Rock 'n Roll Marathon Kicks Off This Weekend | News

This weekend's Rock 'n Roll Marathon in St. Louis City is far more than your typical marathon.  Runners and spectators will be entertained by cheerleading squads and live bands along the 26 mile route.

Organizers predict the St. Louis version will quickly become one of the largest Midwestern marathons in the country.  It sold out with room for 21,000 runners competing in full or half marathons.

Corporate sponsor Solutia, a St. Louis-based specialty chemical firm, is bringing 250 employees from its operations around the world to participate in the race.  They have raised $1.2 million for a St. Louis charity, "TASK" Team Activities for Special Kids in connection with the marathon.

Solutia CEO Jeffry Quinn said, "I challenged our employees to come together as a worldwide organization, raise money, train for a race, come to St. Louis and share something very special."

TASK provides organized sports and other activities for young people with a variety of disabilities.  Participation in the activities helps the students build self confidence.  "Thanks to many, many volunteers who come out and volunteer their time, we've grown to over 15 sports. We have two summer camps. We have a social club that meets Friday nights," explained TASK founder Deb Fruend.

Fruend said the major contribution from the Solutia employees will help move TASK closer to acquiring its own building and athletic facilities.

San Diego was the site of the first Rock 'n Roll Marathon in 1998.  It is presented by Competitor INC in 18 cities and the St. Louis race will rank as one of the five largest events  this year even though it is the first time it has come here.

Event Manager Margie Martin predicted it will showcase the city to thousands of out of towners.  The event could bring as much as $15 million to the St. Louis region.

The two races begin at 7:30 am Sunday at Market and 14th street.  Runners will circle around downtown, head west toward Saint Louis University and then south to Magnolia.  The half marathoners return to downtown through Lafayette Park while the full marathon runners follow a course south to Hampton Avenue, the Holly Hills neighborhood, around Carondelet Park and back north to Tower Grove Park and then east to Lafayette Park before winding up downtown on Chestnut for the finish line.

Spectators are welcome along the course.  But drivers will find multiple road closings during the race Sunday.

Performer Sugar Ray will headline a concert at Chestnut and Tucker Streets from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Runners must pick up their race numbers at the Health and Fitness Expo at the St. Louis convention center (America's Center) on Saturday between 9:00am and 5:00pm.