4th Annual St. Joseph Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Relay
This year our Walk for the Homeless is returning to an in-person walk in downtown Saint Joseph on Friday, November 7 th! This event helps to raise awareness of homelessness in St. Joseph, Missouri. The walk helps raise funds for the homeless community in St. Joseph to help obtain I.D. cards, birth certificates, and transportation.
The event will begin at the Downtown Health Center (Northwest Health Services) at 503 S. 6th Street.
Be sure to like our Facebook Page for up-to-date information at https://www.facebook.com/StJosephWalkfortheHomeless/.
Check out our new website! https://wwwstjwalkforthehomeless.org
Overview
Welcome to the first ever River Bluff Trail Run put on by our local trail running club, the Pony Express Trail Runners. In this race you will run through two of our beautiful parks including the historic Krug park and our famous River Bluff Trail Park.
About the Course
This course will consist of two 15.5 mile loops to complete the 50k distance and one loop for the 25k distance, there will also be a 10k option. For the full loop you will start at the McAuthor parking lot at the bottom of Wyeth hill. From there you will run the River Bluff trails to Krug park and back. The course is a smooth dirt trail with some roots and rocky areas and crushed gravel paths. Each loop is around 2000 ft of gain which is equal to 4000 ft total gain for the course. You will be running the bluffs next to the Missouri River and if you have never seen them, they are pretty steep!The Course will be very well marked so that you will not get turned around or lost! The last thing we want to do is send out a search party to find you, that would not be fun for anyone.A map of the course will be provided at a later date, along with a strava link.
Start Times and Cutoff
50K – Start time 8am25K – Start time 8am 10K – Start time 10am. All runners must finish by 5:00 PM, this gives runners a 9 hour cutoff to finish all distances. If you plan on a DNF while on the course notify one of the volunteers at the aid station or one of the race directors and we will get you back to the start safely.
Aid Stations
Along the course we will provide a manned aid station every 4ish miles stocked with water and snacks. You are authorized a drop bag at the start of the race that will be monitored by the volunteers in case you want to use your own supplies.
Packet Pickup
Early Pickup: Friday December 18th at the Tubes bike shop located at 1826 Frederick Ave Saint Joseph, MO 64501.Race Day Pickup: Begins at 6:30 AM at the start of race.
Swag
All distances will receive a pretty cool shirt that you will want to show off to all your family and friends.50k and 25k finishers will receive extra swag according to their distances.
Race Location/Directions/Parking
The start and finish of the race will be at the McArthur parking lot, 1599 Douglas McArthur Dr. Saint Joseph, MO 64501 for IPHONE. Use I-229 Bond St. St. Joseph, MO 64505 for GOOGLE Maps.
Trail Hazards/Conditions/Rules
This is a trail running event on uneven, rocky, and steep terrain with risks to your safety. Signing up for this event you are stating that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Please stay on the course at all times, sometimes we all get a need to explore the great outdoors, but please do that on your own time. Taking a shortcut on the course or deviating from it will result in a DNF. This is also a bike trail so there may be some bike riders out on the course, so use caution when running and look out for other people. This is a very challenging course, so please make sure you stay hydrated and are taking in plenty of calories. We will make sure we have plenty of water provided, but it is your responsibility to drink enough of it. We are very proud of these trails and the people/city of St. Joseph work very hard to keep them nice for everyone to enjoy. We are not the only ones that use the trails, people hike, bike, and run on them all of the time so please do not litter or tear the trails up in anyway, we want to keep having this event in the future.
Refund/Transfer Policy
All registrations are non-refundable.Transfers and deferrals may be considered at the discretion of the Race Director.
Lodging
Runners traveling to the event will find a variety of lodging options throughout Saint Joseph. The newest and most convenient hotels are located on the north side of town along North Village Drive, near the Shoppes at North Village. This area offers easy access to shopping, dining, and is just a short drive from Krug Park and the race start/finish area. Additional food and nightlife options can be found along Frederick Avenue and in downtown Saint Joseph, where you’ll find a mix of local restaurants, bars, and historic character. Whether you’re staying close to the course or exploring the area, Saint Joseph offers convenient options to make your race weekend enjoyable.
Questions
For any questions or concerns please contact [email protected].
