Run For 21

Run For 21 takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 8:00 AM CDT starting from the Festival and Parking Plaza on Macklind Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Hosted by the Gateway Down Syndrome Association (formerly the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis) celebrating their 50th Anniversary, this event features an in-person 3.21 mile run (a 5K plus a little extra, honoring the third copy of the 21st chromosome) and a virtual 3.21 mile option. All proceeds benefit the Gateway Down Syndrome Association.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Race Amenities: Race shirt, finisher medal, entry into the Step Up for Down Syndrome celebration, results managed by Start2Finish, and a ticket to the unlimited pancake breakfast by Chris Cakes.
• Shirt & Medal Guarantee: Participants must register by April 21 to guarantee a shirt and medal. All shirts will be available for pickup at the Gateway DSA office on June 4, 5, and 6.
• Packet Pickup: Thursday, June 4 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM), Friday, June 5 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM), Saturday, June 6 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) at Gateway DSA offices (1201 Hanley Industrial Ct, Suite A). Race morning pickup also available at the race site beginning at 7:00 AM.
• Virtual Participants: Option to pay a fee to have shirt and medal mailed. Virtual results can be submitted between Friday, June 5 through Monday, June 8; results become final on Tuesday, June 9. Only in-person participants are eligible for awards.
• Awards: Finisher medals for all participants (guaranteed for registrations by April 30). Awards for the in-person 3.21 mile race to the top 3 overall male and female, and top 3 in each male/female age group: 12 & under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over.
• Location: Race starts and ends in the Upper Muny Parking Lot in Forest Park, adjacent to the Step Up for Down Syndrome celebration.
• Anniversary: The Gateway Down Syndrome Association celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. Run For 21 kicks off the 50th Birthday Party at Step Up for Down Syndrome, helping pave the path for the organization's next 50 years.
• Participants: 284 participants currently registered.
• Contact: Emily Fisher at (314) 833-7508.

Route and Atmosphere:

• Course Setting: Forest Park in St. Louis provides a scenic, accessible course for runners of all abilities. The run coincides with the association's largest celebration of the year – Step Up for Down Syndrome.
• Distance Symbolism: 3.21 miles honors the third copy of the 21st chromosome, celebrating the amazing lives of people with Down syndrome.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Unlimited pancake breakfast, finisher medals for all participants, and a festive celebration create a welcoming environment for families and runners of all ages.
• DO SOMETHING EXTRA: The event encourages participants to go beyond running – to raise awareness, celebrate inclusion, and support the Down syndrome community.
• Celebration & Community: Step Up for Down Syndrome celebration features food, music, activities, and a powerful gathering of families, advocates, and supporters.
• Spectator Experience: Friends and family can enjoy the Forest Park setting, cheer participants at the start/finish, and join the pancake breakfast and Step Up celebration.

Run For 21 in St. Louis, Missouri – hosted by the Gateway Down Syndrome Association for their 50th Anniversary – invites runners to complete an in-person or virtual 3.21 mile course (a 5K plus extra) in Forest Park, with finisher medals, unlimited pancake breakfast, and a celebration honoring people with Down syndrome.