About - GO! St. Louis

Inspiring wellness throughout St. Louis

Welcome to GO! St. Louis, where our mission is to inspire and support individuals and families in the St. Louis region to lead healthy and active lifestyles. With a rich history of throwing St. Louis’ largest running events, promoting wellness through our youth programs, and building regional partnerships, we’re dedicated to making fitness in St. Louis accessible and enjoyable for all.

Our Mission

GO! St. Louis, a local non-profit organization, encourages individuals and families in the St. Louis region to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle year round. The organization accomplishes this through community collaborations, school based programming and the creation of new and fun fitness events.

Meet the Staff

Mona Vespa
President

With over 15 years at GO! St. Louis, Mona Vespa, now serving as President, has been instrumental in shaping the organization from its early days. Starting as the first intern while studying French Language and Literature at Washington University, Mona’s journey through various roles, including Youth Programs Director and Director of Operations, has culminated in her leadership as President since 2016. Her vast experience in event planning, volunteer management, and community engagement underscores her belief in the strength and unity of the St. Louis running community. Mona enjoys running in Forest Park and lives in the Central West End with her husband and four children.

Kristin Werner
Director of Operations

Kristin Werner, Director of Operations at GO! St. Louis since 2017, has been a long-standing member of the running community, volunteering and participating in events even before officially joining the team. Responsible for participant operations, Kristin manages registration, customer service, website updates, and works closely with vendors to ensure exceptional participant experiences. An avid runner, Kristin loves exploring Grant’s Trail and celebrating every season with festive running attire. Off the track, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and family time, cherishing moments with her supportive father, a fellow GO! St. Louis volunteer.

Karen Lester
Operations Coordinator

Karen Lester, the Operations Coordinator lured out of retirement to join GO! St. Louis, brings her enthusiasm and a rich background in logistics from her career with the U.S. Postal Service. Karen’s focus is on the Marathon Weekend Expo and managing volunteer groups, ensuring organizational efficiency within the office. A lifelong runner, she relishes the competition in local 5Ks.  Karen resides in South City with her three cats, Sammy, Sophie and Stella, embodying her dedication to both the running and local community.

Kelly Eldridge
Program Manager

Bio coming soon!

Claire Meisch
Office and Events Coordinator

Bio coming soon!

  • Susan Sauer
    President
  • Beth McCarter
    Secretary
  • Brent Stevens
    Treasurer
  • Paul Gallant
    President Emeritus
  • Artie Kerchoff
  • Jeff Trammel
  • Larry Lentin
  • Mayo Amos
  • Roo Yawitz
  • Zar Toolan
  • Saras Chung
  • Dan Miller
  • Charles Kaiser

Work With Us

At GO! St. Louis, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team—whether as staff, board members, volunteers, or partners. If you’re driven by making a positive change and love the idea of working alongside a dedicated team, we want to hear from you. Send us an email below.

Email Us

Get Involved

Support GO! St. Louis

Every donation empowers our non-profit to continue to Rally the Lou by inspiring healthy, active lifestyles in the St. Louis region through exciting events and community programs.

Donate