Heart of America Marathon
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Heart of America Marathon & Relay
The Heart of America Marathon is a historic running event in Columbia, Missouri, first established in 1960. It is recognized as one of the oldest continuously running marathons in the United States. Organized by the Columbia Track Club, the event features both a full marathon and a relay option for teams.
The course covers a total distance of 26.2 miles, starting and finishing at the Boone County History and Culture Center in Nifong Park. The route is characterized by its rural landscape and varied terrain, including approximately 5.5 miles of well-maintained gravel roads and trails. Participants run through several notable areas, including:
- Marathon: A 26.2-mile course featuring Easley Hill and sections of the Katy Trail.
- Relay (per person): A team-based version of the marathon for groups of 2-4 runners.
The course includes the legendary Easley Hill and offers views of the Missouri River. Runners pass historic landmarks such as the Pierpont General Store and Cooper's Landing. As an open course, participants are required to run single-file on public roads. There are 13 aid stations providing water and ice, with sports drinks available at later stations. However, personal nutrition is not provided.
A strict six-hour time limit is enforced for all participants, with the finish area closing exactly six hours after the start. Awards are presented for overall winners, masters, and special categories such as the Dave Schulte Award for improved performance and the Average Joe Award for finishing closest to the mean time. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
