The signature St. Louis run! The most recognizable landmark in the city (and one of the most recognizable internationally), the Gateway Arch is at the heart of downtown St. Louis, and sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The arch is the centerpiece of the riverfront Gateway Arch National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This recently revitalized downtown area also features the new City Park soccer stadium, and 2 miles of the Brickline Urban Walking trail, which highlights the city’s Black presence. This iconic 5-mile St. Louis run is accessible from the Convention Center and many downtown hotels.
For a dramatic start, we suggest starting at the Pillars of the Valley outdoor sculpture, which is where the Brickline Trail starts. Head east along the Brickline Trail, a green median that bisects Market St. & Chestnut St. Pass by Memorial Plaza, Soldiers’ Memorial Museum, the Citygarden Sculpture Park, and the Runners Statue at Kiener Plaza. Passing the landmark Old Courthouse, you’ll enter the Gateway Arch National Park, with the newly renovated museum, parkland, and Gateway Arch Trail leading to the Arch. The Arch is one of those sites that’s more impressive when seen in person than in pictures! Loop back using Chestnut St. for the return.
It’s ~1.5 miles from Memorial Plaza to the Arch, and then a loop of the Arch area trails is ~2 miles.
Add-Ons: We recommend running across historic Eads Bridge, which adds 0.75 miles each way from Laclede’s Landing on the north side of the Arch. There’s a good pedestrian path, and great views of the river and the Arch. You can also continue along the Riverfront Trail, heading north from Gateway Arch NP along the west bank of the river.
Note: This terrific New York Times article provides more information on the Brickline Trail. There are plans to expand it.
The signature St. Louis run! The most recognizable landmark in the city (and one of the most recognizable internationally), the Gateway Arch is at the heart of downtown St. Louis, and sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The arch is the centerpiece of the riverfront Gateway Arch National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This recently revitalized downtown area also features the new City Park soccer stadium, and 2 miles of the Brickline Urban Walking trail, which highlights the city’s Black presence. This iconic 5-mile St. Louis run is accessible from the Convention Center and many downtown hotels.
For a dramatic start, we suggest starting at the Pillars of the Valley outdoor sculpture, which is where the Brickline Trail starts. Head east along the Brickline Trail, a green median that bisects Market St. & Chestnut St. Pass by Memorial Plaza, Soldiers’ Memorial Museum, the Citygarden Sculpture Park, and the Runners Statue at Kiener Plaza. Passing the landmark Old Courthouse, you’ll enter the Gateway Arch National Park, with the newly renovated museum, parkland, and Gateway Arch Trail leading to the Arch. The Arch is one of those sites that’s more impressive when seen in person than in pictures! Loop back using Chestnut St. for the return.
It’s ~1.5 miles from Memorial Plaza to the Arch, and then a loop of the Arch area trails is ~2 miles.
Add-Ons: We recommend running across historic Eads Bridge, which adds 0.75 miles each way from Laclede’s Landing on the north side of the Arch. There’s a good pedestrian path, and great views of the river and the Arch. You can also continue along the Riverfront Trail, heading north from Gateway Arch NP along the west bank of the river.
Note: This terrific New York Times article provides more information on the Brickline Trail. There are plans to expand it.
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