Date: April 19, 2009 Time: 7:00 AM Location: Downtown St. Louis
The GO! St. Louis Marathon (26. 2 miles), 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 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, help to elevate this event to 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 marathon course is a scenic race that starts in the historic St. Louis downtown area. Participants run toward the impressive St. Louis Gateway Arch, before turning right, past Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals. The course also includes; Forest Park (second largest park in the U.S.), Washington University’s campus, Anheuser-Busch brewery, Downtown Clayton and University City Loop (voted as one of the 10 greatest streets in America). The marathon course finishes back downtown next to the Soldier’s Memorial building.
A marathon competitor is a unique person, who accepts the challenge to complete a marathon for a variety of reasons. Participants may be looking to achieve a personal fitness journey, honor a special person in their life or regularly compete as an endurance athlete in numerous marathons. Regardless if it is a person’s first or 50th marathon, each finish is an inspiring experience and remarkable accomplishment in their life.
Record number of U.S. marathons with more than 1,000 finishers
Last year in the U.S., a record 71 marathons had at least 1,000 finishers. The previous record was 61 U.S. marathons in 2006. Just ten years ago, there were 33 U.S. marathons with 1,000 finishers or more.
