Heart of America Marathon & Relay

• 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 – $54.50 or less ($50 + $4.50 or less processing fee)
May 26 – July 4 – $70.40 or less ($65 + $5.40 or less processing fee)
July 5 – Aug 30 – $86.30 or less ($80 + $6.30 or less processing fee)

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
• Do not join a team unless invited

The relay course follows the same course as the marathon, therefore the same course information given above applies to the relay as well. Relay teams  may have 2 - 4 members who work together to complete the traditional marathon course. Relay legs are 3.8 miles (Start to Veterans United (VU) - southernmost entrance from Providence), 7.7 miles (VU to Cooper’s Landing), 6.9 miles (Cooper’s Landing to Pierpont General Store), and 7.8 miles (Pierpont General Store to Finish). (THIS WILL BE UPDATED IN 2026)

• No race-day registration
• No refunds
• Optional race insurance available at checkout
• Transfers to another runner (same event) allowed until September 5 at noon. Please process through your RunSignUp account. See https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062921-transfer-to-another-runner

• 26.2 miles starting and finishing at Nifong Park
• Includes approximately 5.5 miles of well-maintained gravel roads/trails
• Katy Trail, Missouri River views, Cooper’s Landing, Pierpont General Store
• Features the legendary Easley Hill
• Open course — runners must run single file where required

Aid Stations (13 Total) (to be updated for 2026)

Water and ice at all stations; sports drink starting at Cooper’s Landing

Stations at miles:
3.8, 7, 9.7, ~12, 12.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24.5, 25

⚠ No nutrition provided — plan accordingly

#1 - Veteran's United - southernmost entrance from Providence (Mile 3.8)
#2 - Route K/Old Plank (Mile 7)
#3 - Smith Hatchery/Dothage Rd (Mile 9.7)
#4 - Cooper's Landing (nearing mile 12)
#5 - Bottom of Easley Hill (Mile 12.5)
#6 - Nashville Church/Sapp (Mile 15)
#7 - Burton & Hutchens - 8802 S Route N (Mile 16.5)
#8 - Pierpont General Store(Mile 18)
#9 - Shooting Star Trailhead (Mile 20)
#10 - Conservation Office (Mile 22)
#11 - In and out at Philips Lake (Mile 23)
#12 - Tolton High School (Mile 24.5)
#13 - Nocona/near Aria Apartments (Mile 25)
 
We will have volunteers to patrol and clean up after, but the fewer stops we need to make the better.  Runners are responsible for planning their own appropriate hydration and fuel.  This is a tough and hot course.   

Portable Toilets

Toilet facilities will be located at the Start line. Three will be located outside, and the History Center, although closed until 9 am, will open for runners to use their indoor front area restrooms at 0530. Please stay in their front area if you go in. There is also a public restroom behind the History Center. Ask a volunteer for directions.
 
VU (Mile 3.8)
Rt K/Old Plank turnoff (mile 7)
Cooper's Landing using their portables (nearing Mile 12)
Nashville Church/Sapp (Mile 15)
Pierpont General Store - port-a-pot (Mile 18)
Shooting Star Trailhead (Mile 20)
Philips Lake - park flush toilets (Mile 23) 
Finish area (park bathrooms).

Packet Pickup

Sunday: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Race Day: 5:00–5:30 a.m.

Location: Boone County History and Culture Center

• No shirt size changes at pickup. If we have extra sizes after the race, we might be able to swap your shirt.
• One relay member may pick up for the entire team

Awards (No Double Dipping – 24 Total)

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 (regardless of team size or gender)

Special Awards

• Dave Schulte Award – Most improved performance
• Joe Schroeder Award – First-time marathon winners (M/F)
• Average Joe Award – Closest to the mean finishing time

• 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)

Additional information to be announced.

• Lightweight Unisex Long Sleeve Quarter Zip
• (Extras +$20.00)
  

• Volunteers needed. Sign here or contact comoheart1960@gmail.com
• Charity Partner: Mid-Missouri Fisher House

• Summer Youth Program: This five-week program stresses personal improvement for kids ages 3 to 18. From May to June, nearly 300 youth compete in running and walking events (ranging from 50-yard dash to 1-mile run) and field events.

• CTC Colts: The Colts are a competitive running team for kids ages 6 to 14. This program, part of the Central Missouri Athletics Circuit, promotes healthy activity and opportunities through running for boys and girls. The team practices together once a week in the fall and runs cross-country.

• Community Goodwill: In 2001, CTC donated a water fountain to the MKT trailhead at Scott Boulevard. In addition, CTC has given a helping hand to several hospitals and charitable organizations over the years. Fisher House has been a Charity Partner of the Heart of America Marathon since 2020.