Mainly Marathons Center of the Nation Series
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Center of the Nation : Mainly Marathons (Sept 28–Oct 3, 2026)
Center of the Nation is a six-day race series held Monday, September 28 through Saturday, October 3, 2026, with one race each day in a different state: Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. Distances offered include multiple options across the series.
Packet pickup is available pre-series on Sunday, September 27 at Lions Park (South Shelter) in Cheyenne, WY, and race day packet pickup/registration is available each race day from 5:30 to 6:50 AM at that day’s location.
Course summaries by day:
- Day 1, Cheyenne, WY (Lions Park South Shelter): mixed paved and concrete paths, some shade; estimated 48 ft elevation gain per lap; tentative 14 laps for the marathon.
- Day 2, Sterling, CO (Pioneer Park): fine loose gravel trail, moderate shade; ~40 ft elevation gain per lap; tentative 14 laps for the marathon.
- Day 3, Chadron, NE (Chadron State Park): mostly asphalt with a short grass/dirt section, moderate shade; ~46 ft gain per lap; tentative 14 laps.
- Day 4, Belle Fourche, SD (Rocky Point Recreation Area): smooth asphalt, little shade; ~16 ft gain per lap; tentative 14 laps.
- Day 5, Bowman, ND (North Shore Marina, Bowman-Haley Lake): mostly asphalt with some gravel, very little shade; ~23 ft gain per lap; tentative 12 laps.
- Day 6, Baker, MT (Triangle Park, Lakeview Drive): start/finish on gravel, remainder on closed asphalt, very little shade; ~24 ft gain per lap; tentative 14 laps.
Organizers state a no runner left behind policy; most marathon and shorter races have no formal time limit but participants must finish at least 30 minutes before park closing. The last day of the series has a 10 hour time limit. Pets are not allowed; strollers are permitted.
Medals and awards: all participants receive a shirt, a Starter Medal, a Year Tab Medal, and a State Medal for each race completed. A Series Finisher Medal is awarded to those who complete all six days. A special award is given to first-time full or half marathon participants, and a caboose medal is awarded to the final finisher of each marathon and half marathon.
Registration and fees: entry fees vary by distance and registration date. Example price ranges are Full $120–$165, Half $105–$145, 10K $65–$75, 5K $55–$65, 50K $130–$175. Entry fees are non-refundable and may not be transferred. Registration is available online, by mail, during packet pickup, or on race day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
