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!

Police Locations

Police will allow cars to cross the course when there is a break in runners.  Click here to download their locations.

Kansas City Marathon Google Earth Fly-thru

Courtesy of Garmin

• NEW Course Video
• Course Maps: (Download PDF file)  

               With background:                    

               Without background (simple):

• Marathon
• Half-Marathon
• 5K
• Course Mile Mark Maps: (Download PDF file)
• Marathon
• Half-Marathon
• 5K
• Course Mile Marks: (Download PDF file)

• Marathon
• Half-Marathon
• 5K
• Satellite Maps: (Download PDF file)

• Start
• Finish
• Relationship of Start area to Finish area
• Elevation Charts:
• Marathon

• Time limit: 6 hours (14 minute pace)
• Course comments from Course Designer Eladio Valdez
• Written course directions:
  • Marathon
  • Half-Marathon
  • 5K
• Verbal Description of Marathon Course
• Support on the course - Aid stations, toilets, etc.
• Course Tours: 2 separate bus tours of the marathon route on Friday afternoon. 

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.