Heart of America Marathon & Fun Team Relay
The Columbia Track Club presents the 67th running of the Heart of America Marathon, the 2nd oldest continuously running marathon in the US, and the 7th annual Fun Team Relay.
Date: Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026
Start Time: 6:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT)
Location: Boone County History and Culture Center (Nifong Park), 3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO 65201
Key Features:
- Continuously running since 1960.
- Features the world-famous Easley Hill and running on the Katy Trail along the Missouri River.
- Includes approximately 5.5 miles of well-maintained gravel roads/trails.
- Low-frill, hometown feel with deep community roots.
- Six-hour time limit (strictly enforced). Finish area closes at 12:00 p.m.
Courses and Pricing:
- Marathon: 26.2 Miles. Pricing ranges from $75.00 to $150.00 depending on registration date.
- Fun Team Relay (per person): 26.2 Miles (team effort). Pricing ranges from $50.00 to $80.00 per person depending on registration date. Teams consist of 2-4 runners.
Registration Policies: No race-day registration, no refunds. Optional race insurance available. Transfers to another runner allowed until September 5 at noon.
Awards: Marathon (Overall, Masters, Super Masters, Grand Masters M/F), Fun Team Relay (Overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd), and Special Awards (Dave Schulte Award, Joe Schroeder Award, Average Joe Award).
Packet Pickup: Sunday: 2:00–5:00 p.m. Race Day: 5:00–5:30 a.m. at Boone County History and Culture Center.
Contact: [email protected] or Facebook: facebook.com/heartofamericamarathon
