The Great Chase

A Race Where Everyone Has a Shot at the Win

Forget the usual “everyone starts together” race. This is a chase, a hunt, and a finish-line showdown all rolled into one. We’re reviving a legendary St. Louis race and bringing it into the 21st century!

Here’s the kicker: your race doesn’t start when the gun goes off… it starts when your turn comes. Using official, calculated age-grading tables, we’ll set your start time based on your age and gender. But no matter when you start, everyone has the same goal: — chase down anyone in front of them before the finish line!

Q: What’s “age grading”?
A: It’s a way of adjusting running performances based on your age, gender, and race distance. The calculations are based on published standards — not something we make up — so it’s fair, consistent, and scientific. View our Age / Gender Start Time Chart HERE.

Q: How is this different from a normal race?
A: Instead of everyone starting at the same time, you start earlier or later depending on your age and gender. That means some runners get a head start, and others are chasing.

Q: Who starts first?
A: Our oldest participants — specifically women — will lead off. The youngest, fastest men start last at 7:45 AM and try to catch everyone.

Q: Why do it this way?
A: It levels the playing field so runners of all ages can compete for the same overall prize. Plus, it makes for an exciting, unpredictable finish.

Q: When will I know my start time?
A: We’ll post assigned start times before race day so you can plan your arrival and warm-up.

Q: Is this a timed event?
A: Yes — you’ll have an official chip time, but your finish place is what wins you an award in this race.

How It Works

Age grading is a method of leveling the playing field by adjusting for age, gender, and race distance. It’s based on standardized, published data that allows fair comparison across different ages and genders. In this event, that science determines your head start — or lack thereof. 

Runners will start in groups according to age and gender, and will be released approximately every 30 seconds.  Your exact start time and more specific instructions will be emailed to you during race week. 

Why It’s Fun

• Level playing field: Every age group has a genuine shot at the overall win.
• Dynamic race atmosphere: You’ll be both the hunter and the hunted.
• Great for spectators: The finish line will be a great mix of ages and speeds converging.

Details 

• 10K starting and finishing from Frontier Park in Old Town St. Charles, utilizing roads and some sections of the Katy Trail. The course is mostly flat. 
• Awards will go to overall finishers — not just by age group — because in this format, everyone is in the same race.  Top 75 overall finishers will receive an award. 
• All participants will receive a long-sleeve event shirt, finisher’s medal, and lots of finish line fun!

Packet Pickup information coming soon.

Location: Frontier Park, St. Charles, MO
Race Time: between 7:15am - 7:45am (your exact start time will be based on gender and age)

Course information coming soon.