Trail Running in Missouri
Missouri has 16 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. Ballwin leads with 2 races, followed by Wildwood (2), Glencoe (2), and Branson (1). The remaining 56% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Showing all 16
Trail Running
Rock Island Trail Half Marathon and 5K
Pleasant Hill, MO
Trail Running
Rock Island Trail Half Marathon and 5K
June 20, 2026
Pleasant Hill, MO
Trail Running
The FROZEN STICK 5 Mile and Half Marathon Trail Run
February 13, 2027
Glencoe, MO
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.