Event's current local time: 4:14 AM CT
About the Race The Show Me Your Free State Marathon & Ultra is a single event offering 100-mile, 50-mile, 50-kilometer, marathon (26.2-mile), and half marathon (13.1-mile) distances. All races take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, beginning and ending at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, Missouri.The name Show Me Your Free State reflects the unique geography of this race. The course starts and finishes in Missouri (the “Show-Me State”), but the majority of the route is located in Kansas (the “Free State”). The Missouri River famously changed course after the 1951 flood, leaving a section of Missouri to the west of the river. The 25-mile loop course crosses this historic region — following the riverbank, traversing the Gladden Bottoms, brushing against the Loess Hills, and returning to Rosecrans Airport for the finish. Race Schedule Key Dates:• October 24, 2025: Early registration opens• March 1, 2026: Regular registration opens• September 30, 2026: Regular registration
closes• October 1, 2026: Late registration opens• October 16, 2026: Late registration closesRace Weekend:• Friday, October 23: Packet pickup, 3:00–8:00 PM at Tubes Bike Shop (1826 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO)• Saturday, October 24 – Race Day o 4:00 AM – Race-day packet pickup opens o 4:00 AM – Early start (100-mile & 50-mile only) o 6:00 AM – 100-mile & 50-mile official start o 7:00 AM – 50K and marathon start o 8:00 AM – Half marathon start o 12:00 PM – Half marathon cutoff o 3:00 PM – Marathon cutoff o 4:00 PM – 50K cutoff o 9:00 PM – 50-mile cutoff o Sunday, October 25: 12:00 PM – 100-mile cutoffAdditional Notes:• Early start is for 100- and 50-mile runners only. Participants acknowledge that no aid will be available during their first lap. Early start requires donating one 30-pound bag of dog food or one 12-pound bag of cat food, collected at packet pickup for the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.• Late packet pickup closes 30 minutes before the start of each race.• 50
-mile competitors must complete their first lap by 1:30 PM Saturday.• 100-mile competitors must complete their third lap by 4:00 AM Sunday. About the Course The course consists of a 25-mile loop beginning and ending near the entrance of Rosecrans Memorial Airport.• Elevation gain: ~138 feet per loop• Surface: ~10 miles paved roads, remainder gravel or crushed limestone levee trail• Major crossing: US Highway 36 in Wathena, Kansas (monitored by volunteers)The route is mostly quiet and scenic, offering views of farmland, the Missouri River, and autumn foliage in full color. Wildlife sightings (including deer and bald eagles) are common.Distances by lap:• 100-mile: 4 laps• 50-mile: 2 laps• 50K: 1 lap + 3-mile out-and-back• Marathon: 1 lap + 1.2-mile finish loop• Half Marathon: Out-and-back to mile 6.55Course Markings:• Yellow paint and signage at all turns.• Directional arrows at intersections and mile markers every 5 miles. Aid Stations, Drop Bags, Crew Support, Pacers Manned Aid Stations
:Station Mile ClosesStart–Finish 0 / 25 —Children of the Corn 6.5 Sunday 7:30 AMWathena 13 Sunday 9:00 AMRoseport Landing 19 Sunday 10:30 AMEach manned aid station will provide:• Water, Gatorade, and soda• Salty snacks (chips, pretzels, PB&J sandwiches)• Fruit (bananas, grapes)• Sweets (cookies, M&Ms, candy)• Hot coffee, soup, and warm food after sunsetUnmanned Aid Stations:Located midway between each manned station. Stocked with water and limited snacks (e.g., saltines, animal crackers).First Aid:All stations include petroleum jelly, Neosporin, ibuprofen, and antacids.Drop Bags• 100-mile and 50-mile runners may use up to four drop bags.• Bags for remote stations must be dropped off at Tubes Bike Shop during packet pickup.• Bag size: no larger than airline carry-on.• Label with name, bib number, and aid station in large block letters.• Drop bags will be returned to the Start–Finish by 12:00 noon Sunday.Crew Support:Crews may meet runners at:• Start–Finish• Wathena• Roseport
LandingNo material support (food, clothing, etc.) may be given outside aid stations. Crew vehicles are strictly forbidden from entering unpaved roads. Violation = runner disqualification.Pacers• Allowed for 50- and 100-mile runners after their first lap.• Pacers must wear a pacer bib (obtained at packet pickup in exchange for a bag of pet food).• Only one pacer may accompany a runner at any time.• No bicycles on the course.• Pacers must obey all rules; violations result in runner disqualification.• Pacers may join or exit at any manned aid station except the first. Environmental Data Typical late-October conditions in northwest Missouri:• Daytime highs: upper 60s°F• Nighttime lows: lower 40s°F• Weather may change rapidly — pack accordingly.Saturday (NOAA data for Oct 24, 2026):• Sunrise: 7:39 AM• Sunset: 6:27 PM• BMNT: 6:08 AM• EENT: 7:26 PM• Moonrise: 5:25 PM• Moonset: 7:06 AM (Sunday, 98.7% illumination) Age, Registration, and Swag Policies Age Requirements:• 100/50/50K:
