The road to Los Angeles 2028 has officially begun, and it starts in the heart of the Midwest. USA Track & Field (USATF) and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) have announced that St. Louis will host the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials on March 25, 2028.
This selection marks a poignant, full-circle moment for American distance running: 124 years after the city hosted the first-ever Olympic marathon on U.S. soil during the 1904 Games, the nation’s top marathoners will return to St. Louis to compete for their spots on the Olympic stage.
A Nod to History, An Eye on the Future
The 1904 Olympic marathon is remembered today as one of the most chaotic and infamous races in history, characterized by extreme heat, dusty roads, and legendarily bizarre conditions. The 2028 Trials aim to reclaim that Olympic legacy under vastly different circumstances. By scheduling the race for late March, organizers are prioritizing optimal conditions for elite performance, aiming to foster the kind of competitive environment that drives world-class times.
“As America’s first Olympic city that hosted the 1904 Games, that Olympic legacy is really important to us,” said Marc Schreiber, president of the St. Louis Sports Commission.
The proposed course is set to weave through the city’s rich history and modern vibrancy. Plans include a start at Washington University—which houses Francis Olympic Field, the oldest modern Olympic stadium still in active use—before traversing Forest Park, passing the iconic Gateway Arch, and finishing inside the electric atmosphere of Energizer Park, home of Major League Soccer’s St. Louis CITY SC.
Raising the Bar for Qualification
Reflecting the rapid progression in elite marathon times driven by advancements in shoe technology and nutrition, USATF has updated the qualifying standards for the 2028 cycle.
- Men: 2:16:00
- Women: 2:37:00
These adjustments aim to maintain a competitive field size comparable to previous cycles. Ben Rosario, director of athlete experience for the local organizing committee, noted that the men’s standard was a “reasonable and fair change” reflecting the current landscape of the sport. An additional, faster “A” standard—which will include logistical support for travel and accommodations—is expected to be announced by the organizing committee in the coming months.
A Community-Focused Effort
The bid, which saw St. Louis edge out Phoenix, was anchored by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the local nonprofit GO! St. Louis. The committee is co-chaired by Olympic legend and St. Louis native Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who views the event as a catalyst for local impact.
“This is much more than just hosting a race—our plans include using the power and influence of the Olympic Trials in St. Louis to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people throughout the region, inspiring them to chase their dreams and believe anything is possible,” Joyner-Kersee said.
The Road to LA28
For the athletes, the stakes are clear. The top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s races will represent Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, marking the first time the Summer Olympics have been held on U.S. soil since 1996. With the Trials serving as the opening selection event for the entire U.S. Olympic delegation, the eyes of the nation will be firmly fixed on St. Louis.
As we look toward March 2028, the marathon community is buzzing with anticipation. The Trials will be broadcast live on NBC, offering a national platform for the runners who will carry American hopes into the Los Angeles Games. Stay tuned to Marathon Journal as we track the qualifying journey and provide ongoing coverage of the athletes chasing their Olympic dreams in the lead-up to St. Louis.
