Heart of America Marathon & Relay

Columbia Track Club Presents

The 67th Heart of America Marathon & the 7th annual relay

The 2nd oldest continuously running marathon in the US!

Why Run the Heart of America Marathon?

• History: Continuously running since 1960 — be part of history
• Easley Hill: Home of the world-famous Easley Hill
• Race with HEART: Heat, hills, and humidity included at no extra charge
• Community Roots: Low-frill, hometown feel with deep community roots

Event Details

Location:
Boone County History and Culture Center (Nifong Park)
3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO 65201

Start Time:
6:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT)
First Monday in September

Please Note:

• Time Limit: Six-hour time limit (strictly enforced)
• Finish Area: Closes at 12:00 p.m.
• Cutoff Extensions: Please do not ask for cutoff extensions

Marathon Registration Pricing

February 14 – May 25 - $82.50 or less ($75 + $7.50 or less processing)
May 26 – July 4 - $93.10 or less ($85.00 + $8.10 or less processing)
July 5 – August 30 - $103.70 or less ($95 + $8.70 or less processing)
August 31 - September 5 (noon) - $114.30 or less ($105 + $9.30 or less processing)

• Shirt Size: Not guaranteed for registrations after August 30
• Final Pricing: Depends on number of registrants per transaction
• Early Registration: Register early to ensure your preferred shirt size

Relay (50-Team Limit)

Teams of 2–4 runners

Each team member registers and pays separately.
Feb 14 – May 25 – $55.00 or less ($50 + $5.00 or less processing fee)
May 26 – July 4 – $71.90 or less ($65 + $6.90 or less processing fee)
July 5 – Aug 30 – $87.80 or less ($80 + $7.80 or less processing fee)

Important Relay Notes:

• No Registrations: No relay registrations after August 30
• Team Changes: Must be submitted by September 4
• Team Captains: Encouraged to create a team password
• Joining Teams: Do not join a team unless invited

The relay course follows the same course as the marathon, therefore the same course information given above applies to the relay as well. Relay teams may have 2 - 4 members who work together to complete the traditional marathon course. Relay legs are 3.8 miles, 7.7 miles, 6.9 miles, and 7.8 miles.(THIS WILL BE UPDATED IN 2026)

Registration Policies

• No Race-Day Registration: No race-day registration
• No Refunds: No refunds
• Race Insurance: Optional race insurance available at checkout
• Transfers: Allowed until September 5 at noon. Please process through your RunSignUp account. See Transferring Information

Course Overview

• Distance: 26.2 miles starting and finishing at Nifong Park
• Terrain: Includes approximately 5.5 miles of well-maintained gravel roads/trails
• Landmarks: Katy Trail, Missouri River views, Cooper’s Landing, Pierpont General Store
• Challenge: Features the legendary Easley Hill
• Course Type: Open course — runners must run single file where required

USATF Certification: #MO21024MU (to be updated for 2026)

Aid Stations

Water and ice at all stations: sports drink starting at Cooper’s Landing. Stations at miles: 3.8, 7, 9.7, ~12, 12.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24.5, 25.

Please Note: No nutrition provided — plan accordingly

Portable Toilets

Toilet facilities will be located at the Start line and at various points along the course. Details include:

• Start Line: Three toilets will be located outside
• History Center: Front area restrooms open at 5:30 a.m.
• Mile 3.8: VU
• Other Locations: Various facilities at aid stations throughout the course

Packet Pickup

Sunday: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Race Day: 5:00–5:30 a.m.

Location: Boone County History and Culture Center

• Shirt Size Changes: No size changes at pickup.
• Relay Members: One member may pick up for the entire team.

Awards

Marathon:

• Overall: 1st–3rd M/F
• Masters (40+): 1st–3rd M/F
• Super Masters (50+): 1st M/F
• Grand Masters (60+): 1st M/F

Relay:

• Overall: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (regardless of team size or gender)

Special Awards:

• Dave Schulte Award: Most improved performance
• Joe Schroeder Award: First-time marathon winners (M/F)
• Average Joe Award: Closest to the mean finishing time

Post-Race & Amenities

• Snacks: Post-race snacks and water at finish
• Celebration: Finish-line celebration open to all
• History Center: Open 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (free admission, air-conditioned)

Additional information to be announced