant) package. This special opportunity is only available for the first 250 people for $75 each. Please note that the buffet food service will conclude at 12 noon on race morning. The VIP Package Includes: Express race packet pickup at the Expo, complimentary race day parking pass near the start/finish line area, access to a special pre and post-race VIP Area near the finish line, private Restrooms, personal gear check on race morning, complimentary on-site massage, post-race breakfast buffet and commemorative finisher hat. Registration for the VIP Package has closed for the 2012 race. If you signed-up for the package, you will receive an email on Monday, April 9 with additional details.

Weather Policy

Race officials may cancel, delay or change the event in case of extreme weather or other conditions that may affect the safety and health of the participants. In the event of cancellation, refunds will not be issued.

Event Alert System
A new color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) has been put in place for the event this year. The system will communicate the status of course conditions to participants leading up to and on race day. The levels range from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme (black) based primarily on the weather, as well as other conditions. E-mail, website and social media communication during race week will inform participants of the current Event Alert System status and provide preparation tips based on advance weather forecasts. On race day, the current Event Alert System status will be communicated via public address announcements and color-coded signs/flags at the start and finish areas, and along the course and at each of the Medical Aid Station locations.

All participants should familiarize themselves with the Event Alert System prior to the race, remain alert for directions from race officials and announcers and take precautions to prepare properly for varying weather conditions on race day.

Aid Stations/Mile Markers

There will be 10 medical stations along the course, as well as paramedics traveling the course on bike.  Water, Gatorade, and portable restrooms will be available along the course, as well as the Start and Finish Lines.  GU Energy gel (Tri-Berry and Vanilla) will be available along the course.  Food will be provided at the finish.  Every mile will be clearly marked on a stand-up sign along the route and each mile will have a race clock.

Timing

Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay & 5K

We utilize the Chrono Track “B tag” system for race timing for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and 5K. The “B-tag” will be affixed to the back of your race bib when you pick it up from the Expo. Do not peel off your “B-tag”. No additional steps are needed prior to the start of your specific race. A few very important things to keep in mind to ensure an accurate finish time – Make sure the race bib is affixed to the front of your body and is placed on the layer of apparel that will be worn throughout the race (Do not put it on a shirt or jacket, then take off the shirt mid-race and carry the bib with you), Do not fold or wrinkle your bib prior to attaching it, and make sure it is not covered by a race belt, water bottle, etc.

Corral Start

We will utilize a corral starting system for the 2012 marathon, half marathon and marathon relay. A corralled start will provide a much more efficient and smooth start for everyone.  All participants will be assigned corrals based on estimated finish times submitted during the registration process. Race bibs will designate your assigned corral for the race with a letter (A,B,C,D or E, etc.) located in the bottom right corner of your bib. If no estimated finish time is provided for the marathon, half marathon or marathon relay, the participant will be automatically placed in the final corral.

Important Race Day Participant Information

In an effort to make your race weekend experience a smooth one, we suggest that you prepare by checking out these imporant race details links below.
2012 Race Information to Know
Event Street Closures & Parking on Race Morning
Start/Finish Line Area Map

Elite Athlete Status

We offer elite competitors the opportunity to receive a preferred start corral, access to the elite athlete tent, along with other amenities. The 2012 elite standards are as follows: Marathon - Men 2:30, Women 3:00, Half Marathon - Men 1:10, Women 1:22. If you have a question regarding qualifying standards, contact Brian Lyons, Director of Race Management at 314-727-0800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Time Limit Rules

The marathon course route re-opens to traffic at a rolling schedule according to a 6-hour marathon pace or (13:44 minutes per mile) beginning 25 minutes after the official race start or when the 6-hour pace group passes the start line.  The marathon finish line will officially close when the 6-hour pace group crosses the finish line. The time limit rules will be strictly enforced, if you need clarification before registering, please call 314-727-0800.

There will be a pace leader leading a 6-hour, marathon pace or 3 hour half marathon pace (13:44 minutes/mile), after allowing an estimated 25 minutes for all participants to cross the start line.

Any Marathoner, Half Marathoner, or Marathon Relay participant who falls behind the pace after turning onto Olive Blvd (approximately 6 miles), prior to the Half Marathon Turnaround will be required to move to the sidewalk and obey all traffic signals.

At the half marathon turn-a-round (approximately 9.5 miles), any Marathoner or Marathon Relay Participant, who is behind the pace, must either turn and complete the half marathon or get in the sag wagon.