18+• Marathon: 15+ (with parent/guardian present)• Half Marathon: 12+ (with parent/guardian present)Registration Policies:• No refunds or transfers.• Distance changes allowed before late registration closes.• ID required at packet pickup.Swag Policy:Race shirts, medals, and awards will be ordered in advance. While every effort will be made to supply all items, late registrants may experience limited availability. Rules and Runner Conduct Core Principles: Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be Safe.Be Respectful:• Use courtesy toward all participants, volunteers, and spectators.• Say “please” and “thank you” often.• Respect others’ personal space and belongings.• Keep aid stations tidy; touch only what you take.• Remember: you’re a competitor, not a customer — treat everyone with kindness.Be Responsible:• Wear your bib visibly at all times.• No littering. Dispose of all trash in provided containers.• Ensure crew and pacers follow all rules.• Use portable toilets at manned
stations.• No dogs on course (except ADA service animals). Leashed dogs are allowed at the Start–Finish area.Be Safe:• Run against traffic and yield to vehicles.• Stay on the course — if you drop out, notify a race official.• Wear a headlamp before sunrise/after sunset.• Wear a reflective vest or belt (=155 sq. in.) after dark.• Earbuds discouraged; maintain awareness of surroundings.• 50- and 100-mile runners must check in at every manned aid station.• Provide a valid emergency contact number at packet pickup. Additional Information: Additional Information:• Park only in designated spaces at Rosecrans Airport.• Primitive camping is allowed in the designated area (no public restrooms beyond event facilities).Explore St. Joseph before or after the race!o St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau: https://stjomo.com/ o Explore St. Joseph: https://uncommoncharacter.com/o St. Joseph Museums: https://stjosephmuseum.orgo Missouri Western State University: https://www.missouriwestern.eduo St.
Joseph Trail Alliance: https://www.saintjosephtrailalliance.com/o City of St. Joseph: https://www.stjosephmo.gov/ Event's current local time: 3:54 AM CT
This is the 19th annual Running for the Future race being held in Wathena, KS. The courses run on rural roads, paved. The 5k is nearly flat out and back. The 10k is a hilly first 5k followed by a downhill and fairly flat and fast last 5k. There are water stations on the course for both the 5k and 10k courses. Medals will be given to the top 3 in each age division and to all kids run finishers.
Event details and schedule
5k and 10k start at 8:00am
Kids fun run starts at 8:05am
Race starts near the corner of 4th street and st. Joseph streets in downtown Wathena.
Race day registration will be available from 7 am to 7:55 am.
Register before September 11th to guarantee t-shirt size.
Online Registration closes Wednesday Sept 23rd. You can still register on Saturday morning starting at 7:15am . Race starts promptly at 8am.
Start and Finish will be in front of the Riverhouse Restaurant at 101 Commercial Street
Pancake Feed and Children's Activities will be adjacent to this area at the Atchison River Walk/Veterans Memorial Park.
7:15 am: Registration Table open and Check-in begins
7:50am: Pre-Race Announcements and Participant Lineup begins
8:00am: Race begins! Race will go on, rain or shine!
8:30: PANCAKES and CUPCAKES
~8:45-9:00am: Awards Ceremony
Medals given to the top two 5K male and female in each division: (Under 20, 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; over 60)
Medals also given for top two 2K male and female in each division: (Under 8, 8-14 and 15 & over)
Plaques given to top two overall 5K finishers, male & female
Make sure to stick around afterwards to enjoy the post-race activities:
Pancake feed & cupcakes!
Arts & crafts and activities for the kids!
2026: Our 16th annual race on September 26th
With your support, we have helped raise over $45,000 over the last ten years in memory of Mary Lea to help support 18 young Atchison High School women achieve their dreams at a Kansas university. We hope that you can help us by running, donating or volunteering in support of these young women and future recipients
The race team thanks each and every participant and volunteer over the last 16 years. Without your support and dedication, we could have never imagined that 15 years later we are still running and walking in Mary Lea's memory. THANK YOU!
Joggin for the Noggin is the annual fundraiser to benefit the Mary Lea Johanning Scholarship. This scholarship benefits Atchison High School graduating senior women that are attending a Kansas university or college. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their academic standings, extracurricular involvement, and qualities Mary Lea represented.
