Francis Howell Cross Country 5K Run/Walk

The Francis Howell Cross Country 5K Run/Walk returns to St Charles, Missouri on June 13th, 2026. This event will take runners through the picturesque parks of St Charles and celebrate its vibrant community.
Race morning begins with a cool dawn at around 7am when temperatures hover comfortably near 24 degrees Celsius, feeling much like the expected average for mid-June in this region. The course winds along the scenic streets of St Charles before heading into the lush Francis Howell Community Park. Participants will enjoy hard and dry surfaces under bright skies that offer up to eleven hours and thirty-eight minutes of sunlight.
For over a decade now, this race has been an important tradition within the local community. It supports the growth of our Viking Cross Country program, directly helping develop student-athletes and expanding opportunities in running sports at Francis Howell High School. Last year saw more than 200 participants join us to support both our athletes and our broader community.
The course venue offers a mix of urban streets and park pathways. Starting from the intersection of Main Street and Maple Avenue, runners will traverse through the heart of St Charles before heading into the expansive Francis Howell Community Park for most of their journey. The trail conditions are hard and dry with minimal risk of precipitation—only 3.3mm expected on race day. Along the way, elevation changes offer scenic views but no significant challenges.
The route includes several notable features: a brief steep incline near the midpoint that provides a good test of endurance, followed by a gradual descent into the park. Three aid stations will be strategically placed throughout to ensure hydration and nutrition support for participants.
Weather on race day is expected to be warm with temperatures ranging from 19.3C to 29.8C—feels like near 24.6C—with an average wind of 10km/h and high humidity at around 67.8%. The UV index will be very high, so sunscreen and hats are recommended.
To secure a finisher medal and T-shirt, register by June 7th, 2026. Visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/125361/francis-howell-cross-country-5k-runwalk to sign up.
Bib pickup will be held at the Francis Howell High School gym from 4pm on June 7th, 2026. Bring a photo ID and proof of payment for your race number.
The start location is at the intersection of Main Street and Maple Avenue in St Charles, Missouri. The event welcomes runners aged eight and up; first-timers should bring their own water bottles or hydration packs to avoid waiting lines.
This 5K run/walk through St Charles offers a unique opportunity to support local student-athletes while enjoying an early summer morning along the city's trails. With all proceeds going towards developing our Viking Cross Country program, it is a race that truly matters for the community and its future athletes.