Students on the GO! Program Inspires Nearly 200 Area Students to Run During Greater St. Louis Marathon Weekend

March 17, 2026

ST. LOUIS (March 17, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Nearly 200 students from across the St. Louis metro area are preparing to lace up their running shoes and achieve a personal milestone as part of the GO! St. Louis Students on the GO! program, culminating during the Greater St. Louis Marathon weekend of events on April 11.

Launched in 2009, Students on the GO! introduces high school students to distance running, wellness, and goal-setting through a structured training program that emphasizes personal growth over competition. This year’s participants represent nine schools across the region: Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, Metro Academic and Classical High School, Parkway North, Parkway West, Belleville West, Collinsville, Villa Duchesne, Maryville Christian, and Ritenour.

Throughout the program, students train together while working toward completing either a 10K or half marathon during marathon weekend. For many participants, the program represents far more than a race.

“Students on the GO! is all about setting a personal goal and working toward that in an encouraging environment,” said Stephanie True, program coordinator for Students on the GO!. “It’s not about winning a race or getting points for a team but proving to yourself that you can accomplish something if you stick to it.”

For students who may be discovering running or confidence in themselves for the first time, the journey often becomes a powerful personal breakthrough.

“Many of the students finish their Saturday training runs and say things like, ‘That’s the farthest I have ever run,’ or ‘I didn’t think I could make it up that hill but I did,’” True said. “On race day, when they receive their finisher’s jacket after completing their 10K or half marathon, you can see the satisfaction on their faces—the joy and relief. It’s very powerful.”

The program reflects GO! St. Louis’ broader mission of encouraging lifelong healthy lifestyles through movement and community engagement. In a time when young people face increasing distractions and sedentary habits, the structure and support offered through Students on the GO! can be transformative.

“There are so many distractions in today’s world,” True said. “Kids need an outlet. They need to move. They need to be outside. They need to be challenged. They need social interaction. Students on the GO! provides all of this in a structured program.”

Over the years, the program has created countless memorable moments, many centered around students who push past their own expectations.

True recalls coaching one student who could barely complete a lap around the track when training began.

“He worked hard to build some running stamina,” she said. “He was never a fast runner, but he was a determined runner. His family came to cheer him on at the finish. Seeing how they came together for him and watching him proudly cross that line to complete a half marathon. I honestly had tears in my eyes.”

“For him, it was a goal met,” she added. “He wore that finisher’s jacket and medal to school the following Monday with such pride.”

As the students prepare for race day in April, the program continues to demonstrate the power of goal-setting, mentorship, and community support.

When participants cross the finish line during Greater St. Louis Marathon weekend, they won’t just be completing a race, they’ll be celebrating months of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth. For many, it will be a moment they carry with them long after race day.

Register for the 2026 Greater St. Louis Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, or 1-mile Family Fun Run.

About GO! St. Louis

GO! St. Louis is a nonprofit organization that encourages individuals and families in the St. Louis region to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle year-round through community collaborations, school-based programming and the creation of accessible fitness events.

Media Contact:
Leah Etling
805.452.3365
Leah.etling@gmail.com