Join us for the annual Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k! A run local-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.
The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Pacers for the half marathon
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
Plenty of fun!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!
Half Marathon Registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!
Join us for the annual Spooky Sprint 5k/10k & Half Marathon! A fun, Halloween-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.
The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
Plenty of fun!
Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!
Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!
Half Marathon registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!
Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.
The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
Plenty of fun!
Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!
Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!
Half Marathon registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
5k/10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!
New Hope Christian School, located in Smithville, Missouri, is excited to announce their inaugural turkey trail trot 5k on November 27, 2025. This self-timed event will be a fundraiser for the school to support Christian education in Smithville. All proceeds from the race will go toward the New Hope Scholarship Fund which helps defray the cost of tuition for deserving families attending New Hope who demonstrate a financial need.
This first-ever turkey trot in Smithville will be held in the Smith's Fork recreation area with ample parking near the soccer and baseball fields as well as overflow parking at Grace Community Church, just a cross MO Hwy DD. All participants registered by November 21st will receive a t-shirt and finisher's medal. As mentioned, this inaugural event will be self-timed.
The course has something to offer all skill levels, with a 1.25ish family friendly fun run and a challenging back-half that will leave experienced trail runners exhilarated. All runners will begin on the former Julia Bargman Memorial Cross Country course and wind along the tree line where deer sightings are common. This section of the course also offers several 'Nature Knowledge' stations along the way.
Participants of the full 5k will continue on and run through the seasonal campground on an asphalt road and head across the spillway towards the gravel/dirt trails of the Lake Remote area. In this section you will encounter tree roots, rocks, and uneven terrain, so watch your footing. Also watch for bald eagles (although more common in December, sightings in November are possible as the bald eagles begin their winter migration) as you break through the trees to the beauty and serenity of Lake Remote. Catch your breath here though because you will soon encounter the course's biggest hill. What goes up must come down however and the technical descent is no joke! Rocks, roots, and uneven ground are plentiful, but it doesn't last long You will bottom out along the Little Platte river bottom and run along the grassy bank before rejoining the gravel path leading back to the spillway and the finish line.
Please consider helping to make this first ever New Hope Turkey Trot a success while supporting Christian education in Smithville. Our hope is that, with your help, this event can become a Northland tradition like no other! Register by Friday, November 21, 2025 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Children 5 and under can participate for free. . . Runner packets and t-shirts (if registered by 11/21) may be picked up on Wednesday, November 26th between 4:00PM and 6:00PM at the Smithville United Methodist Church located at 505 North US-169 Hwy.
The race begins at Heritage Park and heads to the dam then returns back to Heritage Park. This is a great course for beginners or those that would like to walk as well. We will have bubble stations along the race to cheer you on and celebrate your cross across the finish line.
This is a pet and stroller friendly race.
All participants will get a finisher medal and pancake breakfast with registration.
All participants registered by 8/17/26 will receive a race t-shirt.
All funds raised stay here in Smithville to help decrease youth substance use, improve mental health and wellness and build resiliency.
It is time for our 16th Annual event! Year 15 for our event was amazing and we hope this year is just as successful. While we are so blessed with all of the support we have received over the, we are also reminded that it has been 16 years since we lost our beloved Julia. She touched so many lives while she was with us, and is still touching so many lives today, through this event. We are so excited to continue Julia's legacy by holding this race for the 16th year, while raising and donating money to some amazing organizations and individuals.
Once again, we will be holding our event at SMITHVILLE LAKE ! We will start at finish the race at the Little Platte Beach area - this will allow for plenty of parking, a section of road running, then hitting the paved trails to see the beauty of the lake on a beautiful fall morning ! As always we will pray for a beautiful fall morning for the event.
Sign up today for our 16th annual race in memory of Julia Bargman. Julia lost her battle with Breast Cancer, November 10, 2010. Her family and friends are continuing her legacy with this event, in hopes to raise awareness for early Breast Cancer Detection and to help raise funds to find a cure!!! Proceeds from our event are donated to the Saint Lukes Foundation Center for Womens Care and the Julia Bargman Hope Foundation. Visit our website at www.juliaswarriorsrunforhope.com and read about Julia and her battle with Breast Cancer. Then Spread the word to your family and friends to join the 5K Run and or 1 Mile Walk!!!
Don't forget to go to the STORE tab on the race sign up site to purchase a pink ribbon in memory or honor of, someone you know who it battling any type of Cancer.