St. Joseph, Missouri Marathon
September 28 @ 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
SECOND ANNUAL ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI MARATHON
PRESENTED BY GRAY MANUFACTURING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 – CIVIC CENTER PARK
Pick the distance that’s right for you and sign up today!
Follow your runner!!!!
Or, sign up as a volunteer!
2024 RACE GUIDE COMING SOON!!!!
7 AM – FULL, HALF (PRESENTED BY EAGLE COMMUNICATIONS) & RELAY START
7:30 AM – 10K START (PRESENTED BY BMS LOGISTICS/RITE PACK INC.)
7:30 AM – 5K START (PRESENTED BY ALTEC INC.)
POST RACE CHILL OUT PRESENTED BY HY-VEE!
An event you will not want to miss! Sign up now to participate in the Second Annual St. Joseph, Missouri Marathon which is set for Saturday, September 28, 2024 hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission in partnership with Junior League of St. Joseph.
More then 500 runners participated in our inaugural event to rave reviews, this is a race/event you will not want to miss!!
The race will feature five different distances for participants to choose from and include: full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 10K race (6.2 miles), 5K race (3.1 miles) and a relay team (five persons) element that encompasses the full route.
This scenic and challenging race route which begins and ends behind Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph, will take participants from the north to south end of town and embodies St. Joseph landmarks along with incorporating the city’s historic parkway system.
Event proceeds benefit the continued growth, development and programming of the sports commission along with Junior League’s initiatives which include; Cinderella’s Closet, Hope Totes, Community Assistance and Literacy Grants along with their support of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.
- St. Joseph Marathon branded participant shirt
- St. Joseph Marathon branded towel
- Finisher’s medal
- Swag bag from our race sponsors
- Race bib and timing chip
- Free food and drink (beer included!) at the Post Race Chill Out presented by Hy-Vee in Civic Center Park
RACE MEMENTOS & ADDITIONAL SWAG!!
Newly added for this years race, there are several ways to display and signify your participation in the St. Joseph, Missouri Marathon!
RACE APPAREL
In addition to your participant gift, there are several St. Joseph Marathon pieces of apparel available for purchase! Check out our online race store (store will be officially open September 19 – 29) and features a wide array of dri-fit short and long sleeve shirts, hoodies, shorts, hats, stocking caps, backpacks and more! Simply order online and your items will ship directly to your home! This current store is open now through September 13 in which an additional purchase time frame will be available race weekend!
PURCHASE ADDITIONAL RACE SWAG NOW!
SOCKS!!
Runners love socks! A limited amount of St. Joseph Marathon branded socks will be available for purchase at packet pickup on 9/27 and in the park on race day. Socks come in one of two sizes (either S/M or L/XL) and are available while they last for $20 apiece.
NOVELTY GIFTS
The St. Joseph Marathon has partnered with local company PR Laser Works for some unique memento opportunities of your participation in the St. Joseph Marathon! Order your one of a kind wooden replica of our marathon race map that can feature personalized engraving of your race. Whether it’s a personal record or simply another way to signify your accomplishment in the race, these maps are a perfect keepsake! Additionaly PR Laser Works produces custom engraved shoe tags, keychains, stats plaques and more! Order today at prlaserworks.com or click on the link below:
ORDER YOUR CUSTOM MEMENTO NOW!
Providing Legacy & Leadership for more than 70 years in St. Joseph, Gray Manufacturing is a third-generation family owned business supporting the truck repair and maintenance industry with the highest quality service equipment. Visit their website at grayusa.com.
For all questions not answered below:
Please e-mail sportscommission@stjomo.com
What can I expect from the course:
Each race route will encompass St. Joseph’s historical beauty, scenic parkway system and will be an enjoyable journey and test of endurance. The routes can be challenging in spots as the terrain in our city is not consistently flat but will even out accordingly.
