Thousands Run and Cheer at Greater St. Louis Marathon Including Saint Louis University Students
The highly anticipated Greater St. Louis Marathon erupted with energy this weekend as thousands of runners and spectators flooded the city beginning April 9. Hosted annually by GO! St. Louis, the event featured multiple races including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a family fun run drawing participants from all 50 states and beyond.
Saint Louis University (SLU) students made a commanding presence in the race and the spectator sections, underscoring the event’s dynamic spirit. The marathon weekend kicked off with the expo at Union Station where over 50 vendors supplied fitness gear and wellness products, setting the tone for the challenging races that began early Saturday morning, April 11.
Runners hit the streets starting at 6 a.m. for the earliest starters needing extra time, with the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K launching simultaneously at 7 a.m.. The 5K started promptly at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Family Fun Run at 9 a.m.
Comedian Nikki Glaser Lights Up 5K Start Line With Humor
St. Louis native Nikki Glaser joined the 5K race, using her humor to rally and uplift runners before they took off. “Congratulations to all of you. Some of you are elite runners, some of you shouldn’t be doing this. Let’s give it up for all the runners today,” Glaser said, injecting both laugh and motivation into the tense pre-race moments.
SLU Runners Overcome Mental and Physical Challenges in Marathon Events
Senior nursing student Grace Lietz crossed the half marathon finish line with a powerful team spirit fueling her stride. Having trained alongside two friends running their first half marathon, Lietz highlighted the race’s support system: “Getting to be there, support them and be their encouragement was super special,” she said.
Her friend and fellow senior nursing major, Ivy Ibay, tackled her first half marathon with a unique mindset. Battling doubts by reimagining distances mid-race, Ibay explained, “At mile four, I wanted to quit, but I told myself four was basically six which is halfway, so I am already done with the half marathon.” Her resilience paid off, as love and cheers from friends and her boyfriend carried her through the final mile.
Going further, SLU senior Riya Aradhyula completed her very first full marathon that morning. Though nervous, Aradhyula praised the course winding through the city she cherishes and the strength gained from her friends’ presence. “Being a senior and getting to run all around my city for one final time and seeing all my friends and places I have grown to love is something I will never forget,” she reflected, urging others to take on races in their own cities.
Spectators Like SLU’s Wolf Weidler Boost Athletes’ Morale
Support from SLU’s community also poured in from the sidelines. Communication senior Wolf Weidler opened his Saturday by cheering on friend Elizabeth Monzu in her marathon debut. Weidler emphasized the electrifying crowd spirit: “All the people there had friends and loved ones in the race, so the passion and support were really felt. It really is an inspiring event;” he said. “If you watch the race and don’t get motivated to train yourself, you’re not doing it right.”
For Monzu, who had previously run two half marathons, completing the demanding full marathon after months of preparation brought both satisfaction and relief. “My goal was just to finish, and I achieved that,” Monzu said.
Greater St. Louis Marathon Builds Community, Inspires Across States
The 2026 Greater St. Louis Marathon weekend was firmly marked by resilience, camaraderie, and personal triumph as SLU students and thousands of others united in pursuit of fitness and achievement. The celebration of human endurance and city pride underscores the growing appeal of marathon events across the country, inspiring runners from North Carolina to everywhere.
With this year’s event wrapped, focus turns toward next season when new runners and supporters will again flood St. Louis to test limits and share unforgettable memories under the watchful glow of community and spirit.
