Heart of America Marathon

One of Missouri's enduring road races, Heart of America has challenged runners for more than six decades. The individual marathon shares race day with a relay but remains a separate full-distance product.

The certified route mixes paved and gravel roads across a hilly Columbia-area course. Easley Hill is the signature climb, and the accumulated rollers make effort management more important than even splits.

Labor Day in central Missouri is often hot and humid, even when the race begins before full daylight. Direct sun and rising temperatures can turn the final hills into a significant heat test.