The Big Rub is a Missouri Gravel Bike Event on July 11th 2026 in Sedalia MO. The Categories are 100K Race, 50K Race and 25K Fun Ride. The races will start and finish at the Katy Depot, 600 E 3rd St, Sedalia, MO 65301.
You can register in person Friday July 10 5 PM to 8 PM at the Katy Depot, 600 E 3rd St, Sedalia, MO 65301. Preregistration before 5/31/2026 is required if you would like to get the event T-Shirt. You will need to be checked in before race time to get your number/timing chip and t-shirt.
Routes will be available on the website: https://thebigrub.org/routes
EVENT ITINERARY
Saturday, July 11th
EVENT DETAILS
We have a route for everyone and every bicycle! Mountain bikes, e-bikes, road bikes, that rusty bike in your garage, all bikes are welcome! Routes are detailed below. This is a recreational event and is not timed.
Choose between long route (24 miles) and short route (12 miles) routes.
The Tour de Quincy is a poker run, which has (5) stops at local bars/restaurants. At event day registration, each participant will receive a Poker Run ticket, which they will present at each bar. The bar staff will stamp your ticket. Bring your stamped ticket back to The Dock for the final 5th stamp. If you have 5 stamps on your ticket, you will receive your 5 poker cards at The Dock! The participants with the highest poker hands will win a prize!! Prizes will be announced at 2:00 PM at The Dock. Participants must be present to win. Participants using motorcycles or personal vehicles should only travel on roads (not the Bill Klingner Trail) to get to the (5) destinations. This route is on a paved surface (no gravel).
A family friendly route on 7 paved miles of the Bill Klingner Trail. You'll get to experience wonderful trails that the Friends of the Trails have worked so hard to develop. Being on a dedicated bicycle lane or bike path, this route avoids vehicle traffic and is great for kids, inexperienced riders, and the whole family! This route is on a paved surface (no gravel). Click here to view the route.
Optional mountain bike spurs include Nature Trails East, All America Mountain Bike Park, and the Gardner Park nature trails.
EVENT MERCHANDISE
All participants will receive a t-shirt. Register online prior to June 10 to guarantee your size. Event day registration will receive shirts on a first come, first serve basis. All gear will be picked up by participants at The Dock on event day (no advance race packet picket). Merchandise will also be for sale on the day of the event.
FOOD
The Quincy Rotary group will be grilling and serving FREE food from 10:45 AM to 2:00 PM. Food is available to all participants AND spectators for a free will donation!
VENUE
All event start & finish lines, food, merchandise sales, and the band will be located at The Dock - 1021 Bonansinga Dr, Quincy, IL 62301, (217) 223-9748. There is plenty of parking at The Dock and neighboring Kesler Park - which makes it convenient to transfer your bike to/from your vehicle!
REGISTRATION
To register in advance, use this website for online registration. Race day registration will also be available. Avoid the lines and register online now!
WEATHER & CANCELLATION POLICY
We will continue to monitor the weather and will and will reschedule or cancel this event if necessary. No refunds.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We sincerely thank you for supporting Friends of the Trails! More information on Friends of the Trails, Bill Klingner Trail development, and donating can be found on the Friends of the Trails website and this testimonial video.
ABOUT
The 2026 Terry Anastas Tour de Quincy is a FUNdraising recreational bike ride! Help the Friends of the Trails raise $24,000 in 2024 - with 100% of proceeds going toward the next segments of the Bill Klingner Trail and nature trails! After the ride enjoy refreshments, FREE FOOD, and 50/50 raffle at The Dock. Please read below for all ride information, event itinerary, and maps.
Event is named after Terry Anastas, a longtime clyclist, Friends of the Trails board member, and promoter of trail development in Quincy. The Terry Anastas Tour de Quincy starts and finishes at The Dock, 1021 Bonansinga Dr, Quincy, IL 62301. Please arrive early and inspect your bicycle to ensure it is safe to ride.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
Welcome to the 2026 Farmhouse Classic! A gravel event presented by Cycle City.
This event is a fundraiser for the Parkhill Bison Composite NICA team. These funds will help our team continue to grow, allowing us to purchase necessary equipment and supplies to keep our growing team of student athletes riding and racing bikes.
The event will start and finish at the John W. Burns Memorial Park in Lathrop, MO.
Each route will feature at least one aid station, stocked with fluids and snacks to keep you going. We will have lunch and drinks after you finish, so we can all hang out and share stories from the day.
Final route details will be shared in the first week of July. Expect lots of great views, plenty of elevation, and minimal pavement.
