Garmin Kansas City Marathon
The Lowdown
The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is an established fall classic in the heart of the Midwest, produced by SportKC and drawing runners and spectators from across the region. First run in the 1970s and growing into one of Kansas City's signature endurance events, the race showcases the city's rich history and revitalized urban neighborhoods. Held in mid-October, the event offers crisp autumn racing conditions, a lively expo, and a weekend of festivities that celebrate both competitive runners and community fun-runners. The course threads a varied and scenic route through Kansas City's most iconic districts, starting and finishing at Frank A. Theis Park (across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art). Runners experience landmarks including the World War I Museum & Memorial, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Union Station, the Country Club Plaza, T-Mobile Center, Waldo, Westport, and the 18th & Vine historic jazz district. Aid stations, cheering crowds, and live bands dot the course, creating an energetic atmosphere that keeps pace and spirits high from start to finish. The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is contested on a USATF-certified course and is a Boston Marathon qualifying event; the race is also affiliated with AIMS standards for accurate distance measurement. Whether you're chasing a PR, qualifying for Boston, or soaking in the city sights on a well-supported marathon day, the event delivers a polished, community-driven race experience in one of the Midwest's most engaging urban settings.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Frank A. Theis Park
Start and finish area, across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
National WWI Museum and Memorial (Liberty Memorial)
Iconic memorial and museum with panoramic city views on the course
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Major art museum adjacent to the start/finish area
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Modern performing arts center passed on the course
Country Club Plaza
Spanish-inspired shopping district with fountains and tilework, a scenic mid-course highlight
T-Mobile Center
Major arena passed during the course
Westport
Historic entertainment district on the course
Waldo
Residential neighborhood section of the course
18th & Vine Historic Jazz District
Kansas City's famous jazz heritage district on the course
Union Station
Historic Beaux-Arts train station passed as a course highlight
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Kansas City, MO, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be at least 16 years old on race day (those under 18 require parent/guardian consent)
- Must complete online registration and sign race waiver
- Participants must wear official race bib with timing chip for official results
- Must be able to complete the course within the published time limit (6 hours)
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing conditions; pregnant runners should consult a physician
- Proof of identity required at packet pickup
- Race transfers and bib transfers follow organizer policy and may be restricted
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must contact race organizers in advance to confirm classification and start placement
Required Documents
- Photo ID
- Signed waiver / Release of liability
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information / allergies
- Proof of age (for age-group verification if requested)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration (RunSignUp)
- Virtual Race Entry
- VIP Upgrade available during registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Deferrals to the 2027 race allowed until 2026-08-31 for a $20 administrative fee
Bib transfers to another registered runner allowed until 2026-09-30 for a $15 transfer fee via the official registration system
Medical deferrals considered on a case-by-case basis with valid physician documentation (must apply by 2026-10-16)
Race organizers may cancel or postpone the event for safety/force majeure — registrants will be offered deferral to the next edition or a partial refund at organizer discretion
The race starts and finishes at Frank A. Theis Park, across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4701 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64110).
All finishers receive an official event shirt, finisher medal, free downloadable race photos, and access to the Finish Line Festival with free food, beer, and massages.
The course tours Kansas City's coolest neighborhoods and most beautiful landmarks including the World War I Museum, Country Club Plaza, and Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Race weekend includes a Health & Fitness Expo with packet pickup, a kids run and family activities, and aid stations with water, sports drinks, and medical support.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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