New elements to the course for 2024: All runners will utilize 4th Street from Francis on the out/back as opposed to 6th Street last year. While still an include, this does decrease the elevation change slightly on the connection to and from Middleton Street leading to Maple Leaf Parkway. For full marathon runners only: the turnaround point at mile 14.5 has changed, on the out – runners will turn left down Mason Ave and turnaround just past 5th Street before heading back up Southwest Parkway.
Can I change the distance originally signed up for?
Yes, simply e-mail sportscommission@stjomo.com to do so. No refunds/credits will be issued for a decreased distance. Balance will be owed for an increased distance.
Will pacers be provided?
Yes, in partnership with Runners Edge KC, pacers will be provided at the times:
Marathon: 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30
Half Marathon: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30, 2:37, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 3:00
Meet our pacers via the link below:
http://www.smartpacing.com/index.php?page=meetthepacers&pacing=STJ
Are there age requirements to participate?
Must be 16 years of age to run the full marathon and relay, 14 years of age to run the half marathon, no age requirement to run the 10K or 5K.
Can I walk?
While no separate category, walkers are welcome in the half marathon, 10K and 5K however, have a six-hour time limit in which to finish.
When does registration open and close?
The registration portal will open the week of January 30 and close the day before the race. No registration will be allowed on race day.
Pricing Structure:
The earlier you register, the lower the price! Registration fees are non-refundable. We reserve the right to cancel the event in any circumstance deemed dangerous to participants.
Age Groups and Awards:
Each race will have a male and female overall winner. In addition to overall event winners, awards will be given to the top three male & female finishers in the following age categories:
19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & over.
Overall event winners are excluded from age group awards.
Where can I find results?
All results will be posted on this website and will be finalized the week following the race.
Will I receive my award onsite?
All participants will receive their finishers medal immediately following the race. There will not be a formal post-race awards ceremony for overall and age group winners. However, once each race segment is finalized and the results are deemed official, age group award winners will have the option to pick up their medals at the “Race Awards Booth” in our Post Race Chillout accordingly. Awards not obtained up on race day, may be picked up at the St. Joseph Sports Commission office located at 911 Frederick Avenue the week following the race or can be mailed to the participant.
Do winners receive monetary awards?
There are no cash prizes at this event.
- VIEW THE TIMING CHART FOR RUNNERS
- VIEW USATF FULL MARATHON COURSE CERTIFICATION AND MAP
- VIEW USATF HALF MARATHON COURSE CERTIFICATION AND MAP
- VIEW 2024 FULL MARATHON ROUTE
- VIEW 2024 HALF MARATHON ROUTE
- VIEW 2024 10K ROUTE
- VIEW 2024 5K ROUTE
- VIEW OPEN CROSS STREETS ALONG THE ROUTE
Please note: routes are subject to change. Map program does measure long in some cases.
All races will begin and end behind Civic Center Center Park in downtown St. Joseph. The full and half routes will take participants from the north to south side of town showcasing our cities beauty, landmarks, architecture, historic streets and parkway system.
- Leg 1: Starting Line at Civic Center Park to Krug Park Pool – 4.4 miles – shortest leg, slight uphill incline immediately after the start but mostly flat the rest of the way which includes a downhill finish into the Krug Park Pool area
- Leg 2: Krug Park Pool to Parkway A by Mark Twain School – 5.2 miles – tougher stretch but also a very scenic stretch, uphill out of the shoot, flattens out the first two miles, then another slight uphill to Ashland Avenue, runners love Ashland – very historic and scenic, the last part of this leg is slightly downhill to a flat finish (Park at Krug Pool, access off of St. Joseph Avenue)
- Leg 3: Parkway A to SW Parkway Loop – 5.2 miles, a slight incline early, toward the middle and then an uphill S curve right after mile 4, but a downhill finish and arguably the prettiest of the five legs (Park at Mark Twain School, access off of South 31st Street)
- Leg 4: SW Parkway Loop to Noyes Tennis Courts – 5.2 miles – one major uphill portion which is immediately out of the gate, following that, downhill or flat the rest of the way (Park at St. Joseph Chin Baptist Church – 423 Hyde Park Ave.).
