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 near the Crown Center/convention area, flowing through vibrant downtown streets, past the River Market, and into historic neighborhoods such as Westport and the Country Club Plaza with its Spanish-inspired architecture. Runners experience a mix of broad boulevards, riverfront promenades, and rolling residential stretches, with a memorable finish near Union Station and the dramatic backdrop of the downtown skyline. 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.
Union Station
Historic Beaux-Arts train station and traditional start/finish area for the marathon
National WWI Museum and Memorial (Liberty Memorial)
Iconic memorial and museum with panoramic city views near the course
Crown Center
Mixed-use complex with shops and family attractions that the course passes by in downtown KC
Power & Light District
Lively downtown entertainment district runners pass through early in the course
Country Club Plaza
Spanish-inspired shopping district with fountains and tilework, a scenic mid-course highlight
Crossroads Arts District
Creative neighborhood with galleries and murals lining the route
River Market / City Market
Historic market area on the Missouri River with local vendors and food options along the course
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
- Charity Entry
- Corporate/Team Entry
- Tour Operator/Travel Package
- On-site Registration (if slots available)
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 finishes in front of Union Station with a large post-race festival featuring music and sponsor booths.
All marathon finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, and a post-race food area with refreshments and a beer garden is typically available.
The course is a mostly urban tour of Kansas City including downtown, the Crossroads arts district, the historic Country Club Plaza, and scenic stretches along the Paseo and Brush Creek with a few gentle rolling sections rather than steep climbs.
Race weekend includes a Health & Fitness Expo with packet pickup on the days before the race, a kids run and family activities, and aid stations roughly every 1.5–2 miles with water, Gatorade, and medical support; downtown parking fills early so participants are encouraged to arrive early or use public transit.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.