.5K. almost 1/3 mile. 1,640 feet. It's a race for everyone, with a fun foam finish!
You'll run, walk, skip, cartwheel, hop, etc just one-half of a kilometer, knowing that 100% of your entry fee will be used to build beds for children in our community with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Stick around after the race to get a banana and a medal, and to play in the foam!
Summer Scramble 5K/10K
Saturday, July 25, 2026 • 8:00 AM
Warrensburg, Missouri
Beat the heat and kick off your morning with the Summer Scramble 5K/10K, a fun midsummer race hosted by Chasing Happiness Race Co.
The race will start at the UCM Soccer Stadium on DD Highway in Warrensburg, Missouri and take runners onto the Spirit Trail, a paved running and walking path that makes for a smooth and accessible course for runners and walkers of all levels.
Whether you're chasing a PR, getting in a summer training run, or just looking for a great way to start your Saturday morning, the Summer Scramble is designed to be simple, fun, and welcoming for everyone.
The paved Spirit Trail makes this a great race for beginners, experienced runners, and families alike.
Come scramble some summer miles and chase happiness with us!
Race Details
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Location: UCM Soccer Stadium – DD Highway, Warrensburg, MO
Distances: 5K and 10K
Surface: Paved trail
Swag: Finisher Medal & Event T-Shirt
The Matt Mason “Cowboy UP!” Triathlon/Duathlon has been established to honor, pay tribute, support and celebrate the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This triathlon is our way to stay close to our dear friend, Matt Mason, and keep his memory alive while focusing on supporting others like him and their families.
Race Distances:
Short Course Distance Duathlon is a 1.5 mile run (shotgun start), 11 mile bike course (2 laps), and a 5K run (mostly flat, out and back course).
Short Course Distance Triathlon is a 500 meter swim (time trial start), 11 mile bike course (2 laps), and a 5K run (mostly flat, out and back course).
Long Course Distance Triathlon is a 1,000 meter swim (time trial start), 18.8 mile bike course (4 laps), and a 10K run (mostly flat, out and back course).
Race Day Info:
Sunday, July 27, 2025
5:00am – Gates Open
5:15am – Transition/Body Marking Opens
6:15am – Swim Warmup Open
**6:30am – Park Gates/Roads Close
6:45am – Transition Closes
6:45 to 7:00am – Opening Ceremonies
7:00am – Race Starts (Long Course athletes in the water first)
10:30am (approx.) – Awards Ceremony and Raffle Winners
**Park roads will be closed until last biker is off the course
Transition:
Transition opens at 5:15am. All athletes will be body marked. Volunteers will be outside the transition entrance ready to help all athletes as they enter.
Swim Start:
Swim warmup opens at 6:15am. Transition closes at 6:45am and all athletes need to exit the area by that time. Race begins at 7am and long course athletes will enter the water first, followed by short course athletes. The swim course is clockwise, and the start will be a time trial start where athletes enter the water approximately every three seconds. You will see minute marker signs for both short and long course – athletes should place themselves in line according to the swim time that is most comfortable.
Duathlon Start:
Duathlon will shotgun start on the run path to the right of the beach away from the finish line at the same time the short course triathlon swim starts.
Bike Course:
Please keep in mind that there is an incline as you exit transition – please set your bike gears accordingly. After you exit transition, it is approximately 1.6 miles to exit the park and reach Highway E. At this point, you will need to count your loops around the course. Short Course will do 2 loops and Long Course will do 4 loops. There will be a timing box on the bike course for accuracy. A bike course map will be included in your packet.
Aid Stations:
There will be water stations along the run course. Short course athletes will pass 2 water stations and Long course athletes will pass 5 water stations.
Awards:
Age group and overall awards will be given for Men and Women for both the Short Course and Long Course Triathlon and Duathlon. The awards ceremony will be held near the finish line after the race.
Course Map:
The swim, bike and run maps are all available on our website by clicking HERE!
Interested in the Midwest Triathlon Series?
The Matt Mason "Cowboy UP' Triathlon/Duathlon is one of three events that make up the Midwest Triathlon Series, a three-race challenge held over consecutive weekends.
How the series works:
• Athletes must register separately for the Midwest Triathlon Series
• Athletes must also register individually for each of the three series races
• Series registration does not include entry into the individual races
Series Races:
• Matt Mason Memorial Cowboy Up Triathlon
• Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon
• Kill Creek Park Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike & Aquathlon
If you’re planning to race more than one event, we encourage you to register for the series and take on the full challenge.
We look forward to seeing you all soon! Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Join us for one of the most fun and unpredictable races of the year—the Sandbagger 8K!
