MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K
MO' Cowbell offers a flat, fast course in historic St. Charles, drawing runners from across the US.
Race Date
Nov 8, 2026
Location
Saint Charles, MO
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Location
- Saint Charles, Missouri
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 42.195K, 10K, 5K, 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 54,468
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The MO' Cowbell Marathon and Half-Marathon, first run in 2002, has grown into a beloved event, now in its 24th year. Each November, it draws approximately 2,500 finishers, with nearly 30% returning year after year, and participants traveling from around 38 states.
The USATF-certified course is designed for speed, boasting a flat profile with no net elevation change, making it a prime location for runners aiming for personal bests or Boston Marathon qualifying times. The race takes place in historic St. Charles, Missouri, offering a scenic backdrop for the 21.1km journey.
Runners can expect a well-organized event with a two-day Health and Fitness ExMO', a festive post-race party complete with food, fun, and music, and the coveted commemorative performance long-sleeve swag. The event also offers a 10K and 5K, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all levels of runners.
Race-provided description
Don't miss the fun and excitement of the 15th annual MO' Cowbell Race on November 8, 2026! Four events to choose from on Sunday morning, the Marathon, the Half-Marathon, 10K or the 5K. Flat & fast courses, perfect for beginners or those who want to set a new personal best! Registration for the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, or the 5K includes: Commemorative performance long-sleeve swagOne-of-a-Kind finisher medalFREE and convenient parkingFree downloadable photos for all participantsTwo-day Health and Fitness ExMO' Packet Pickup Family friendly post race party with lots of food, fun, and music Registration for the Virtual Run includes: 2026 One-Of-A-Kind Finisher MedalShipping and handling of your medal to youOption to add on race swag
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Commemorative performance long-sleeve swag
Start Location
Frontier Park, Saint Charles, MO, 63301
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MO25021MU · 2025 MO' COWBELL HALF-MARATHON
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9524 years running
~2,498 finishers a year
growing or steady
29% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 38 states
winner 0:46:13
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
45°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
68%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 54,468 finishers actually crossed the line across 24 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
54,468
Median time
2:18:43
Latest turnout
2,504
States
51
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K?
The MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K is held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K take place?
It takes place in Saint Charles, Missouri.
What distances does the MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 42.195K, 10K, 5K, 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K course flat and good for a PR?
The MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 54,468 runners who have completed the MO' Cowbell Marathon/Half-Marathon/10K/5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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