University City Memorial Day Run

Experience a Marathon Reimagined!

Discover the excitement of the Greater St. Louis Marathon scheduled for April 11, 2026. This not-to-be-missed event promises a weekend filled with exciting courses, iconic landmarks, and vibrant celebrations, including the return of the National Running Club Championships & Rally.

With festivities kicking off downtown and concluding with a lively after-party, participants can look forward to live music, local cuisine, and an unparalleled city tour showcasing the spirit of St. Louis, the Gateway to the Best.

Students on the GO! is a program for high school students to train for a half marathon or 10K over a 20-week program. This isn’t a program just for highly trained runners (though they are welcome!). This is a program for any student who wants to be active, learn how to properly train for the 13.1 mile or 10K distance, and set and attain goals. In short, this is a program for ANY student! A free pair of running shoes and free entry into an additional race are just some of the perks of this program.

Students may join the Students on the GO! Program through a school group. Participating high schools will have a school coordinator, and each student at a participating high school/team will join and then communicate through their own school’s SOTG program throughout the duration of the program.

Program Components:

• 20-week training program to prepare for half marathon or 10K

• Plans written by GO! St. Louis coaching staff for all abilities

(coaching staff will work with school coordinator to determine each student’s best plan)

• Entry into half marathon or 10K race at program culmination

• Finisher Jacket or Hooded sweatshirt, running shoes, and race entry for all participants

• Opportunities for group runs in both Tower Grove and Forest Park

Join us for the 8th Race for Refugees!

Since 2017, the Race for Refugees community has come together to celebrate refugee and immigrant neighbors while raising critical funds that support first-touch services through the International Institute of St. Louis. All the funds we raise go to support the work of the International Institute of St. Louis.

About the International Institute

Established in 1919, the Institute has resettled refugees from Ukraine, Vietnam, Bosnia, Sudan, Congo, and many other countries. These individuals have gone on to become key pillars of our community, starting businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods, and enriching our city with their unique traditions and cultures.

How the Institute Helps

The International Institute supports new arrivals by offering holistic services like:

• Education

• Job Placement

• Economic development

• Cultural Orientation

• Housing

Whether you're running or walking (in person or virtually), join us in celebrating the rich multiculturalism that our new neighbors bring to our community. Be a part of our family-friendly event (bring those dogs & strollers!) and help create a more welcoming community for ALL!

Team Registration:

Gather your friends, colleagues, or community members and participate in the Race for Refugees as a team! Gather a team of 5 or more individuals and save $5 per registrant!

During registration, participants have the option to choose between a R4R7 t-shirt, or upgrade to a R4R hooded sweatshirt for an additional $30! *Hoodies are only available while supplies last. Shirt cannot be guaranteed if ordered after March 31 Shirts guaranteed for the first 500 registrants

Online registration closes at 11:59pm on April 17th,

*Choose our chip-timed 5K or untimed 1 mile fun run.

Have you considered getting into trail running or hiking, but didn’t know where to start, or were apprehensive about venturing out onto the trails alone? Big River Unpaved is a FREE, fun, friendly, and first-class training program for runners and walkers of all abilities. This program is geared for people new to hiking or trail running, looking for a fun, social, and supportive atmosphere in which to venture out into the outdoors. Our trail excursions will be supported by guides who will help you “stay found” and share knowledge about trail etiquette and technique. Our trail excursions will help make hitting the trails more comfortable and accessible by providing comradery and education in a fun, social, and supportive atmosphere.

This program is FREE! So get ready to lace up your trail shoes and get outside!

Details:

• Weekly trail excursions on Sunday mornings at various locations throughout the St. Louis metro area. (Some of these trails will be a 30+ minute drive from the city and mid-county. The location schedule will be shared with registered participants.) The spring season also includes Thursday evening trail outings.

• Weekly email newsletter to keep you informed

• Beginner-friendly

• Experienced Trail Guides to share motivation and advice (and help you “stay found”)

• Age requirements - For safety reasons we can't accommodate unaccompanied minors. Those under 18 must be accompanied by (running/hiking with) their guardian for the duration of any trail excursion

• Hiking Pace - Our Hike Guides will generally maintain a pace faster than 2.5mph or 24:00/mile. Participants desiring to hike slower are welcome to attend but may be hiking without Guide support.

• Ruckers welcome!

For more information, visit https://www.bigriverrunning.com/run/unpaved/

Saturday, April 25, 2026 (8AM-Noon)

Same location! Tower Grove Park

Get moving for The Little Bit Foundation!

Join us for the 9th annual Laura’s Run 4 Kids hosted by First Alert 4’s Laura Hettiger!

There are many options for your participation:

• Sign up for either the 5K Race or 1-mile Family Fun Run/Walk

• Share the spirit virtually by registering for the 5K Virtual Run

• Register as an individual, family of 4 or group of 10, with special discounts

• Start your own online fundraiser (click on Become a Fundraiser)

• Donate!

If you are unable to join us on April 25 in Tower Grover Park, share the spirit of Laura virtually from April 25 through May 2, Run, jog or walk where you are – in your neighborhood, on the track, at home on your treadmill – and celebrate at the virtual finish line with an online community when you’ve completed your 5K (3.1 miles).

A morning of fun for the whole family!

• T-shirt for all participants

• Medals and 1st Place awards ceremony

• Little Bit partner schools, families, students in attendance

• Food and beverages

• Kids Zone with music, games, fitness activities, special visitors!

• Group and family discounts available

• Family friendly event – strollers and dogs allowed!

The Little Bit Foundation is committed to breaking down barriers to learning in 60+ school communities serving 17,500 students across St. Louis.

Share your photos, videos and words of encouragement to others on the Laura's Run4Kids Facebook page. Let's stay connected, active, healthy and united for the ongoing mission of The Little Bit Foundation to break down barriers to learning for St. Louis students!