Heart of America Marathon & Fun Team Relay

The Columbia Track Club Presents

The 67th Running of the Heart of America Marathon

Event Date & Time

• Date: Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026
• Time: 6:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT)
• Location: 3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO
• Tradition: Since 1960

Important Links

• Runner Instructions: 2025 Runner Instructions
• Course Map: 2025 Heart of America Course Map
• Race Photos: 2025 Mile 90 Photography Photos

Why Run the Heart of America Marathon?

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

Important Race Notes

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

Event Details

Location:

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

Marathon Registration Pricing

• February 14 – May 25: $81.00 or less ($75 + $6 or less processing)
• May 26 – July 4: $102.20 or less ($95.00 + $7.20 or less processing)
• July 5 – August 30: $134.00 or less ($125 + $9 or less processing)
• August 31 - September 5: $160.50 or less ($150 + $10.50 or less processing)

Fun Team Relay

• Team Size: Teams of 2–4 runners
• Registration: Each team member registers and pays separately
• Relay Registration Pricing:
  • Feb 14 – May 25 – $54.50 or less ($50 + $4.50 or less processing)
  • May 26 – July 4 – $70.40 or less ($65 + $5.40 or less processing)
  • July 5 – Aug 30 – $86.30 or less ($80 + $6.30 or less processing)
• Relay Notes:
  • No relay registrations after August 30.
  • Team changes must be submitted by September 4.
  • Team captains are encouraged to create a team password.
  • Do not join a team unless invited.

Registration Policies

• No race-day registration
• No refunds
• Optional race insurance: Available at checkout
• Transfers: Allowed until September 5 at noon

Course Overview

• Distance: 26.2 miles starting and finishing at Nifong Park
• Terrain: Approximately 5.5 miles of well-maintained gravel roads/trails
• Sights: Katy Trail, Missouri River views, Cooper’s Landing, Pierpont General Store
• Challenges: Features the legendary Easley Hill

Aid Stations

• Water and Ice: Available at all stations
• Sports Drink: Provided 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
• Nutrition: No nutrition provided — plan accordingly

Post-Race & Amenities

• Snacks: Post-race snacks and water at finish
• Celebration: Finish-line celebration open to all
• Center Hours: Boone County History and Culture Center open 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Contact Information

• Address: Email race directors at comoheart1960@gmail.com
• Facebook: Like Heart of America on Facebook at Heart of America Marathon Facebook
• Website: Heart of America Marathon