The Early Years
2012Established in 2012, the Kansas City Marathon is now 14 years old. From its first edition in Kansas City, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in United States.
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Course & Elevation
The Kansas City Marathon features a scenic loop course that showcases the city's most iconic neighborhoods including Union Station, the Country Club Plaza, and the River Market. The route traverses urban streets and parks with only moderate elevation changes, making it accessible to runners of varying abilities while offering genuine Kansas City character throughout.
Surface: road Profile: Rolling
Weather
Temperature 13°C
Humidity 65%
Rain Chance 25%
Mid-October Kansas City offers comfortable fall running conditions with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Clear skies and dry conditions are typical, making for fast racing with excellent visibility.
The Race
Kansas City
Race Lore
The Fast Lane
Runners come to the Kansas City Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Kansas City has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
Where It Begins
For thousands of runners each year, the Kansas City Marathon is their first marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.
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Registration
Registration Opens January
Registration Closes September
Entry Cost $129-$179
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Fun Facts
- ▸ The Kansas City Marathon has raised over $8 million for local nonprofits through its charity partner program since its inception.
- ▸ The race starts and finishes in front of Union Station, one of the largest and most beautiful Beaux-Arts buildings in the United States.
- ▸ Kansas City is famous for its barbecue, and the race includes water stations featuring local BBQ restaurant sponsors.
- ▸ The marathon course is completely loop-based, meaning no net elevation gain makes it ideal for first-time marathoners.
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