Mainly Marathons Heartland Series
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Heartland Series : July 11 to July 17, 2026
The Heartland Series is seven consecutive race days in different Midwestern towns: Hicksville OH; Niles MI; Portage IN; Fulton IL; Clinton IA; Sparta WI; and St. Cloud MN. Each day offers multiple distance options and uses multi-loop courses with low elevation gain per lap.
Distances offered:
- Full marathon
- Half marathon
- 50K
- 10K
- 5K
Course notes: most courses use smooth paved or asphalt paths; shade and surface details vary by location. Examples include a very flat asphalt course in Hicksville with little shade, a shaded paved path through woods in Portage, mostly paved routes with a few gravel patches and covered bridges in Sparta, and shaded paths with water views in St. Cloud. Tentative lap counts are used for marathon distances at each site.
Support and amenities: the series operates a single large aid station on course with a wide range of food and drink, plus a mobile kitchen. There is no official time limit for finishing; walkers are welcome. Pets are not allowed; strollers are permitted.
Registration and logistics: registration is available online, by mail-in form, or at packet pickup and on race day. A pre-series packet pickup is scheduled Friday, July 10 at the Defiance County Fairgrounds in Hicksville, Ohio from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. A $10 discount applies to active military and to members of clubs that list these events; a local participant discount is also available.
Awards and medals: all participants receive a shirt and multiple medals per state race, including a Starter Medal, Year Tab Medal, and State Medal. Completing all seven days earns a Series Finisher Medal. Special awards include a first-marathon/half-marathon recognition and a caboose medal for each final finisher in marathon and half marathon events. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
