St. Louis Marathons, Half-Marathons
and 5K Runs
St. Louis is host to several amazing running festivals and events throughout the year. First up in the academic year is the St. Louis Rock’n’Roll Marathon in late October which features many rock bands performing original songs and covers of your favorites along the half marathon and marathon course to motivate you to the finish or to a new personal record. For the run-happy, there is also the Go! St. Louis Marathon/Half Marathon in early April. If you’re not yet ready for the marathon running scene, don’t fret. St. Louis is host to countless 5K runs including the Color Run (April and September), the Gateway Cupcake 5K (October), the Ugly Christmas Sweater Run (December), and the Go! St. Louis Halloween Race (October). For those looking for a more intense experience, St. Louis also hosts Tough Mudders (September) and a Zombie Run for Your Lives race (September) that a group of WUSM students goes to every year.
— James K., M1
Steinberg Ice Skating Rink
400 Jefferson Dr.
The Steinberg Ice Skating Rink is another one of Forest Park’s great treasures. Located a short walk from campus, it was the location of one of the Entering Class of 2013’s social events. The rink has a moderately-sized skating surface with two bonfires burning nearby if you want to take a break from skating (or from falling down in some cases). There is also a well-stocked caf. for welldeserved refreshments. Skating admission costs $6 and skate rentals cost $5, with season passes available for those of you who are more inclined. If you haven’t ever skated before, they also offer lessons during the winter months. Steinberg Skating Rink is definitely something you want to check out at least a few times during the winters in St. Louis.
— James K., M1
Upper Limits Rock Climbing
326 S. 21st St.
Upper Limits is a fun way to spend an afternoon while also getting some exercise! It’s an indoor climbing gym with two locations in St. Louis (Downtown and West County). It has dozens of different climbing paths in a variety of difficulties and styles, from the standard belay-assisted climbing to freeclimbing and bouldering. For the occasional climber, you can get a one-time pass with or without equipment rental. If you enjoy climbing more often, you can buy monthly or yearly memberships. They also have some pretty good classes (it’s a good idea to take advantage of these if you’re a beginner). The facilities are well taken care of and popular (but not too packed). If you haven’t been climbing before, give it a shot — it’s a blast!
— Shari B., M1
Skyzone
17379 Edison Ave.
Did you miss out on the trampoline-jumping days of our childhood? Or were you once a competitive gymnast and miss the feeling of flying? Or maybe you just have a lot of energy built up from too many hours sitting still in classes? No matter the reason, if you have any desire to jump on trampolines, then Sky Zone is for you! It’s basically a gym with three arenas full of trampolines lined up side-by-side and end-to-end. You can jump, flip, and play trampoline dodge ball. They also have a foam pit so that even if you’ve never flipped before, you can try it safely there. It’s a phenomenal workout and a tremendously fun group activity!
— Morgan S., M1
Moolah Lanes
3821 Lindell Blvd.
Moolah Lanes is located in the basement of the Moolah Temple, which is altogether a pretty neat place (see also: Moolah Theatre). The bowling area is spacious, well-lit, and clean, with a bar and lounge with plenty of seating conveniently located right next to the lanes. In my experiences at the Moolah, the patrons appear to be mostly Saint Louis University students. (You can make non-WU friends, or live by the #NoNewFriends code — your choice.) Regardless, the Moolah Lanes are pretty relaxed and unpretentious; if you’re into bowling, they’re also the closest bowling alley to the medical campus, so you might as well pay it a visit.
— Jeffery M., M1