Check in begins at 6 am Ride leaves Thespian Hall at 7:30 am
This is our 34th Year!
For those who may be riding with us for the 1st time; the Festival Ride is held in
conjunction with the Missouri River Festival of the Arts and is sponsored by the
Friends of Historic Boonville, a group dedicated to the arts and the preservation of
our historic structures.
Your ride will begin (and end) at the historic Thespian Hall in Downtown Boonville.
From there, you will head out on the 42 mile "Wooldridge Route" (route marked).
Once you arrive in Prairie Home (2nd Rest Stop) you will roll on to Wooldridge... or
take the optional "Loop to Lupus" (Lupus is a small community right on the Missouri
River). The "Loop" adds 10 very challenging (hilly) miles to the original 42-mile
route for a total of 52 miles. All miles are some of the more scenic in Missouri with
decent road surfaces and relatively little traffic.
This year a 3rd route option will be offered again for those riders who aren't quite ready to tackle Wooldridge or Lupus. This will be a 22 mile out and back route. The 22 mile riders will ride out the first 11 miles with the riders on the other routes, but will turn around at the first rest stop at approximately mile 11.
The detailed routes are available via the following links (please note: the links reference 2019, but these are the same routes we will be riding this year) :
22 mile - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30401514
42 mile - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30401411
52 - mile - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30401302
As always, it is the people who make it a great ride! So please join us and bring your
friends! The ride is well supported with rest stops and support vehicles. When you
finish, we will again be serving FREE ICE CREAM on the front steps of Thespian Hall.
Looking Forward to seeing you in Boonville!
The Christina Bohn Memorial 5K for PMDD Awareness is a timed run, or it can be walked at your leisure. It is hosted by the Christina Bohn Foundation. The Christina Bohn Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising awareness of and supporting those with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).
This is the third annual Christina Bohn Memorial 5K for PMDD Awareness. We are celebrating the third anniversary of Missouri's PMDD Awareness Day, which is on Christina's birthday, October 2. On November 3, 2021, Christina died by suicide. She was 33 years old, the mother of two young children, had been a thoracic ICU nurse, and was a classically trained vocalist and pianist. Her loving and kind nature endeared her to everyone who knew her. For more than eleven years, she battled a relentless and debilitating cycle of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and hopelessness. She didn't realize the many physical pains she was experiencing starting two weeks before her monthly period were also symptoms. At first, this cycle seemed random, but finally, she and her parents connected this cycle to her menstrual cycle. Just three months before her passing, Christina was finally correctly diagnosed with PMDD. But after years of suffering without answers or the proper treatments, the pain was too
great, and we lost our dear daughter while she was trying a new treatment option.
Christina's story is heartbreaking, and, sadly, it is common among PMDD sufferers. PMDD is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder, often so severe and debilitating that over 30% of sufferers will not just consider, but attempt to end their own lives. PMDD affects millions of women worldwide, but many will go undiagnosed and untreated for decades, just like Christina. Due to stigma, lack of awareness and research, and even medical gaslighting, the average wait for an accurate diagnosis of PMDD is 12 years. Thank you for participating in this 5K run/walk and for supporting the Christina Bohn Foundation. We cannot lose more incredible women like Christina to this condition.
This is a timed, Trail Sisters Approved 5k run/walk. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. We will also recognize the top female and male finishers.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Policy: Whether planned or unplanned, an expected or unexpected start or end to a pregnancy, healing and recovery time are required for a woman's overall health. Trail Sisters recommends at least one to two years deferral depending on the race distance. If you have started or ended a pregnancy after having registered for this 5K, we will be happy to refund your money.
Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Coopers Landing in Columbia, MO, for the Do Hard Things 5k Run/Walk & 9.11 Mile Run or Ruck challenge! Are you ready to push your limits and achieve your fitness goals while showing support for our first responders and Veterans?
Experience the true spirit of determination and resilience with Do Hard Things Nation. Participants can choose between a 5k run/walk or a 9.11 Mile Run or Ruck challenge. In the Ruck challenge, marchers carry 10 lbs (lightweight) or 35 lbs (heavyweight) on their backs (provided by participant), adding an extra layer of intensity.
