Columbia Track Club presents the 66th Heart of America Marathon and 6th Annual Fun Team Relay
Held on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025, starting at 6:00 AM CDT in Columbia, Missouri. This is the second-oldest continuously running marathon in the U.S., active since 1960.
Event Location Boone County History and Culture Center (Nifong Park), 3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO 65201
Time Limit Six-hour limit. Please do not request extensions. The finish area closes at noon.
Refund and Transfer Policy No refunds. Race insurance is optional. Entries may be gifted to another runner by August 29. Transfers for refund are not supported.
Medical &amp; Safety Participants must be properly trained. Medical staff will be available on the course and at the finish. The event is not recommended for runners under 16.
Timing Chip timing by Kinetic Timing. Awards based on gun time. Results and records based on chip time.
Packet Pickup Sunday 2:00&ndash;5:00 PM and Monday 5:00&ndash;5:30 AM at race location. No shirt size changes during pickup. One team member may pick up the relay packet.
Course Overview The 26.2-mile USATF-certified course (MO21024MU) starts and ends at Nifong Park. Runners traverse the Katy Trail, Cooper&rsquo;s Landing, Easley Hill (Route N), Pierpont General Store, Rock Bridge State Park, and Philips Lake. About 5.5 miles are on well-maintained gravel roads and trails. This is an open course. Single-file running on trafficked roads is required.
Map and GPX File Available on the event site.
Important Notes Before Registering Expect 5.5 miles of gravel, roundabouts (clockwise on sidewalks), an out-and-back near Philips Lake (miles 22&ndash;25), no frills or provided nutrition, and no pacing or ride-alongs. The course is not wheelchair friendly due to terrain and elevation.
Fun Team Relay Info Same course as marathon. Legs:
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Start to Veterans United &ndash; 3.8 miles
</li>
<li>
VU to Cooper&rsquo;s Landing &ndash; 7.7 miles
</li>
<li>
Cooper&rsquo;s Landing to Pierpont &ndash; 6.9 miles
</li>
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Pierpont to Finish &ndash; 7.8 miles
</li>
</ol>
Aid Stations (Water, Ice, Some Sports Drink) Stations at miles 3.8, 7, 9.7, 12, 12.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24.5, and 25.
Restrooms Start line (indoor and outdoor), and at aid stations including VU, Route K, Cooper&rsquo;s Landing, Nashville Church, Pierpont, Shooting Star, Philips Lake, and Finish.
Post-Race Snacks and water available at finish. Public welcome to the finish celebration at Nifong Park.
Host Boone County History and Culture Center will open its historic homes and museum to guests from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Awards Marathon: Overall 1st&ndash;3rd M/F Masters (40+), Super Masters (50+), Grand Masters (60+)
Relay: Top 3 teams overall, regardless of size or gender
Special Awards: Dave Schulte Award for most improved personal best under 5 hours Joe Schroeder Award for top first-time marathoners M/F Average Joe Award for finish closest to the mean time
Lodging Towne Place Suites by Marriott, 0.8 miles from start/finish. Book by August 1 for $109 group rate.
Shirts Choices: Unisex or women&rsquo;s short sleeve Unisex long sleeve hoodie (additional $15.90 or $26.50 if added to short sleeve)
Volunteer Opportunities Contact <a href="mailto:comoheart1960@gmail.com">comoheart1960@gmail.com</a>
Charity Partner Fisher House of Mid-Missouri
About Columbia Track Club Founded in 1968, the club promotes competitive and recreational running, including youth and community programs. CTC is affiliated with USA Track &amp; Field and has received statewide recognition for community health efforts.
Programs Summer Youth Program (ages 3&ndash;18), CTC Colts (ages 6&ndash;14), community goodwill efforts including support for trails and local hospitals.
Join Columbia Track Club Annual membership is $20.

Marathon Summary

Marathon Results