Course Information

One of the most beautiful urban courses in the country!

By even contemplating a marathon, we know you're up for a challenge and that is why the KC Marathon is right for you.  Our course is hilly; Kansas City is not flat by any means.  While the course is flatter and faster than last year, the hills will challenge you. Thousands have completed this great course and so can you! Train for hills and the feeling at the finish line will be that much sweeter!

There is no better way to see the beauty of Kansas City than on foot. The 26.2-mile course winds through neighborhoods, parks and historic districts. Runners will experience all of the major landmarks of Kansas City, including Sprint Center, Power & Light Entertainment District, Liberty Memorial, Westport, Country Club Plaza, Loose Park, Brookside and many of our beautiful fountains!

Course Maps

(Note: All maps are PDF downloads.)

Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K, Kid's Marathon

Attention!  Course Changes

The Kid's Marathon and 5K have been adjusted due to unforseen circumstances.  Attached are the new course descriptions for the 5K and the Kid's Marathon.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Satellite View of Start Line

Satellite View of Finish Line

Satellite View of Start Line in relation to Finish Line

Elevation Chart

Pace Chart

Course comments from Course Designer Eladio Valdez

Written course directions

Course Video

Time limit: 6 hours (14 minute pace)

Marathon Pace Teams

We are pleased to announce pace teams for the Waddell and Reed Kansas City Marathon and Half Marathon. 

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Police Locations

Police will be located along the course and will allow cars to cross the course when there is a break in runners.

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Course Tours

Get a free tour of the course on our official tour bus.  Two separate bus tours of the marathon route will take place on Friday afternoon, October 17, 2008.  Click here for more details and to reserve your spot!

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Course Support

Aid Stations:  Approximately every 1.5 - 2.0 miles

Each aid station will have:

• Water
• Gatorade
• First Aid Kit
• Vaseline or Udder Butter
• Band Aids

Portable toilets:  located at Start, Finish, and along the course

• 40 @ the start line – Grand & Pershing
• 20 @ the finish line – Wyandotte and 22nd (these can be placed on Friday afternoon)
• 10 @ 13th & Main on the SW corner on Main
• 5 @ the Liberty Memorial on the corner of Memorial Dr and Wyandotte (east corner)
• 2 @ Westport Road and Broadway ( SE corner)
• 6 @ 47th & Main (at Mill Creek Park)
• 2 @ Ward Parkway and Sunset
• 4 @ Ward Parkway and 60th (near Country Club Christian Church)
• 2 @ 75th & Summit (north side of the street)
• 2 @ 63rd & Brookside (east side)
• 2 @ Volker & Oak (north side)
• 6 @ Gillham & Harrison (NE corner)
• 3 @ 31st & Paseo (east side)
• 5 @ 18th & Paseo (NW corner)

Additional support for the full marathon course only:

• GU energy gels will be at miles 12 and 20
• Fruit will be served at miles 10, 16, and 21

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The Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon Course is a certified qualifiying course for the Boston Marathon. 

The lead pack races through KC's beautiful Country Club Plaza.

Courses designed by Running Coach Eladio Valdez, Runner's Edge.

Note: For the safety of all participants and volunteers, race organizers reserve the right to change any of the courses right up to race day due to unknown circumstances.