City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K
Missouri's City of Roses Half Marathon offers a scenic, well-supported run through charming neighborhoods and countryside.
Race Date
Sep 27, 2026
Location
Cape Girardeau, MO
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Location
- Cape Girardeau, Missouri
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, VIRTUAL OPTION - City of Roses Half Marathon, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 2,643
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
First run in 2007, the City of Roses Half Marathon has become a cherished local institution, now in its 16th year. This race draws runners from across the region, with about 31% returning each year, a testament to its enduring appeal. The event is organized by a dedicated local non-profit running group committed to supporting the Cape Girardeau community.
The course winds through residential streets and into the beautiful surrounding county, offering a mix of paved trails and roads. Runners will experience scenic views of horse farms, wooded areas, and lovely homes. The route is well-supported by enthusiastic volunteers, with aid stations providing water every two miles initially, and then every mile from mile 8 onward. Gatorade is available from mile 6 to the finish. The race concludes back at the Osage Center, where participants are greeted by a cheering crowd and a festive atmosphere.
Post-race, runners can refuel with pancakes, coffee, and traditional snacks, and enjoy locally brewed beer. The event also offers a 5K and a non-competitive early start option for the half marathon, making it accessible for various levels of runners. Participants are encouraged to register by September 13 to guarantee their long-sleeved tech shirt.
Race-provided description
Must register by September 13 to be guaranteed a 5K T-Shirt or Half Marathon Long Sleeve Tech Shirt. SIGN UP NOW! We will not be ordering surplus shirts. Race Day Registration is available during packet pickup Saturday & Sunday. Online registration closes Friday at midnight. 46th Annual City of Roses Half Marathon and 5K Weekend. The 5K Race and the Half Marathon will be held Sunday, September 27th. 5K will start at 7AM, Half Marathon 7:10AM (6:30 Non-competitive early start available for Half Marathon) HALF MARATHON PRIZES! Overall Male & Female - $300 Overall Masters Male & Female - $200 Relay Option - Get a team of 3 and have a great time! Join the fun by running Missouri’s premium, long-standing City of Roses Half Marathon. This course takes you along a paved trail through residential Cape Girardeau and out into the beautiful county. The course is well supported with volunteers to keep you safe as you wind around, up and down paved roads, past horse farms, tree-filled woods and beautiful homes. You will loop back to the Osage Center to find a cheering crowd and lots of good food, water, Gatorade and locally brewed beer. There will be pancakes & coffee along with traditional post-race snacks. This race is in its 46th consecutive year. Water stops are available every 2 miles in the beginning, then every mile from mile 8 on. Gatorade will be available at the water stops from mile 6 through the end of the race. The Water Stops are manned by some really happy people, ready to encourage you on your journey. We offer an early start for those who feel they may take longer than 3 hours to complete the course. Our City of Roses 5K is a flat, fast USATF Certified Course on a paved trail. There will be lots of cheering and snacks at the finish. Virtual Option - Run your best between September 1 and September 30, 2026. AWARDS - Half Marathon Awards will be recognized for Overall Male, Overall Female, Overall Masters Male & Female, and 5 year age divisions - 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, through 65-69, 70 +. 5K Awards will be recognized for Overall Male, Overall Female, and 5 year age divisions - 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, through 65-69, 70 + Saturday September 26th, 2026: 3:00-6:00 Packet pick up at the Osage Center Sunday September 27th, 2026 5:30-6:30 AM Half Marathon & 5K Packet Pickup 6:30 AM Walkers & Non-Competitive Runners Start* 7:00 AM 5K Start 7:10 AM Half Marathon Start 7:45 AM Awards Ceremony for 5K 9::40 AM Awards Ceremony for Half Marathon *There are no awards for those runners that start at 6:30, but they are eligible for finishers metals.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Start Time
7:10 AM
Giveaway
Long Sleeve UV Tech Hoodie
Start Location
1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural, Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout6116 years running
~131 finishers a year
shrinking
31% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:18:18
typical high 79°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
61°
Afternoon (High)
79°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 2,643 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.
Most recent
2023
Total finishers
2,643
Median time
2:10:05
Latest turnout
128
States
17
Turnout by year
2015–2023
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K?
The City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K is held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at 7:10 AM.
Where does the City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
What distances does the City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, VIRTUAL OPTION - City of Roses Half Marathon, 13.1 Miles.
Is the City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 2,643 runners who have completed the City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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