Winter fitness gets its proving ground this spring, as runners, cyclists, paddlers, and eco-enthusiasts converge across Missouri.

From ultramarathon loops and lung-busting criteriums to whitewater showdowns and a festival in the park, these four events offer the perfect excuse to shake off hibernation and get back outside.

 

(Howard Aslinger Foundation)

Howard Aslinger Endurance Run
When Howard Aslinger was 11 years old, he contracted polio, which put him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. But he didn’t let this stop him from staying active. He sold insurance for more than 30 years, served as Rotary president, and coached his three daughters in soccer. On March 13-14, you can run in his honor at this endurance event in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, which offers a 24-hour run, two 12-hour runs (day and night), and a one-hour run. ultrasignup.com

 

(Big Shark Bicycle Co.)

Tour of St. Louis
Kick off your cycling season on March 21-22 at the Tour of St. Louis, the Midwest’s first true test of winter fitness. Across two days and three distinct events, you’ll tackle an 11-mile time trial through Wildwood’s rolling roads, then charge into the technical, uphill-finishing Carondelicious Criterium in Carondelet Park. The weekend closes in Forest Park with the Mike Murray Classic, a fast, scenic criterium looping past St. Louis landmarks and doubling as the second stop on the Midwest collegiate calendar.

 

(John Niebling)

Missouri Whitewater Championships
On March 27-29, paddlers from across the Midwest will converge on Fredericktown for the Missouri Whitewater Championships, one of North America’s oldest whitewater races. Held on the rock-strewn St. Francis River, the event features downriver racing, precision slalom runs, and the high-energy chaos of boatercross. With divisions for all skill levels and plenty of shoreline action, spectators get in on the fun, too — sometimes literally, thanks to crowd-favorite side events.

 

(EarthDay365)

St. Louis Earth Day Festival
Whether you want to learn about sustainable products, connect with local environmental nonprofits, or simply enjoy great food, drinks, and entertainment outdoors, the Earth Day Festival has you covered. Forest Park hosts this annual tradition April 25–26, with family-friendly fun like rock climbing, yoga, live music and dance, bird shows, and hands-on tours of a 30-foot canoe from Big Muddy Adventures. Stop by the Terrain booth to say hello and grab a free magazine and sticker!

Top image: Courtesy of EarthDay365.