St. Joseph Marathon sees growth each year

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Racers lined up again for another year of the St. Joseph Marathon, which continues to grow, race officials say.

The total number of runners participating throughout the day grew by 80 from 2025, according to St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely.

“It ended up being a beautiful morning. We’ve had a lot of folks call this a hidden gem race, which we take as a definite compliment,” said Esely. “I think it’s just the way we treat folks, our swag, and our course that is unique (which is why runners are interested).”

One thing runners share about the course is that St. Joseph has far more hills than some who drive around town realize. However, areas like the parkways are what keep some coming back, like local athlete Candice Knuteson.

“The parkway in Saint Joe is probably one of the most fabulous areas to run,” Knuteson said after running the half marathon in her fourth year participating in St. Joseph’s running event. “So to have open roads in the parkway for 13 miles, it’s awesome.”

Knuteson shared inspiration for those who want to run events like these.

“Start small. Just build up. Literally start with running a minute, walking a minute, and build up. Start with 5Ks. Dial that in, then progress to 10Ks, and then it becomes a slippery slope.”

Organizers shared that the race plans to return in 2027. For more information on 2026’s race and other events offered by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, click here.

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