City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 3:00 AM CDT
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Run Missouri's long-standing City of Roses Half Marathon or 5K on a scenic paved course with competitive prizes and a festive finish.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
Fun
Scenic
CompetitiveGreat for
- Beginner Friendly
Beginner FriendlyDiscover the City of Roses Half Marathon & 5K, a cherished annual event in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Now in its 46th year, this race invites you to experience a beautifully supported course winding through residential areas and out into the scenic county. Expect paved roads, charming horse farms, and tree-filled woods. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or enjoying the journey, this event offers a welcoming atmosphere with competitive awards and a delightful post-race celebration.
What to expect
- Run a well-supported paved course through residential areas, past horse farms, and into the beautiful county.
- Enjoy water stops every 1-2 miles with Gatorade available from mile 6, manned by encouraging volunteers.
- Celebrate at the finish with a cheering crowd, pancakes, coffee, traditional snacks, and locally brewed beer.
Standout details
- 46th Annual event
- Scenic paved course
- Cash prizes for half marathon
- Post-race pancakes & local beer
Perks & features
- Food & Drink
- Shirt
- USATF Certified
Food & Drink
Shirt
USATF CertifiedFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Distances & registration
3 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
5K
1 option · closes Sep 26, 2026, 7:59 AM CDT
4mo 26d 23h 41m leftGeneral entry
Closes Sep 26, 2026, 7:59 AM CDT · From $32.80
Half Marathon
2 options · closes Sep 26, 2026, 7:59 AM CDT
4mo 26d 23h 41m leftGeneral entry
Closes Sep 26, 2026, 7:59 AM CDT · From $54.00
Relay
Closes Sep 25, 2026, 1:00 PM CDT · From $160.00
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
From the organizer
Must register by September 13 to be guaranteed a 5K T-Shirt or Half Marathon Long Sleeve Tech Shirt . SIGN UP NOW! We will not be ordering surplus shirts.
Race Day Registration is available during packet pickup Saturday & Sunday. Online registration closes Friday at midnight.
46th Annual City of Roses Half Marathon and 5K Weekend . The 5K Race and the Half Marathon will be held Sunday, September 27th. 5K will start at 7AM, Half Marathon 7:10AM (6:30 Non-competitive early start available for Half Marathon)
HALF MARATHON PRIZES! Overall Male & Female - $300 Overall Masters Male & Female - $200
Relay Option - Get a team of 3 and have a great time!
Join the fun by running Missouri’s premium, long-standing City of Roses Half Marathon. This course takes you along a paved trail through residential Cape Girardeau and out into the beautiful county. The course is well supported with volunteers to keep you safe as you wind around, up and down paved roads, past horse farms, tree-filled woods and beautiful homes. You will loop back to the Osage Center to find a cheering crowd and lots of good food, water, Gatorade and locally brewed beer. There will be pancakes & coffee along with traditional post-race snacks. This race is in its 46th consecutive year. Water stops are available every 2 miles in the beginning, then every mile from mile 8 on. Gatorade will be available at the water stops from mile 6 through the end of the race. The Water Stops are manned by some really happy people, ready to encourage you on your journey. We offer an early start for those who feel they may take longer than 3 hours to complete the course.
Our City of Roses 5K is a flat, fast USATF Certified Course on a paved trail. There will be lots of cheering and snacks at the finish.
Virtual Option - Run your best between September 1 and September 30, 2026.
AWARDS -
Half Marathon Awards will be recognized for Overall Male, Overall Female, Overall Masters Male & Female, and 5 year age divisions - 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, through 65-69, 70 +.
5K Awards will be recognized for Overall Male, Overall Female, and 5 year age divisions - 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, through 65-69, 70 +
Saturday September 26th, 2026:
3:00-6:00 Packet pick up at the Osage Center
Sunday September 27th, 2026
5:30-6:30 AM Half Marathon & 5K Packet Pickup
6:30 AM Walkers & Non-Competitive Runners Start*
7:00 AM 5K Start
7:10 AM Half Marathon Start
7:45 AM Awards Ceremony for 5K
9::40 AM Awards Ceremony for Half Marathon
*There are no awards for those runners that start at 6:30, but they are eligible for finishers metals.