Show Me Your Free State Ultra
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Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra
The Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra is scheduled for October 24, 2026 in St. Joseph, Missouri, with the course beginning and ending at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. The event offers multiple distances on a repeating 25 mile loop that travels along the Missouri River, through Gladden Bottoms, and near the Loess Hills.
Distances:
- 100 mile four laps
- 50 mile two laps
- 50 kilometer one lap plus a short out-and-back
- Marathon one lap plus a finish loop
- Half marathon out-and-back to mile 6.55
Course details include about 138 feet of elevation gain per loop and a surface mix of roughly 10 miles of paved road with the remainder on gravel or crushed limestone levee trail. The route crosses US Highway 36 in Wathena; volunteers monitor that crossing.
Aid support combines manned and unmanned stations. Manned stations offer water, sports drink, soda, salty snacks, fruit, sweets, and warm food and beverages after dark. Unmanned stations provide water and limited snacks. First aid supplies are available at stations.
Logistics and rules note that drop bags are permitted for longer distances with size and labeling requirements and that drop bags must be delivered at packet pickup. Crews may meet runners at designated locations only, and providing material support outside aid stations or driving on unpaved roads can lead to disqualification. Pacers are allowed for 50 mile and 100 mile runners after the first lap and must wear a pacer bib obtained at packet pickup in exchange for a pet food donation.
Age limits apply by distance. Registration policies include no refunds or transfers and require ID at packet pickup. Typical late October conditions bring daytime highs in the upper 60s F and nighttime lows in the lower 40s F. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
