It’s official, the Olympics are returning to America’s First Olympic City. The 2028 US Olympic Marathon Trials will take place in St. Louis on March 25, 2028, where six athletes will earn their spots on the 2028 USA Olympic Team.
This is massive news for St. Louis. Not only because the event itself is expected to draw nearly 100k in attendance, but the fact that our city was the top choice over Phoenix, whom also placed a bid.
Here is a deep dive as to why St. Louis is the best fit to host the first Olympic event on the road to LA28.
1. Olympic Legacy & Community Engagement
Community engagement for the event was an important metric for any city when making the decision. Simply put, they wanted a city to host with passion. And as America’s First Olympic City, St. Louis bleeds just that.
There is a meaningful pride the St. Louis community holds behind being a premier sports event HUB, and it begins the historical legacy. The race is set to begin at Washington University, the same location where the first Olympic Marathon contested on US soil 124 years prior.
2. Unmatched Professionalism and Organizational Support
Hosting the Olympic Marathon Trials requires far more than closing roads and setting up a start line. It demands years of planning, coordination, fundraising, and execution.
Thanks to the support of GO! St. Louis and The St. Louis sports Commission, we assembled a bid backed by experienced organizers, committed sponsors, civic partners, and community leaders who demonstrated a clear vision for delivering a world-class event.
From logistical planning and public safety coordination to volunteer recruitment and financial support, the city’s bid showcased the level of professionalism required to host one of the most significant events in American distance running.
The collaborative effort between local organizations, sponsors, and event leaders helped create confidence that St. Louis could not only host the trials, but elevate them. That level of preparation and commitment played a major role in separating the city from other candidates.
3. A Championship Environment for Athletes
At the center of every Marathon Trials decision are the athletes themselves.
The event determines who will represent the United States at the Olympic Games, making athlete experience a top priority throughout the selection process.
St. Louis offers an ideal combination of race infrastructure, accessibility, medical support, accommodations, and course design. The city provides the resources necessary to ensure athletes can focus entirely on performance while organizers handle the complexities surrounding race day.
The course and event plan were designed with elite competition in mind, creating an environment where athletes can compete fairly and safely for a place on Team USA.
For runners chasing an Olympic dream, every detail matters. St. Louis demonstrated that it could provide the conditions necessary for athletes to perform at their highest level on one of the biggest stages of their careers.
The Road to LA28 Begins in St. Louis
The Olympic Marathon Trials are more than a race—they are the first chapter of America’s Olympic journey to Los Angeles in 2028.
St. Louis earned the opportunity to host that chapter through its passion for Olympic history, the professionalism of its organizing partners, and its commitment to creating an exceptional experience for athletes.
More than 120 years after welcoming the nation’s first Olympic competition, America’s First Olympic City will once again play a role in shaping Olympic dreams.
And on March 25, 2028, the road to LA28 will begin right here in St. Louis.