The GO! St. Louis Half Marathon (13.1 miles) was introduced in 2003 and has become the most popular race during the two-day weekend. Close to 10,000 individuals register each year, making it one of the largest half marathon fields in the United States. 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 nine mile mark, where they turn and head back towards downtown.
In 2008, winner Mathew Chesang established a new course record of 1:08:20. Chesang also captured the half marathon title in 2007, making him one of the first repeat champions.
Half Marathon in Kuwait
In 2007, GO! St. Louis sponsored a half marathon race in Kuwait, which was in conjunction with the annual half marathon race in St. Louis. The race featured more than 500 participants from the United States Armed Forces. Participants received a commemorative event shirt and finisher’s medal.
