Heart of America Marathon
The Columbia Track Club Presents
The 59th Annual Heart of America Marathon
Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd, 2018, 6AM
Columbia, Missouri
Download 2018 Instructions and Information
- Continuously running since 1960 – Be a part of history
- Home of the world-famous Easley Hill
- Run the race with HEART! (heat, hills, and humidity included at no extra charge.)
- *Please note: 6 hour time limit
Location Address:
Champions Dr., east of the Hearnes Center between Lots M & N, Columbia, MO
Starting Time:
6:00 a.m. central daylight savings time (CDT), the first Monday in September
Entry Fee:
$65 from April 1 – July 4th; $75 from July 5th – August 1st. $85 after August 1. Shirts guaranteed only for registrants who sign up by August 1st. There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Entry Deadline:
The Saturday before Labor Day at noon. There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. Registrants who sign up After August 1st are not guaranteed a shirt.
Fitness for Event:
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.
Chip Timing:
Chip timing is by Boonville YMCA. Awards will be given based on gun times, while official results and records will be based on chip times.
Packet Pickup:
Sunday, September 2nd from 2:00 - 5:00 at TryAthletics - 1605 Chapel Hill Rd. Columbia, MO 65203. Race Day: 5:00 - 5:30 a.m. at the Start Line - Champions Dr., east of the Hearnes Center between Lots M & N. No switching of shirt sizes at packet pick up. If we have extra sizes after the race, we might be able to swap your shirt.
Information Contact:
"Like" Heart of America on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/heartofamericamarathon for updates and to send messages, or email the race directors at comoheart1960@gmail.com
Aid Stations:
Aid Stations are about every two miles with water, Gatorade, ice, and enthusiastic volunteers.
Portable Toilets:
Will be located at the Start line (2 toilets specifically for HOA), Rt. K/Old Plank Rd turnoff (Mile 7), Easley (Mile 12.5), Pierpont Store (Mile 18), Rock Bridge Elementary School (Mile 3.5 and 20.6) and the Finish area (Reactor). One toilet at the finish will be ADA.
Post-Race Gathering:
Post-race food (apples, bananas and trail mix) is provided by Natural Grocers at the finish line.
The post-race gathering, and awards ceremony will take place at the pavilion just a few yards from the finish line. Shakespeare’s pizza will be delivered at intervals, and SmallCakes Cupcakes will be available for finishers and volunteers. Chiropractic and massage therapy will be on site for marathon finishers, and “In September” a local band will be there to help us celebrate! Between noon and 12:15 we’ll begin our awards ceremony with age group and Schulte Award presentations in addition to having our drawing for our first ever live event painting canvas by TooRooster Artistry. Food is for finishers and volunteers only, massage and chiropractic for finishers only, music, celebration and ceremony is open to all!
Check our Facebook for updates on postrace fun!
Shuttle:
This is a point to point race. A shuttle will be available, courtesy of Machens, at the finish to take runners back to their vehicles at the start line.
Awards:
Overall awards and age group awards will be given. The award ceremony will take place at the pavilion just a few yards from the finish line at noon. Awards will not be mailed.
The Dave Schulte Award for Improved Performance
Awarded to that runner who most improves his/her time from a previous 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.
Lodging:
Hotels and other Columbia information can be found at http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com.
Stoney Creek Hotel - 2601 S. Providence Rd. Columbia, MO 65203, 800-659-2220 is closest to the finish line.
Hampton Inn - 1225 Fellow's Place, Columbia, MO 65201, 574-214-2222 is closest to the start line.
Course Certification:
The course is USATF certified - # MO17025DG.
Certification map
Map of course:
MapMyRun
About Columbia Track Club (race beneficiary)
Established in 1968, CTC is a not-for-profit organization that supports the competitive and recreational athlete. We are a member of the Missouri Valley Association of USA Track & Field, the governing body of track and field, racewalking and distance running. The Columbia Track Club was awarded the 1999 Governor’s Fitness and Health Leadership Platinum Organization Award, which recognized the club’s focus on youth and community involvement.
CTC’s Youth Program
- Summer Youth Program - This five-week program stresses personal improvement for kids ages 4 to 16. From June to July, more than 400 youngsters compete in running and walking events (ranging from 200 meters to three miles) and field events.
- CTC Colts - The Colts are a competitive running team for kids ages 6 to 14. The 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.
Scholarships
CTC awards $500 to $1000 scholarships to CTC members from area high schools each year. The scholarships are funded by club memberships, club sponsored events and private donations. Previous scholarship winners can be found here.
Community Goodwill
In 2001, CTC donated a water fountain to the MKT trailhead at Scott Boulevard. In addition, CTC lends a helping hand to several hospitals and charitable organizations, including the Arthritis Foundation and the Central Missouri Food Bank.