- Leg 5: St. Joseph Aquatic Park to Finish Line at Civic Center Park – 6.2 miles, longest leg, arguably toughest stretch as uphill in the beginning and then another uphill at mile 22, but then back down and flat the rest of the way in. Scenic stretch as well. (Park near St. Joseph Aquatic Park or Central High School, access of of Messanie Street)
Teams will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the relay points.
Will the course be certified?
Yes, USATF has certified both the full and half routes, please see the certification certificate under the course map links.
Where will aid stations be located?
Aid stations will be located every two to three miles throughout the course and will feature water, Gatorade, GU Energy gel, basic first aid items and portable toilets. Basic medications will not be available.
What is the time limit for the race?
Marathon participants must finish the course within a 6 hour time limit. The split between the half and full marathon courses will close at 10:30 AM. Runners who have not reached this point in the race by that time will be directed to the half course to finish. Anyone not finished within the time limit will be asked to move the sidewalks. At 1 PM, the race will end and all support personnel and security will be dismissed.
Packet pick-up along with our St. Joseph Marathon Health & Fitness Vendor Fair will be held Friday, September 27 from 2 to 7 PM at the St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau located at 911 Frederick Avenue just across the street from the start-finish line area. Packets may also be picked up morning of in Civic Center Park from 6 – 6:45 AM.
For vendor booth information, please inquire by e-mailing besely@stjomo.com.
Following your race, runners will want to “Chill Out” in Civic Civic Park at our Post Race Chill Out presented by Hy-Vee. Participants will receive a complimentary beer presented by Wil Fischer Companies and River Bluff Brewing Company. Additionally, as St. Joseph is the unofficial ” Tenderloin Capitol of the World”, each runner will receive a complimentary post race tenderloin! The Chill Out will also feature live music, other food and drink options for purchase, photo opportunities and vendor booths.
This year’s live music presented by Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn and Candlewood Suites will be performed by Ty Ellis and the Flatliners! A red dirt country band based out of Pittsburg, Kansas, the band delivers an authentic blend of powerful gritty vocals & electrifying instrumentals that resonate with audiences far & wide. With influences ranging from classic country to southern rock, Ty Ellis & the Flatliners bring a fresh perspective to the red dirt scene, captivating audiences with their high-energy performances and unwavering passion for music.
Click here to view a map of the Post Race Chill Out presented by Hy-Vee!
The St. Joseph Marathon will utilize Athlinks/ChronoTrack Live Timing System, a next generation race platform providing real-time results, mobile results, Facebook & Twitter athlete updates, athlete video finishes and digital photography. Please be sure to wear your bib number visibly on your chest.
Complimentary parking is available at the more than 1,200 spots in the downtown St. Joseph and the surrounding area. Garage parking is located off Frederick Ave, Francis Street and Felix Street along with street side parking on adjacent roads. Based on registration, we will add satellite parking options if necessary. The 2024 parking map will be added soon!
The medical tent will be located onsite next to the finish line to assist all participants.
For runners that need lodging for the St. Joseph Marathon, Holiday Inn Express and Fairfield Inn have a special booking link available which are listed below. Rates are $129 for a single/double and $144 for a suite. As a note, specific booking rates expires on September 14.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
CLICK HERE TO BOOK FAIRFIELD INN
Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell, member of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 and legendary cross country runner at Central High School and the University of Missouri, has offered the following resources which provide insight into training for a marathon:
- Marathon Pacing
- Pre-Run Warm-Up Recipe
- Running Form is…
- Running Form Cues and Technique Practice
- Running Training Principles
Numerous sponsorship opportunities are currently available to support the St. Joseph Marathon. To inquire, contact the sports commission at besely@stjomo.com or 816-233-6688.
