By 9 a.m., the temperature was already giving a preview of what Saturday’s forecast would bring. But the hundreds who lined up for the 9th Annual Northside Trap Run didn’t seem to mind.
After yelling “run for it” nine times to mark the race’s ninth year, they took off.
They came from all walks of life, all age groups and all parts of the region to North St. Louis for a 5K and festival that draws people to a community that has seen decades of divestment. Months before last year’s race, the tornado of May 16, 2025 wiped out blocks at a time — including several along the route. But the Northside Trap Run remained a reminder of the hope that still exists.
“As I was running, I was praying for this community,” said Carlos Pittman. “I prayed a prayer of restoration and healing over every household on the course of this race — and everyone in the race.”
Pittman, 54, finished in 28 minutes.
“I give God the glory,” Pittman said in response to his speed.
Wearing a cut‑off T‑shirt with a verse from Galatians across the back, it was his second time participating. His entire family came out. His grandson ran the race, and his wife, Sherri Pittman, joined friends among the walkers.
Alice Prince made her Northside Trap Run debut Saturday morning. She had tried to get to one since the race’s inception, but travel and schedule conflicts kept her away until 2026. After completing her first Trap Run 5K, she said she won’t miss another.
“This is exactly what North City needs,” Prince said.
Prince had participated in races before, so she expected a good run through the neighborhoods on the course.
“The reality was the electrifying, unified energy that only an event like this community can bring together,” Prince said. “You can’t really put it into words. You have to experience it. I had no idea there was going to be so much community building. The love is just crazy. All the people you have built with — various programs and various initiatives — they were out here running.”
She also appreciated how the community showed up at each corner to encourage runners and walkers.
“I’ve done races before, but I’m not a regular runner — or a walker,” Prince said. “To have the boys of Loyola Academy out here cheering for us, and to have Washington University cheering for us, made all the difference.”
As she showed off her medal, she credited the corner cheerleaders for helping her finish.
“It took a lot out of me,” Prince said. “I can’t say that I didn’t feel like passing out. But every time I was about to tap out, I made it to another corner with the community telling me to keep going — which is what carried me through.”
She came in just ahead of her husband, Carlton Prince.
“It’s some for‑real runners out here,” Carlton said. “They were serious.”
He was right. Some runners finished in well under 20 minutes.
“You see a lot of people who don’t look like they come from this community, who came out to race,” a friend of Carlton’s added. “They wouldn’t know about this neighborhood without this race — and they definitely wouldn’t just be out here.”
His words were echoed by the reaction of Towana Woods, a resident of The Ville. She stopped this reporter to ask about the event after it ended.
“What’s all this?” she asked, rolling down her window. “Is that a stage? What’s the stage for?”
She grew up on Aldine but was displaced by the tornado. She now lives near Christ Pilgrim Rest MB Church — also in the storm’s path.
Her eyes widened and her smile grew when she learned about the Northside Trap Run, which includes a festival with food trucks, vendors and resource providers that brings hundreds from across the region — and the country — to her neighborhood in the name of community building.
“Well, I hope they come back next year,” Woods said. “Because nobody comes to our neighborhood to put on events like this.”
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