Market Mile

St. Louis, Missouri. One mile. Straight down Market Street. The Market Mile returns on Sunday, August 9, 2026, starting at Kiener Plaza and finishing at Union Station. Timed one‑mile run/walk for all ages and abilities. Plus a 1/4 mile Kids Run. All finishers receive a keychain. Top 3 overall male, female, and non‑binary awards, plus masters and age group awards. New for 2026: Athletes With Disabilities category. Post‑race after‑party at Union Station. “Pay What You Can” entry — no one denied the opportunity to run based on financial circumstances. Proceeds support Peter & Paul Community Services, Backstoppers, Great Rivers Greenway, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Location — Downtown St. Louis, Market Street:

• Start: Kiener Plaza (downtown St. Louis, near the Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch grounds)
• Finish: Union Station (historic train station turned entertainment complex, featuring the Grand Hall, aquarium, ferris wheel, restaurants, and hotel)
• Course: Straight down Market Street — flat, fast, iconic urban mile
• Post‑race after‑party at Union Station — food, drinks, music, and celebration

Pay What You Can — Removing Financial Barriers:

• “No one should be denied the opportunity to run based on their financial circumstance.”
• Underserved runners can choose their registration fee based on their budget
• Participants can also “pay it forward” by contributing to the fund during registration, helping others join Market Mile
• Select your price on the donation page

Charity Beneficiaries — Four Core Areas of Need in St. Louis:

• Peter & Paul Community Services — safe housing and support for individuals experiencing homelessness
• Backstoppers — financial assistance to families of police officers, firefighters, and first responders killed in the line of duty
• Great Rivers Greenway — accessible green spaces, trails, and parks in the St. Louis region
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis — youth programs, mentoring, and after‑school activities
• 2024‑2025 fundraising: over $16,000 raised for these nonprofits

Awards & Recognition:

• All finishers receive a finisher keychain
• Top 3 Overall Male, Female, and Non‑Binary
• Top 3 Masters Male, Female, and Non‑Binary (40+ years)
• Top 2 in age groups: 14 & Under, 15‑19, 20‑29, 30‑39, 40‑49, 50‑59, 60‑69, 70‑79, 80 & Over
• New for 2026: Athletes With Disabilities (AWD) Category — awards for top 3 AWD finishers

Post‑Race After‑Party — Union Station:

• Located at the finish line
• Food, drinks, music, and celebration
• Kids activities and games
• Opportunity to explore Union Station (aquarium, ferris wheel, shops)

What's Included (Market Mile Entry):

• Chip timing (net time)
• Finisher keychain
• Race bib
• Access to post‑race after‑party (food/drink may be included or extra? check event website)
• Age group and overall awards eligibility
• Charitable contribution to your chosen beneficiary

Kids Run Details (1/4 Mile):

• Untimed
• Starts at 8:45 AM (after the timed mile races have finished)
• Starts at the finish line (Union Station) and runs an out‑and‑back course
• All children receive a finisher keychain (likely)
• Recommended for ages 12 and under

Logistics:

• Parking available near Union Station and Kiener Plaza (paid lots and street parking — arrive early)
• Public transport: MetroLink light rail (Union Station station and Convention Center station) and MetroBus
• Bib pickup: race morning at Kiener Plaza (check event website for exact times)
• No refunds? Check with race director Mark Spewak (314‑705‑2992)
• No dogs allowed on course (service animals excepted)
• Strollers allowed in the 1/4 mile Kids Run only (start at the back)
• Walkers welcome (mile is accessible for all paces)

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Registration, course marshals, water station, finish line, after‑party help
• Contact event organizer via event website

Nearby Attractions (post‑race):

• Union Station — aquarium, ferris wheel, 3D theater, restaurants, shops
• Gateway Arch (1 mile east) — tram to the top, museum, riverboats
• City Museum (1.5 miles north) — eclectic, interactive play space for all ages
• Busch Stadium (0.5 miles south) — St. Louis Cardinals baseball (check schedule for August 9)
• St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station (at the finish line)

Contact: Mark Spewak — phone 314‑705‑2992.