📍 Location: McBaine Katy Trailhead – Mile Marker 169.5
📏 Distance: Certified 8K (out-and-back) – MO21022MU
🗺 Course Map: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6170949250/
How it works:
Before the race, you’ll predict your finishing time. Runners start in staggered order based on those predictions. In theory, everyone finishes together—but this race tends to attract some very good liars 😉. The first runner to cross the finish line wins the race, earns bragging rights, and gets to add something to the 3-foot-tall traveling trophy which they keep until next year.
⏰ Important race day info:
Please arrive before 7:00 AM to make your time prediction
No race-day or on-site registration will be available
📝 Registration (Online Only – No Race Day Registration):
🖥️ All participants must sign up online via RunSignUp
🚫 Race day / on-site registration is not available
✅ FREE for Columbia Track Club (CTC) members
👟 Not a CTC member yet?
If you aren't yet a member, you will be asked if you want to purchase a membership. If you purchase the membership, you will receive 100% discount on the race plus other benefits.
💲Non-CTC members: $10.00 entry fee
Spirit Trail Classic
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Spirit Trail Trailhead – Knob Noster, Missouri
Join us for the Spirit Trail Classic, a scenic summer race along the beautiful Spirit Trail in Knob Noster, Missouri. This paved trail winds through peaceful countryside and wooded sections, offering a smooth and enjoyable course for runners and walkers of all levels.
Participants can choose from four distances: 5K, 10K, 15K, or 20K, all following a clearly marked out-and-back course starting and finishing at the Spirit Trail Trailhead near Knob Noster Campgrounds.
Every participant will receive a finisher medal, no matter the distance. Whether you're chasing a new PR or just looking to enjoy a great morning on the trail, the Spirit Trail Classic offers a fun and welcoming race experience.
Come run one of west-central Missouri’s most scenic paved trails and chase a little happiness along the way.
Hosted by Chasing Happiness Race Co.
Every registrant receives a race bib, t-shirt, and pancake breakfast...(more goodies to come)
EARLY BIRD pricing ends January 31st, 2026 - Entry price $35
From February 1st - June 30th, 2026 - Entry price $40
LATE ENTRY pricing is from July 1st - July 15th - Entry price $45
REGISTRATION ENDS on July 15th, 2026
Race for global missions at Fellowship Church's Run to Bless 5K. Each entry helps support our mission to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ and support our annual mission trips.
Packet Pickup:
WEDNESDAY, August 5th, 6pm-8pm
FRIDAY, August 7th, 8am-5pm
SATURDAY, August 8th, 7am-7:30am
Fellowship Church
1601 W. Main St.
Greenwood, MO 64034
Race Day: Saturday, August 8th, 2026
Start time - 8am
You can also participate in our Contests by becoming a Fundraiser and competing for a prize for the most donations received. Compete as an individual or form/join a team for even bigger prizes.
NOTE: You must register for the race before becoming a fundraiser. Fundraising qualifications end July 15th, 2026.
Receive $40 for your race entry
Your name will be on the back of this year's t-shirt
Grand Prize: $100 Chicken N Pickle gift card
Second Place: $50 Culver's gift card
Third Place: $25 Andy's Ice Cream gift card
Ready to take on a new challenge 🏃♂️? The Heart of America Marathon awaits you in Columbia, Missouri! Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or looking for your first experience, this urban race is the perfect opportunity to test your limits and enjoy a unique adventure. If you prefer to share the effort, sign up for the Marathon or the Relay Marathon for an unforgettable team experience 🤝.
Windsor is proud to be the location where the Rock Island and Katy Trails intersect. Hundreds of cyclists ride these trails every year from around the world. On SeptemberFest weekend, join runners (and walkers!) for a 5k on the beautiful tree covered trails.
Early-bird registration is now open through August 21st. Sign up early for only $20, after the price will increase to $30. Race day registration will open 6:30 am on race morning. Race begins shortly after at 7:00am.
Come celebrate small town life in a big way!
The Columbia Track Club Presents
The 67th Heart of America Marathon & the 7th annual relay
The 2nd oldest continuously running marathon in the US!
Why Run the Heart of America Marathon?
Continuously running since 1960 — be part of history
Home of the world-famous Easley Hill
Run the race with HEART — heat, hills, and humidity included at no extra charge
Low-frill, hometown feel with deep community roots
Event Details
Location:
Boone County History and Culture Center (Nifong Park)
3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO 65201
Start Time:
6:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT)
First Monday in September
⚠ Please Note:
Six-hour time limit (strictly enforced)
Finish area closes at 12:00 p.m.
