Steph @ the Go! St. Louis Marathon

What was the best part of your race experience?
STL Run Crew. I’m a proud St. Louisan. I mean who wouldn’t be proud of growing up in a city known for having one of the best accents in the United States 😂 As much of a flex as that is, I’m even more proud of how run crew culture is evolving in St. Louis. I wasn’t aware of a run crew in St. Louis when I left 10 years ago. Then there was Ricky. A man from the same place I’m from on a mission to create diverse spaces for ALL to move and connect. I met Ricky 1,000 miles away from our hometown as we cheered for NYC marathoners last fall. He shared his vision for elevating the Go! St. Louis Marathon and attracting more diverse runners from near and far. My mind was made up - it was time to run a marathon at home. Not for me, for the culture. Showing up for and supporting STL Run Crew was the best part of my race experience. Ricky and his crew hosted a top tier race weekend!

How was this race different than other races?
I’ve completed several marathons including a few World Major Marathons, but this one will always be my favorite. It was the first time I ran a marathon in the city I’m from and connected with my mother at the finish line. Seeing my mother in a DRC shirt is something I’ll never forget. Watching her embrace DRC Co-founder/Lead Captain Matt Green AND ask him to sign her shirt (can’t take her nowhere lol) warmed my heart. Not to mention dining at the illustrious Imos Pizza and getting a post-race roll in with the crew at Skate King. Another race could never - meet me in St. Louis!

Did you have a mantra, goal, or "why" for this race?
Mantra: Get it sexy…for obvious reasons 😂 Goal: Experience my hometown like never before… My Why: To share the city that raised me with the crew that made me a marathoner. St. Louis and District Running Collective will always have a special place in my heart 🫶 Always. If you’d like to experience one of the top 10 accents in the US, pull up to DRC Wednesdays and Saturdays. I’ll be thurrrrrr!