We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary event, where we come together to express our unwavering love and support for police, fire, EMS, active duty military, Veterans, and those who have served our nation. By participating, you will also contribute to a greater cause. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Veterans Community Project. VCP is dedicated to serving every man and woman who took the oath for our country, regardless of discharge status or type of service. Their solution to forever end homelessness is simple: provide Veterans a home with dignity and wrap-around support services that not only get them back on their feet, and ensure they continue standing.
Get ready to embrace the challenge and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our heroes. Sign up now and let's honor and support those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving our communities.
7:30 AM Start for 9.11-Mile Run or Ruck
9:11 AM Start for 5K Run/Walk
Thank YOU for joining us for our 9th Annual Lizzy’s Walk of Faith 5K Walk/Run! You are our honored guest and we promise you that you will not leave the same way you came! Get ready to be encouraged, inspired and greatly touched in a powerful way!
On Saturday, September 26th, 2026, at Bethel Park, we will come together to honor our daughter, Lizzy, and other families that have courageously battled childhood cancer. This lively and fun event will have entertainers such as fire jugglers, superhero and fairytale princesses, face painters and balloon twisters. The Mizzou Golden Girls, Mizzou Cheer Team, Rock Bridge Bruin Girls, KC Wolf, Truman the Tiger, super cool Lizzy photo booth, gourmet popcorn, Kona Ice, The Grind Coffee Truck and other food vendors and entertainment as well. Plus, Kendra Scott will have a pop-up tent and RP Exotics will bring their super cool (and fast!) exotic cars. You will leave encouraged and inspired to make an impact and follow Lizzy's legacy of compassion, generosity and faith.
This year, we will be raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Osteosarcoma Institute, Mizzou Children's Hospital, Children's Mercy, and Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation. Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation not only supports these wonderful organizations but many local families that have been affected by pediatric cancer. Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
At the tender young age of 10, Lizzy's last wish before she passed from bone cancer was to donate her tumors for research. With tears in her eyes, looking up at her mother, Lizzy said, "I don't want any other child to go through what I went through and for parent's to hear, "There is nothing more I can do for your child." Today, Lizzy's tumor is all over the world being researched in the hopes of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children. 1 in 5 children in the U.S. will not survive.
This is why we run/walk to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Lizzy's Walk of Faith Foundation. This is why you and I will walk with faith to finally put an end to pediatric cancer. You will cross the finish line for my Lizzy who never got to finish her race herself. And for all the other children fighting pediatric cancer.
Much love and thanks from John and Jen and we can't wait to see you!!
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 🤝.
$500 Cash Awards for Overall Male and Female Winners (50K Only)
The 2027 Flat Branch Ultra (50K only) will award $500 in cash to the overall male winner and $500 in cash to the overall female winner. We’re excited to raise the stakes as we continue building one of Missouri’s premier 50K events. Whether you’re chasing the win, a personal best, or simply want to be part of a memorable race experience, the Flat Branch Ultra offers a fast, certified course and a competitive atmosphere on race day.
New Missouri Overall 50K State Records — Flat Branch Ultra (2026)
History was made at the 2026 Flat Branch Ultra (50K). According to StateRunningRecords.com, in 2026 10 women and 13 men set Missouri state single-age records, and two performances also earned Missouri overall 50K state records:Matt Chan set the Missouri Overall 50K State Record (Men) with a time of 3:15:06 (also the Missouri record for 37-year-old males).Jessalyn Sadler set the Missouri Overall 50K State Record (Women) with a time of 3:26:47 (also the Missouri record for 37-year-old females).Brendan Connell ran 3:01:32* — the fastest time, listed with an asterisk as NonResident/NonCitizen of Missouri under state record-keeping guidelines.
