Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is a genuinely hilly course through the Missouri city, rolling across the bluffs and varied terrain that characterize the area on a route past fountains, parks, and downtown landmarks. The constant undulation makes it more demanding than a flat course, rewarding disciplined pacing. Held in October, it offers crisp autumn conditions ideal for racing despite the challenging profile. The crowds are friendly and the route showcases the city's hilly character. It suits runners who want an honest Midwestern course and accept the hills over a fast personal best.
Course Insight
Kansas City is a hillier marathon than its plains location suggests, rolling through Missouri terrain with wind as a frequent companion. Pace the climbs by effort and don't spend everything on the descents. October conditions are usually cool and runnable. The undulation never quite lets you settle into autopilot. Run it as a strength effort and the rollers stay manageable to the finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 227m
- Elevation loss
- 228m
- Highest point
- 302m
- Lowest point
- 239m
- Net elevation
- -1m
- Start
- Frank A. Theis Park, 47th & Oak
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:20:12 — Brian Franke (USA), 1984
- Women's
- 2:39:50 — Ellen Makarewicz (USA), 1983
Race History
The Garmin Kansas City Marathon revived the Missouri city's marathon tradition in its modern form around 2010, running a genuinely hilly course across the bluffs past fountains and downtown landmarks. Its undulating terrain made it an honest Midwestern test. From its revival it grew into the region's signature road race. Held each October, it draws a steady field in crisp autumn conditions.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Kansas City International (MCI)
- Best area to stay
- The Power & Light District downtown for proximity to the route, the Country Club Plaza for upscale, charming stays, and the Crossroads for trendy options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is downtown near Crown Center/Union Station; walk from downtown hotels or take the free streetcar to a central stop.