Heart of America Marathon & Relay
The 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?
- Continuously running since 1960 — be part of history
- Home of the world-famous Easley Hill Run
- The race with HEART — heat, hills, and humidity included at no extra charge
- 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
Time Limit: Six-hour time limit (strictly enforced). Finish area closes at 12:00 p.m.
Marathon Registration Pricing
- February 14 – May 25: $75.00 - $85.00
- May 26 – July 4: $85.00 - $95.00
- July 5 – August 30: $95.00 - $105.00
- August 31 - September 5 (noon): $105.00 - $115.00
Shirt size not guaranteed for registrations after August 30. Final pricing depends on number of registrants per transaction. 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: $50.00 - $65.00
- May 26 – July 4: $65.00 - $80.00
- July 5 – Aug 30: $80.00 - $95.00
Important 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. The relay course follows the same course as the marathon.
Course Overview
26.2 miles starting and finishing at Nifong Park. Includes approximately 5.5 miles of well-maintained gravel roads/trails. Features the legendary Easley Hill. This is an open course; runners must run single file where required.
Course Description: 26.2 miles starting at the Boone County History and Culture Center at Nifong Park, running 11 miles down to the Katy Trail for 1.5 miles along the scenic Missouri River, past Cooper’s Landing and the historic community of Easley. Picturesque rural landscape abounds along the winding uphill Route N. Passing the Pierpont General Store, the course skirts Rock Bridge State Park before heading back toward Columbia, to Philips Lake, then back to the Boone County History and Culture Center. Approximately 5.5 miles of the course is on well-maintained gravel roads/trail.
Aid Stations (13 Total)
Water and ice at all stations; sports drink starting at Cooper’s Landing. No nutrition provided — plan accordingly.
Portable Toilets
Located at the Start line, VU (Mile 3.8), Rt K/Old Plank (mile 7), Cooper's Landing, Nashville Church/Sapp (Mile 15), Pierpont General Store (Mile 18), Shooting Star Trailhead (Mile 20), and Philips Lake (Mile 23).
Packet Pickup
- Sunday: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
- Race Day: 5:00–5:30 a.m.
Location: Boone County History and Culture Center
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
- Special Awards: Dave Schulte Award, Joe Schroeder Award, Average Joe Award
Post-Race & Amenities
- Post-race snacks and water at finish
- Finish-line celebration open to all
- Boone County History and Culture Center open 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (free admission, air-conditioned)
Shirts
Lightweight Unisex Long Sleeve Quarter Zip (Extras +$20.00). Color: White.
Lodging
TownePlace Suites by Mariott Columbia (0.8 miles from start). Group rate: $139/night. Booking deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026.
Volunteer & Charity
Volunteers needed. Contact [email protected]. Charity Partner: Mid-Missouri Fisher House.
About Columbia Track Club
Founded in 1968, Columbia Track Club is a dedicated nonprofit organization promoting health, fitness, and fun through distance running and race-walking for all ages. We foster a supportive community and provide accessible events.