Fitness, family and fun: These are the goals of GO! St. Louis, a nonprofit that encourages individuals and families to adopt healthy lifestyles by lacing up their running shoes. Its signature event is the annual Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend April 7 and 8 in Forest Park and downtown. It features events for runners of all levels, including children’s fun runs. “The marathon continues to be the most exciting part of our year,” president Mona Langenberg says.

Since the idea of running a marathon may seem too daunting for some, the weekend offers different course options. Along with the full marathon, participants can choose from a half marathon, marathon relay, 7K or 5K. Both the full and half even allow for wheelchair participation. “There really is something for everyone,” Langenberg notes.

Mercy Hospital has been the title sponsor of the marathon since 2009. Langenberg says it’s a partnership that just makes sense. GO! became connected to Mercy through its outreach in public schools and health centers. “The first year Mercy served as title sponsor, we quickly realized there was some overlap between our needs and its services,” she says. “It started as an opportunity for Mercy to give back to the runners of St. Louis, and it has grown a lot over the years.”

The hospital provides medical services at the finish lines of all GO! races. “Through Mercy Sports Medicine, we keep athletes and weekend warriors at the top of their games,” says Donn Sorensen, executive vice president of Mercy. “And through our partnership with GO!, we hope to encourage others in the community to become more active and engaged in their health.” The hospital also is involved in Students on the GO!, the nonprofit’s team-based high school program that encourages a healthy lifestyle and teaches the benefits of goal setting, discipline, teamwork and improved health. Trainers and physical therapists from Mercy are available to answer questions and attend to students while they train. “It’s been a very cool thing for them to be involved with,” Langenberg says.

Its partnership with Mercy has been essential to GO!’s continued growth and success, according to Langenberg. Working with the hospital and other organizations has allowed the nonprofit to do more than it could on its own. “We started small, and as we grew, we realized it’s best to partner with organizations that have experience and expertise,” she says. “We like to work with other local groups that are doing great work in St. Louis. They provide us with awesome services, and we are able to give them recognition.”

GO!’s growth includes the Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend, which is the largest competitive fitness event in Missouri. It attracts more than 25,000 runners from Missouri, Illinois and other states. While it may have national appeal, it’s undoubtedly a St. Louis event. The courses take runners around Forest Park and the Arch grounds. “This is St. Louis’ hometown event,” Langenberg says. “We want to involve the community and get them excited about coming out and being active.”

Go! St. Louis encourages individuals and families to engage in healthy, active lifestyles. Its annual Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend is April 7 and 8 in Forest Park and downtown. Pictured on the cover: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Donn Sorensen, Mona Langenberg and Dr. Brian Mahaffey. For more information, call 314.727.0800 or visit gostlouis.org. 

Cover design | Allie Bronsky
Cover photo | Tim Parker Photography

Pictured at top: Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Donn Sorensen at the marathon finish line
Photo courtesy of GO! St. Louis