Historical February–March 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Make April 6th Spirit Day! Cheer on the Runners of the 2003 Spirit of St. Louis Marathon.
There is no better way to show your neighborhood spirit than by joining family and friends that Sunday morning to encourage Marathon runners as they make their way through our city’s streets.
The marathon course, totaling 26.2 miles, runs along the perimeter of the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood.
The prime viewing spot will be at the corner of Des Peres and Delmar, where spectators will be treated to coffee and snacks while they cheer on the runners. Runners will run past the intersection of Des Peres and Delmar between 9:15 am and 11:30 am. Bring your voice to cheer, your hands to clap, and any other noisemaker you think would provide encouragement – even cowbells!
As many a marathoner will attest, spectators play an important role in keeping runners’ spirits high over the course of the race. “I’ve run a lot of marathons and you always reach a point where the neighborhoods and spectators are the only reason to keep going,” said resident Jennifer Olmstead. who is leading the charge to drum up spectator support. “When I run to Forest Park in the mornings, I always see a lot of runners in the neighborhood.
If you have ever run a marathon, aspire to run a marathon, or just like to encourage people, you should definitely join me between 9:15 and 11:30 on Sunday, April 6 to watch the race. Last year, more than 3,500 runners participated in all the events associated with the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend. Organizers hope to boost that number to more than 6,000 in 2003.
The Spirit of St. Louis & Family Fitness Weekend kicks off Friday, April 4 with a Health and fitness expo at America’s Center.
On Saturday, April 5, organizers host Family Day in Forest Park. Fitness events include the Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk – with Mayor Francis Slay participating – and the Children’s Fun Runs featuring a Diaper Dash, 50- and 100- yard dashes, and a 1/2-mile run.
This year, St. Louis will host the 2003 USA Women’s Marathon Championship, which will take place on Saturday prior to the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon.
The Championship runners will start on the track at Washington University’s Francis Field, site of the 1904 Olympic Marathon and complete the remainder of the race in Forest Park.
The Spirit of St. Louis Marathon will start and end at Soldiers Memorial in downtown St. Louis, with the course running through several of St. Louis’ most unique neighborhoods, including Skinker DeBaliviere.
In addition to the traditional Marathon and Marathon Relay, organizers have introduced a Half Marathon.
To register or find out more about the St. Louis Marathon, check out the website at http://www.stlouismarathon. com www.stlouismarathon. com or call 314-727-0800 to obtain an entry form.
If you are planning on running the marathon (anyone can do it!), please let Jennifer Olmstead know so we will be sure to watch for you and to cheer you on. Skinker DeBaliviere Neighborhood Spirit Station Des Peres and Delmar intersection 9:15-11:30 a.m., Sunday, April 6, 2003 For more information, contact Jennifer Olmstead at jsolmstead@hotmail.com.
Original photograph caption
Marathon runners pass Tivoli Theatre in original source illustration. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2003_02.pdf, printed page(s) 2, 5; PDF page(s) 2, 5.