Flat Branch Ultra — A USATF-Certified 50K Rails-to-Trails Course
Flat Branch Ultra (50K) – Start in Columbia, MO, home to the approximately 400-year-old Bur Oak. Race along the Missouri River and beneath towering bluffs while watching for soaring eagles. This rails-to-trails adventure kicks off at 8 a.m. on the third Saturday in February.Start/Finish Line: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 800 West Stadium Blvd, Columbia, Missouri 65203.Only 125 spots are available, and we anticipate another sellout.The race is named after Flat Branch Creek, a vital water source for early settlers. The tree in our logo represents the nearly 400-year-old Bur Oak that can be seen about 8.5 miles into the race. At the start, competitors will head southwest on the MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) Trail for about 7.5 miles before intersecting the Katy Trail just west of McBaine. From there, they will head west on the Katy Trail. The Halfway Home aid station is located just east of Rocheport–past the I-70 bridge. This course is an out and back.Route Map: https://www.strava.com/activities/12519245012The race debuted in 2022 as a November event, starting and ending at Flat Branch City Park in Columbia, Missouri. In 2024, the race moved to February. In 2025, the start/finish line was relocated to MLK Memorial Park in Columbia, Missouri. In 2026, the Flat Branch Ultra course became USATF-certified — you have the opportunity to chase a 50K state record! Along the course, participants pass the iconic, approximately 400-year-old Bur Oak — a living landmark and the inspiration for our logo.The 25K is not USATF-Certified.
Packet Pickup | USATF Waiver (25K and 50K)
Packet pickup will be race day only, beginning at 6:30 AM at the start/finish line, located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 800 West Stadium Blvd, Columbia, Missouri 65203. There is an open-air parking lot and portable restrooms a short walk to the start/finish line. Please allow plenty of time to park, pick up your packet, and to prepare for the start of your race.All competitors are required to sign a USATF waiver at packet pickup.
Rules | Cutoff and Check-in (25 and 50K)
Competitors must reach the Halfway Home Aid Station by 12:00 p.m. (50K only). All competitors must be off the course before dark. In addition, all competitors must check in at the 25K and 50K turnaround locations by calling out their bib number and last name. It is the runner’s responsibility to ensure their Halfway Home check-in time has been logged.Pets: Dogs are allowed as long as competitors with dogs start at the back of the pack so their dogs don’t tangle up with other runners. Competitors who finish with their dogs will receive a finisher’s award. However, any competitor running with a dog will not be eligible for state records or overall awards.
Aid Stations | Drop Bags (50K)
Aid Stations (25K)
Awards | Photographs (25K and 50K)
Finisher awards and top 3 overall male/female awards A photographer will be taking photos on the course and at the start/finish line. All images will be posted and available to you at no charge.
Post-Race (25K and 50K)
Water, electrolytes, and typical aid station food will be available at the finish line. All awards will be presented there.You’re welcome to bring your camping chair and your own post-race food and refreshments, so you can relax, kick back, and cheer on your fellow competitors as they cross the finish line.Awards must be accepted in person; they will not be mailed.
No Refunds (25K and 50K)
Please note that Ha Ha Racing Events does not provide refunds in the event of a cancellation or postponement due to circumstances outside of our control. Thank you for your understanding.
Presenting Sponsor: Tryathletics
We’re proud to welcome Tryathletics as a Presenting Sponsor of Ha Ha Racing Events.Located in Columbia, Missouri, Tryathletics is more than a running and bike shop—they take a hands-on, personalized approach to helping athletes find the right gear for their goals, lifestyle, and performance needs. Not all gear is created equal, and their team takes the time to make sure every runner and cyclist is properly fitted and supported.In addition to premium footwear, apparel, and cycling gear, Tryathletics also offers expert on-site bike repair and maintenance services. From routine tune-ups to major repairs, their experienced mechanics provide fast, reliable service you can trust.Tryathletics1605 Chapel Hill Rd, Columbia, MO 65203573) [email protected]–Fri 10–6 | Sat 10–5 | Sun 12–4 https://www.tryathletics.com
Sponsorships
The Flat Branch Ultra is looking for sponsors! We’re looking for community-minded businesses who want to support endurance athletes and be part of this exciting event.If your business (or one you know!) would like to get involved, check out our website, haharacingevents.com or email us at [email protected]. Let’s showcase the best of Columbia together!
Ha Ha Racing Events
Flat Branch Ultra is one of several events in the Ha Ha Racing Events portfolio. Check out our website for details on all our races: LOZ Traverse (32 miles of running, 3 miles of paddling), Trail of Four Winds 25K, and Wandering Bobcat 5 Miler. More details at HaHaRacingEvents.com.
