Heart of America Marathon

The  Columbia Track Club Presents
The 60th Annual Heart of America Marathon & Fun Team Relay
Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2019, 6AM
Columbia, Missouri

 

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:
Cosmo-Bethel Park, 4500 Bethel St, Columbia, MO 65203   Starting Time:  
6:00 a.m. central daylight savings time (CDT), the first Monday in September   Entry Fee:
Marathon - $60 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.
Relay Team (2 - 4 members) - $120 from April 1 – July 4th; $140 from July 5th – August 1st.  $60 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 Kinetic Timing.  Awards will be given based on gun times, while official results and records will be based on chip times.   Packet Pickup:
Sunday, September 1 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 - Cosmo-Bethel Park, 4500 Betlel St. 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 [email protected]   Team Relay Information:
The Relay Team may have 2 - 4 members who work together to complete the traditional marathon course. Relay legs are 7 miles (Start to Smith Hatchery & Dothage), 5.5 miles (Smith Hatchery & Dothage to Sapp/Nashville Church), 8.2 (Sapp/Nashville Church to Nifong Park), and 5.2 (Nifong Park to Finish).   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, Rt. K/Old Plank Rd turnoff (Mile 4.5), Pierpont Store (Mile 15.5), and the Finish area (park bathrooms).     Pre-race Banquet: You may register for the pre-race banquet during the registration process for $20. Additional guests may also attend for $20. Please include yourself and the number of guests.    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 next to the finish line.  Shakespeare’s pizza will be delivered at intervals, and SmallCakes Cupcakes will be available for finishers and volunteers.  Each registered runner will receive 1 slice of pizza. Additional slices can be purchased during the registration process for $2.00.   Chiropractic and massage therapy will be on site for marathon finishers.  We’ll begin our awards ceremony at 12:15 with age group and Schulte Award presentations in addition to having our drawing for our first ever live event painting canvas by TooRooster Artistry.    Check our Facebook for updates on postrace fun!   Awards: 
Overall awards and age group awards will be given for the marathon.  The relay will give awards to the top 3 overall teams regardless of gender. The award ceremony will take place at the pavilion next to the finish line at 12:15.  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 - #    Certification map (link to come later)   Map of course:
MapMyRun (link to come later)   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.   Summer Youth Program
This five-week program stresses personal improvement for kids ages 3 to 18. From June to July, more than 100 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.   Scholarships
CTC annually awards $500 to $1,000 scholarships to one male and female from each local high school. To be considered for the scholarships, students must be involved in either track & field or cross-country and be an active member of CTC where he/she has volunteered in various running/walking events. The scholarships are funded by club memberships, club-sponsored events and private donations.   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.   If you would like to learn more or join Columbia Track Club for $20, click here.