Any marathoner, who turns at the half marathon turn-a-round and complete the half marathon, will receive finish line amenities (food, water, medical assistance if needed).

Any participant who does not complete the event in which they are registered will be listed as “Did Not Finish,” or “DNF.”  This list will be separate from the official results.

After the half marathon turn-a-round, course support (police, course monitors, and water stations) will not be available to marathoners or marathon relay teams who fall behind the 13:44 minute/mile pace. Anyone who falls behind the pace must get in the sag wagon.

Any marathoner, who does not complete the marathon within the time limit, will not receive a medal or finishing time.

Marathon Relay Participants: if a team member falls behind the 6 hour pace group, the next participant must begin running once the 6 hour pace group arrives at the relay station. Any marathon relay team that does not complete the marathon within the time frame will not receive a medal or finishing time.

Marathoners who only complete the Half Marathon will not be eligible for awards.

Walkers

Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay:
All walkers will begin at 7:00 am behind all runners. Walkers will be asked to maintain a 13:44 minute-per-mile pace or faster, with the course shutting down on a graduated pace, 6 hours and 15 minutes after the official start.

5K Run/Walk:
All walkers will begin at 8:00 am behind all runners.  Please note, the 5K will start promptly at 8:00 am.  No participants will be allowed to start the race once in progress.  Also, official finish times will not be recorded after 1 hour. Baby strollers are allowed (5K only) but participants with strollers must line up behind the runners and walkers for safety reasons. No pets, roller blades, skates or bikes are allowed on the course.

Pace Teams

We offer pace teams for both the full and half marathon led by experienced athletes. Visit the official pace team page for pace groups and bios.

Athlete Tracking

Family and friends can track a participant’s progress throughout the marathon and half marathon races, by signing up for free text alerts, emails, Facebook and Twitter. You will be able to track your runner via your US mobile phone and will get text messages during different points of the race. This is a FREE service, however standard data and text messaging rates may apply. The process is simple, just click on the Athlete Tracking link, setup a username and password and enter the participants information to start the process. Athlete Tracking Here

Prize Money

Top male and female in each division

Marathon
Overall: 1st $1,500, 2nd $750, 3rd $500
Masters (40+): 1st $350, 2nd $300, 3rd $250
Grand Master (50+): 1st $200, 2nd $175, 3rd $150
Wheelchair (Marathon only): 1st $300
Age Group: 1st (male and female) $100

Half Marathon
Overall: 1st $1,000, 2nd $500, 3rd $400
Masters (40+): 1st $350, 2nd $300, 3rd $250
Grand Masters (50+): 1st $200, 2nd $175, 3rd $150
Course Record Bonus: $500
Age Group: 1st (male and female) $100
Winners may receive only one cash award.
Marathon and Half Marathon Awards: Official clock will determine overall winners, five deep, male and female, in these age categories: 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.  
Marathon Relay Awards: 3 deep in male, female, coed in the following categories: corporate, family/friends.

Travel

Drury Hotels is the Official Hotel Partner of GO! St. Louis and offer preferred participant discount rates. To reserve a room or get additional hotel info visit https://wwws.druryhotels.com/content/gostlouis.aspx

Other hotels offering preferred rates (close proximity to start/finish area or close to a Metrolink station)
Check out additional hotel options Here

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 13, 2012

Health & Fitness Expo- presented by Big River Running (packet pickup)
11:00 am-7:00 pm – Chaifetz Arena

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Health & Fitness Expo- presented by Big River Running (packet pickup)
10:00 am-7:00 pm – Chaifetz Arena

Family Fitness Events in Forest Park (Cricket & Lindell Fields)
• 5K Run/Walk – 8:00 am
• Read, Right and Run Marathon® presented by Express-Scripts: 9:15 am
• Children’s Fun Runs: 10:45 am
• Mature Mile – 11:15 am

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Endurance Events at Soldier’s Memorial
• Marathon –  7:00 am
• Half Marathon – presented by PNC Bank: 7:00 am
• Marathon Relay (4 person) – presented by Lockton Companies: 7:00 am

Please note that events will start promptly at the designated time, so plan to arrive early. Individuals will not be allowed to participate in a race, if the race has officially started. Participants should be in their assigned starting corral no later than 6:40 am or risk starting at the back of the start line.