HalfRuns
Corps of Discovery Trail Races

Corps of Discovery Trail Races

The Corps of Discovery Trail Races offer a challenging half marathon on historic Missouri River bluffs.

Race Date

Aug 29, 2026

Location

Saint Charles, MO

Solid Pick56

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Location
Saint Charles, Missouri
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 8 Mile, 5 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
677

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Scenic RouteFast Flat

The Experience

The Corps of Discovery Trail Races invite runners to the bluffs of the Missouri River, a landscape steeped in history. First run in 2017, and now in its 9th edition, this event offers a challenging half marathon that winds through historic trails, drawing participants from around six states.

The Expedition, the half marathon distance, is designed as the ultimate test. Runners first navigate the rugged 8-mile Lewis Trail, which features stunning river views and climbs from hollow to ridge. Following this, they return to tackle the 5-mile Clark Trail loop, known for its hardwood-lined ridges. This combination promises a demanding race experience.

All distances commence from the Lewis & Clark Trailhead. While the course is described as offering river views and ridge climbs, the half marathon's elevation gain is approximately 0 feet, suggesting a fast-flat profile despite the terrain. Finishers are recognized with a medal, and overall awards are presented to the top finishers in each distance.

Race-provided description

Ready to follow in the footsteps of legends? The St. Louis Track Club invites you to the bluffs of the Missouri River for the 2026 Corps of Discovery Trail Races. Whether you're looking for a fast-and-flowy 5-miler or a hilly half marathon, these historic trails have a challenge waiting for you. ⚠️ SLTC Member Perk: Current members receive an automatic $10 discount at checkout! (Make sure to use the email associated with your membership). Not a member yet? Click here to join and save! Choose your Adventure All distances kick off at 8:00 AM from the Lewis & Clark Trailhead in Weldon Spring. The Clark (5 Miles): A single, scenic loop of the Clark Trail. Perfect for those new to trails or looking to burn through the hardwood-lined ridges.The Lewis (8 Miles): A rugged loop of the Lewis Trail featuring stunning river views and hollow-to-ridge climbs. The Expedition (Half Marathon): The ultimate test. You’ll conquer the 8-mile Lewis loop first, then head back out to tackle the 5-mile Clark loop.  View the courses: 5-Mile Map | 8-Mile Map | Half Marathon Map Swag & Awards The deadline: Register by August 15th to guarantee your race shirt. All race finishers will receive a medal. Overall awards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) will be given to female, male and non-binary winners for each distance.  Race Day Logistics: ⏱️ Schedule & Cut-offs

6:30 AM: Packet Pick-up opens near the start line.8-8:10 AM: Race waves begin (Half Marathon, 8 Mile, 5 Mile).12:00 PM: Course officially closes (4-hour limit). 👟 Pace requirements:  5-Mile distance: 48-minute/mile8-Mile distance: 30-minute/mileHalf Marathon distance: 18:19-minute/mile. Half marathon participants must start the 5-mile Clark Trail loop by 10:30 a.m. ♻️ Cup-Free Policy In our mission to keep the Weldon Spring Conservation Area pristine, this is a CUP-FREE event. No paper cups will be provided. Please carry your own bottle or hydration pack. We will provide plenty of water and Tailwind Nutrition at our aid stations to keep you moving! We’re proud to partner with Hydrapak’s Sustainable Racing Program to help reduce race day waste in 2026!  Each runner will receive a reusable HydraPak SpeedCup at packet pickup to use throughout the race. Our amazing volunteers and staff have worked hard to create a seamless aid station experience for you.  At every aid station, they’ll be ready to fill your cup, or you can use the self-serve coolers stocked with water and electrolytes for quick and easy access. Let’s race responsibly together!  🚗 Parking & Safety Location: Park at the Weldon Spring Interpretive Site (7295 RT-94, St. Charles, MO). Follow signs to the secondary lot.Road Crossing: You will need to cross Hwy 94 to get to the start line from the Interpretive Center. Please use the coned safety lane and follow volunteer directions. Watch for vehicle traffic on Hwy 94. Drop Bags: A designated area for bags will be available at the Start/Finish line. Please label your gear! Aid Station Support 5-Mile (Clark trail): Manned station at Mile 3 (Water, Tailwind, snacks).8-Mile (Lewis Trail): Water-only station at Mile 4; Manned station at Mile 6.5.Half Marathon: Access to all Lewis stations, a full reload at the Start/Finish (Mile 8.2), and a final manned station at Mile 12. Thank you to our sponsors Tailwind Nutrition and Hydrapak!

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Lewis and Clark Trailhead, Saint Charles, MO, 63304

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Lake River, Forest

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

8 Mile5 Miles

Course Map

Quality Score

Solid Pick56
Methodology
Heritage18/20

9 years running

Size9/15

~65 finishers a year

Momentum4/5

shrinking

Loyalty15/20

15% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 6 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:51:00

Weather0/10

typical high 85°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

68°

Afternoon (High)

85°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.2"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

73%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 677 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

677

Median time

2:40:42

Latest turnout

59

States

17

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:25p50 median ≈ 2:354:15

Turnout by year

20142025

'14'16'18'19'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Corps of Discovery Trail Races?

The Corps of Discovery Trail Races is held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Corps of Discovery Trail Races take place?

It takes place in Saint Charles, Missouri.

What distances does the Corps of Discovery Trail Races offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 8 Mile, 5 Miles.

Is the Corps of Discovery Trail Races course flat and good for a PR?

The Corps of Discovery Trail Races is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Corps of Discovery Trail Races?

HalfRuns has finish records for 677 runners who have completed the Corps of Discovery Trail Races.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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