Please do not ask for cutoff extensions
Marathon Registration Pricing
February 14 – May 25 - $81.00 or less ($75 + $6 or less processing)
May 26 – July 4 - $102.20 or less ($95.00 + $7.20 or less processing)
July 5 – August 30 - $134.00 or less ($125 + $9 or less processing)
August 31 - September 5 (noon) - $160.50 or less ($150 + $10.50 or less processing)
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)
Registration Policies
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
Course Overview
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
USATF Certification: #MO21024MU (to be updated for 2026)
Course map 2026 (to be updated)
GPX file 2026 (to be updated)
Course Description: (to be updated)
26.2 miles starting at the Boone County History and Culture Center at Nifong Park, running 11 miles down to the Katy Trail, (formerly the MKT Trail Line, now part of the U.S Rails-to Trails system) for 1.5 miles along the scenic Missouri River, past Cooper’s Landing and the historic community of Easley, from where Easley Hill (Route N) affectionately takes its name. Picturesque rural landscape abounds along the winding uphill Route N. Passing the Pierpont General Store, a building which has stood since 1889, the course skirts Rock Bridge State Park before heading back toward Columbia, to Philips Lake, then back to the Boone County History and Culture Center. **Please note, approximately 5.5 miles of the course is on well-maintained gravel roads/trail to include Smith Hatchery Rd, the Katy Trail, East Bonne Femme Church Rd and South Gans Creek Rd. This is an open course. Runners must run single file on trafficked roads.
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
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 & Amenities
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.
Shirts
Lightweight Unisex Long Sleeve Quarter Zip
(Extras +$20.00)
Color TBA
Lodging
TownePlace Suites by Mariott Columbia (0.8 miles from start)
Group rate: $139/night (click on link)
Booking deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026
Volunteer & Charity
Volunteers needed. Sign here or contact [email protected]
Charity Partner: Mid-Missouri Fisher House
Chip Timing
Chip timing is by Kinetic Timing. Awards will be given based on gun times, while official results and records will be based on chip times.
Fitness for Event/Medical
No one should attempt this race without proper training and medical advice. Any runner must retire from the race at once if directed to do so by an event official or physician. A sweep vehicle will pick up runners who are not able to complete the marathon in the allotted time. THERE IS A SIX HOUR TIME LIMIT. The finish area will close at noon. Please do not ask us to extend the cutoff.
There will be medical support on the course and at the finish line.
Information Contact
"Like" Heart of America on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/heartofamericamarathon for updates and to send messages, or email Columbia Track Club [email protected]
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Before registering for the Historic Heart of America Marathon please make note of what others have said about this race below. This marathon has the reputation of being tough.
Most loved parts:
Easley Hill
Running on the Katy Trail along the Missouri River
Trail/Gravel Roads, (approximately 5.5 miles gravel roads) rural feel
Community support
Running past Pierpont General Store and their aid station
Running past Cooper’s Landing and their aid station
Historic
Hometown feel
Low on frill
Challenging
Special awards instead of age group awards
Heat, hills and humidity
Least loved parts:
Easley Hill
Trail/Gravel roads, (approx.. 5.5 miles gravel roads) rural feel
Roundabouts - 4 of ‘em, and no cutting across. You run 4 roundabouts in a clockwise fashion.
6 hr cut off - Firm.
Low on frill (“What? No Gu?” – “That’s right. Plan your own nutrition”)
The 13 Aid stations are not evenly spaced (check map and locations prior to race to plan)
Open course, traffic on Rt. K and Rt. N
Challenging
Last 4 miles (often in the heat and full sun)
No age group awards
Heat, hills and humidity
Please Note
6 hour cut off – (marathon and relay)
Approximately 5.5 miles of the course is on well-maintained gravel roads/trail
There are roundabouts. The course goes around them in a clockwise fashion on the sidewalk.
This is no frill. 13 Aid Stations are provided with water and/or sports drink. No nutrition is provided.
Pacing is not allowed. No bicycles pacing runners
Open course with some narrow, winding roads (Route N). Runners must run single file.
Non-race sanctioned drive alongs or ride alongs (bicycles) are not allowed.
Wheelchair users should be aware that this course contains 5.5 miles of gravel road/trail, significant inclines, and declines, begins in the dark, is not a closed course and significant parts of the course are run on roads with no shoulders.
