Book It: Foam Run

The Book It: Foam Run is a free, family-oriented community event scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Arnold City Park in Arnold, Missouri. Hosted by the Jefferson County Library and sponsored by the Arnold Tourism Commission, the event promotes community literacy and healthy activity. Participants can choose between a timed 5K course or an untimed 1-mile "fun run" option, both of which feature foam stations. The event is open to the general public, regardless of residency, and serves as a spring celebration for readers and runners alike.

Arnold is the largest city in Jefferson County, Missouri, with a population of approximately 21,100 residents. The demographic profile of Arnold is roughly 91.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian, and 0.8% Black or African American, with 3.3% identifying with two or more races. The median annual household income in the city is approximately $78,370. Geographically, Arnold City Park spans 68 acres along the Meramec River, featuring an 8-acre fishing lake and paved trails that provide a level surface for the foam run. The climate in mid-April typically features average lows of 13°C (55°F) and highs of 23°C (74°F). Spring weather in the St. Louis metropolitan area can be variable, with a possibility of thunderstorms, though the "foam" nature of the run often accommodates damp conditions.

Registration for the 2026 Book It: Foam Run is free of charge, though advanced sign-up is required through Race Roster to manage the high volume of participants, which reached over 600 entrants by mid-April. Pre-race packet pickup at the Windsor Branch is highly encouraged to minimize delays on the morning of the event. The course is designed to be inclusive, accommodating strollers and young children who wish to walk the untimed mile. Beyond the race, the Jefferson County Library uses this platform to highlight local literacy resources and health and wellness programming available at their various branches. The event is a key highlight of the Arnold Tourism Commission’s spring calendar, drawing visitors to the park’s extensive recreational facilities and local amenities.