I was lucky enough (ha, get it?) to travel to St. Louis for work last season to run this race. It…read morehappened to be a cold day (about 32 degrees), but that didn't stop the spirit of St. Louis! It reminded me a lot of Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle, just on a bit of a smaller scale. The people were super friendly as we chatted in line. My awesome St. Louis coworker even drove me to the race and hung out to watch the runners (thanks, Todd). Overall, a great experience and I'm glad I planned the extra day to participate. I did not stay for the parade - that will have to be added to the bucket list!

This is by far my favorite run in STL. I have done this race for the past 3 years and it is a…read moreblast! There are always a lot of people at all skill levels so if you can walk 5 miles, you can participate. This race is very entertaining. There are kids, adults, people in funny costumes, people tied together with shamrock tinsel, a group pulling a keg in a wagon and drinking while running. Although I have yet to spot a leprechaun...maybe this will be my year! The best part of the race is the finish line, free beer! Whooohooo! Oh, and you can get a super green running shirt at Big River Running that says, "Kiss me, I'm a runner" to wear at the race. Check it!

Every year, my husband and I count the days until The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns--and…read morewhen it does, it feels like pure magic. The sky transforms into a living canvas, painted with brilliant colors and whimsical shapes that seem to float straight out of a dream. There's a childlike wonder that sweeps over the crowd as the balloons rise--families spread out on blankets, friends laughing together, the smell of festival treats in the air, and that perfect mix of excitement and awe. Whether you're watching them inflate up close or gazing skyward as they drift gracefully over the city, it's impossible not to feel inspired. This is more than an event--it's a celebration of joy, beauty, and community. Visit their website to plan your whole weekend--you'll find schedules, activities, and everything you need to make the most of this unforgettable experience. If you've never been, go. If you have been, you already know... there's nothing quite like it.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Glow are something I look forward to every year. It's…read morealways on a weekend, and on Friday night, it starts with the balloon glow. All the balloons inflate and as it gets dark, they open up the field so you can walk around amongst the hot air balloons and the balloon pilots will light them up every few minutes and they will glow (this is after it gets dark). It looks really cool. The next day, they have the race. One balloon takes off and flies off then the others take off and follow it. It's really cool seen them all, especially in a city, which is unusual. Whether you choose to go to the glow or the race, it's a cool thing to do and see. Definitely recommend checking it out.

Headed to the St Louis Science Center to see Pompeii the Exhibit…read more If you are interested in History especially Roman times you should head out and check it out. Especially if you are looking for things to do inside due to the Heat Wave!!! The Center was very busy!!! I would suggest getting tixs on line with a discount code as it can be expensive at the door!

What a cool place! Everything looked very well taken care of except the exhibit about energy…read more Everything in that area was just a little broken. Our favorite part was in the planetarium. They have a simulator that lets you fly a plane anywhere in the world. If we had more time we would've flown to some landmarks. But we got to see the arch!

This can be a good family outing and I hope it stays this way. I attended on a Friday evening and…read morebecause of the okay weather it was crowded. I was thinking wow all these people to see balloons glow? Is it the food and higher prices or drinks? Nope, it's the time we all come out to support and come together without judgement and feel safe. we can stretch out on the ground and bloop just about anywhere and bring our own or buy to support ( because that's what we are doing when we pay those prices) We choose to battle the traffic and walk through the people to gather for something to do without nonsense. Don't get me wrong yes, we have our few a holes and it is what it is especially when so many cultures cross without regard. However it does not stop us from the thing to do in September right before we know summer will end now .... but tell that to STL... LOL!

This is one of the many fun and free events in St Louis and it pains me to say that having lived in…read morethe area for almost a decade, this was my first year checking this event out. My friends dragged me here, albeit not kicking and screaming but there were definitely some initial resistance due to crowd and traffic. The usual introverted enemies. I'm glad I allowed them to drag me here though. While I totally missed out on the Glow activities, I got to witness the actual race which was fun, filled with entertainment, and a few choice food trucks and vendors to satisfy some of your food and drink cravings while enjoying some fanciful balloons. Yes, parking can be a slight mess but if you come early and exercise patience, the event is actually quite enjoyable. There were face painting booths for the young ones, bunnies to pet, drink trucks for your imbibing needs, and food booths and trucks for your hungry bellies. Walking around the part of Forest park where they held the races is also quite fun. I got to meet some friendly corgi owners and most importantly, their corgis! It is a dog friendly event which means, for you non-people lovers, there is a great chance of meeting a four-legged friend or two. After the races, the inflated balloons did stick around for the general public to check out. I had a great time and got to marvel at the colorful hot air balloons. Did I mention this event is free?!

This was my first time doing this particular race. I thought it was a lot of fun. The shirts were…read moresuper cute... so that's always a plus! The course is pretty hilly, but what's a race without hills? haha I thought the number of volunteers and the support of the spectators was fabulous! It would have been nice if they had passed out gu at the second to last water station. I usually dont eat anything during half races, but my energy level went down... I guess maybe because of the hills. Overall, fantastic job for such a small race. There were even some big competitors present! They also have a 1/2 mile and 5K run for beginners and children.

A year later, and this half marathon still gives me chills. I ran the Clayton half for the second…read moretime, making it my third half this year (and fourth half overall)! Who needs drugs when you can sign up for races instead? Such a rush. Packet pickup was a snap; the half marathon 'expo' was at The Center of Clayton on Saturday. I received my bib and sweet long-sleeved tech shirt. The race itself was very well organized, and also started at The Center of Clayton. I love the St. Louis Track Club half, because it is a popular race, but not TOO popular. It still has that small, intimate feel. The course itself is SUPER hilly. There's just no other way to describe it. It starts in Clayton, winds through downtown Clayton a bit, then goes over into Forest Park. Beautiful course and lots and lots and LOTS of hills. Get ready. Crowd support is pretty nonexistent, so bring an MP3 player if you can't stand silence. Again, the police officers and volunteers did an EXCELLENT job directing traffic and such to make sure all of the racers were safe. That sort of thing is always appreciated. The finishers medal was sweet, and there were lots of post race goodies to partake in if you're into that sort of thing. After running 13.1 miles, food is the LAST thing on my mind, but if bananas, bagels, and gatorade are your post-race fuel of choice, this one's got ya covered. I'll be back next year, of course.