Our Host
The Boone County History and Culture Center will open all of their curated historic homes and the museum from 9 am – 12 pm for visitors and racers and other guests to take in the history of their interiors. It is all free admission. There is also the replica Easily store in the Village near the finish line. The original Easley store was located in Easley at the foot of Easley Hill along the marathon course. Please take the time to visit inside the History Center (it’s air conditioned!) and the historic houses. It is through their strong work, support, and generosity that we have this magnificent venue for HOA.
Award Descriptions
The Dave Schulte Award for Improved Performance
Will be awarded to the runners M/F who most improves his/her time (% improvement) from a previous (any year) personal best of under 5:00. Dave Schulte was a charter member of the Columbia Track Club and its first Secretary-Treasurer. Dave died of melanoma cancer in December, 1973. He was one of those persons who never had any thought of winning any race or even any age group award. His main objective was personal improvement and he strove mightily to achieve that in many CTC races. For many years he was in charge of results for the marathon and he was the first person to get an accurate measurement of the course with a bicycle and Jones Counter.
The Joe Schroeder Award
(New in 2019)! Entrants who will run HOA as their first marathon will be eligible to win this award. The male and female who, from the first-timer marathoner field, crosses the finish line first will be recipients of the Schroeder Award. Joe Schroeder ran his first marathon and was the winner of the first Heart of America Marathon in 1960. Running the original course from Columbia to Fulton in his cross country shoes and putting tape over the spikes to cushion his feet against city concrete, Joe finished in an impressive 3:57. His longest run previously had been 6 miles. Joe also ran the second HOA and oversaw timers for many years. Joe was a life-long lover of athletics, and he and his wife, Darlene, were active volunteers in many aspects of the community. Joe and Darlene have four children who all continue to support the Heart of America Marathon.
The Average Joe Award
(New in 2021)! This award will be given to the M or F who comes closest to the mean (average) time, either above or below, or perhaps, having the exact time as the mean. If there is a tie, the award goes to the slowest. The Average Joe Award is given in honor of Joe Duncan – Race Director of HOA for 47 years and an average runner! Joe’s first race of any kind, at age 32 was the 1966 HOA, the 7th Annual, with some 2 and a half weeks of “training.” Joe has been in 855 races all total. Joe ran 9 HOA, and never ran faster than the mean time. He thinks the “Average Joe Award” sounds better than the “Mean Joe Award”! Joe Duncan is listed in Road Race Management’s all time longest serving race directors and as of 2020, held the position of 3rd longest in that list.
About Columbia Track Club
Founded in 1968, Columbia Track Club is a dedicated nonprofit organization and proud member of USA Track & Field, committed to promoting health, fitness, and fun through distance running and race-walking for all ages. Our mission is to foster a supportive community that encourages individual improvement, embraces competition, and provides accessible events that enhance the athletic experience for both recreational and competitive athletes. We aim to inspire a lifelong love for running while giving back to the community through youth programs and charitable initiatives.
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.
If you would like to learn more or join Columbia Track Club for $20, click here.
Disability Accommodations
Requests should be submitted as early as possible to
Join us on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at 8:00 AM for the Jesse James 5K /10 K run /walk plus this year we
have added a 2.09K ( 1.30 mile) STROLL. The race will take place on both the Jesse James Park and Mack Porter Park tails.
Starting on the Jesse James Park side
This is a paved trail run, with Start and finish at the same location. The 5k runners will make one loop
the 10K runners will loop the course twice. You will cross the foot bridge that links the two great trails
together. Plus, you get to take on the Jesse James Park BIG HILL, 10k runners get to tackle it TWICE!
The 2.09 K participants will enjoy Two loops around the pond.
This race is a great chance for the whole family to take part in!
Join us for our inaugural Glow in the Park 5K on Saturday, September 12, 2026 supporting the Liberty Parks & Rec Foundation (LPRF) Youth Scholarship Program. This new family fun run invites runners of all ages and abilities to enjoy an evening on the trail! Our course starts at the Liberty Community Center at 8 p.m. and continues through Westboro/Canterbury Park. Be sure to wear your brightest race gear and add some glowing accessories to light up the night!
The funds raised through the Glow in the Park 5K go directly to support the scholarship program to ensure no child is turned away due to their inability to pay.
The Liberty Parks & Rec Foundation was established in 2006 to create a parks expansion fund for neighborhood parks, green space and to provide financial assistance to aid low-income youth and families to access programs and Liberty Community Center memberships through scholarship assistance. Since the scholarship program began in 2009, the Liberty Parks & Rec Foundation has been able to provide more than $353,174 in scholarships assisting 3,685 individuals.
By participating in the Glow in the Park 5K, you’re doing more than having fun—you’re helping ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to play, learn, and thrive with Liberty Parks & Rec.