Cocoa Classic 5k - Cocoa Classic 5k
External Event
Distance
3.1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Road
Difficulty
All Levels
About this run
Cocoa Classic 5K — St. Louis Sunday, November 8, 2026 · 11:00 a.m. Washington University in St. Louis, Danforth Campus www.runcocoaclassic.com The Cocoa Classic is a 5K with a purpose: raising money for mental health work reaching teens and young adults before a crisis, not after. The race was founded by Collin Maher as a high school sophomore in Atlanta, after he noticed kids at a local food bank wearing worn-out shoes. What started as an Eagle Scout project put new shoes on more than 1,600 children. Collin died by suicide in May 2026, weeks after finishing his freshman year at WashU. He was 19. This race is the St. Louis Cocoa Classic — run on the campus he loved, on Olympic ground, for the young people who need someone to notice. The course runs through the Danforth Campus: 169 acres of Collegiate Gothic architecture and an accredited arboretum, at the best week of the year for it. The 1904 Olympic Games were held here — the first anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. Registration $35 — Through October 8 $40 — October 9 through November 7 $45 — Race day Every finisher receives a Cocoa Classic shirt, and there's hot cocoa at the line. Bose speakers for overall Male and Female winners Custom Cocoa Classic medals for overall, masters, and age group winners. Chip-timed by Big River Race Management. Walkers and strollers welcome. Come to race it, or come to walk it with your family. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.
Typical conditions
For events around November 2026 in Saint Louis, MO, United States: Typical autumn conditions in this region — conditions can change quickly; confirm race-day guidance on the official page.
How to prepare
Most runners can prepare for a 5K with a few weeks of easy runs and one short faster session per week. Focus on consistency, not volume, and rest the day before race day.
Beginner's guide to your first 5KGetting there
This event is listed in Saint Louis, MO, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
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