Event's current local time: 4:21 AM CT
Get ready for one of our most fun (and flavorful) races of the year — the Cheese and Sauerkraut 10 Miler! 🧀🥬
📍 Location: McBaine Katy Trailhead – Mile Marker 169.5
🗺 Course Map: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1307751
How it works:
Before the race, you’ll predict your finishing time.
The runner closest to their predicted time wins the cheese
The runner furthest from their predicted time wins the sauerkraut
No pressure… just good fun!
⏰ Important race day info:
Please arrive before 8:30 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
About the Run Event details subject to change. Please check back or follow our Facebook page for updates.RACE HEADQUARTERS: Rock Bridge State Park, Billy Gilbert Shelter, GPS address 5575 Missouri 163 or GPS coordinates: 38.880933, -92.333980. Here's a map with a pin on the start: Race Start and Packet Pickup START TIME: 7:00 a.m. (50K), 8:00 a.m. (25K) with staggered start depending on number of entries. COURSE: The course is mostly single track trail with a variety of terrain and creek crossings.The 25K course will be one loop on the Devil’s Ice Box Trails, cross over Hwy 163, and two loops on the High Ridge Trails. The 50K is 2 loops of the 25K course. We will have chip timing.Rock Bridge 2.0 GPX MapRock Bridge 2.0 MapMyRunTIME LIMIT: The time limit to complete the course is 8 hours.AID: Aid stations - 25K: Grasslands & High Ridge (2 times), 50K: Grasslands, High Ridge (2 times) each loop, and end of first loop at start/finish) in the 50K stocked with a variety of food, water and drinks.
50K racers can leave a drop bag at the start to access before their second loop.There will be 4 park restrooms at the start area. There are also bathrooms at Devil's Icebox (approx 5+ miles).PLEASE NOTE THIS WILL BE A CUP FREE EVENT. 25K and 50K must carry a water bottle or hydration pack and/or collapsible cup (for anything you don't want in your bottle or pack at aid station).Do not litter. Please pick up your trash!ENTRY: $72.06 (includes $7.06 processing fee)/50K and $61.43 (includes $6.43 processing fee)/25K. No race day registration, transfer of entry, or refunds. Race limited to 175 competitors for all races combined. Park management reserves the right to cancel the race due to adverse conditions.CTC Member Discount: Check your inbox for discount code if CTC member or contract us for code.PACKET PICKUP/CHECK-IN: Race Headquarters/Packet Pickup will be at the Billy Gilbert Shelter located in the upper parking lot of Rock Bridge State Park on Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm or Saturday, after
6 am. See map link above. All 25K & 50K participants will be required to check in at Race Headquarters on race day.POST-RACE: 25K & 50K: Lunch (Pancheros Burritos) available starting at 11 am. Have your bib number with you to receive a meal. Someone will mark your bib to indicate you've eaten once.LODGING: Columbia Hotel ListingsFACEBOOK GROUP:Rock Bridge Revenge Facebook Group Changes Runners can sign into their UltraSignup account and change their distance (no refund if price is less) or transfer their entry to another runner up until Thursday before the race. You can cancel your registration up until Thursday before the race but no refund.After signing in, click on Account Info, Registration History, select Edit next to the race name. From the Registration Edit screen you can change the distance, transfer or cancel (no refunds) your registration. Please feel free to contact us if questions. If you decide to change your distance after the race starts, you will receive a DNF and not
receive a finishing time.In the event of pregnancy, you may request a refund or a deferral. Awards/Swag Cash Award for Overall Male & Female in the 25K & 50K. 25K & 50K will receive Unisex Softstyle® T-Shirt (4.6 oz. 60% cotton, 40% polyester)NOTICE: We cannot guarantee a shirt or a shirt in your size unless you register by September 19.Our 2026 shirt design is currently out on the trails getting a little lost, a little muddy, and a lot awesome—stay tuned while we reel it back in.View 2025 Shirt (to be updated in 2026) Sponsors/Partners Donations If you wish to make a monetary donation to the Columbia Track Club, please do so at the following link:Columbia Track Club Donation Event's current local time: 3:48 AM CT
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