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Marathon Details - Heart of America Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MO > Columbia > Heart of America Marathon

Heart of America Marathon

Heart of America Marathon & Relay

Columbia, MO USA

September 2, 2024

http://www.columbiatrackclub.com/hoa

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Race Details

Start/Finish at the Boone County History and Culture Center Columbia, MO, winds through Boone County to the Missouri River, Katy Trail and back to Columbia

Contact Information

Name:	Kathy Lee
Address:	513 Huntridge Dr Columbia, MO 65201
Phone Number:	5738810812
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (68)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.6

Write a review

Number of comments: 68 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

K. M. from NH (9/3/2019) "Exactly as described!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course was very pretty and even more challenging. The people and volunteers were fantastic. It started at 6AM and was dark for approximately 40 minutes. It started to get warm at the end but the collegiality was overwhelming with lots of enthusiasm. The hills were very tough but satisfying. The post race festivities were wonderful. It was convenience and the volunteers were very supportive. The relay racers were a welcome change from an overcrowded half marathon. Nice personalized bibs and both socks and a shirt! I highly recommend this race
Matthew Thomas from St. Louis County, MO (9/12/2017) "Welcome change to legendary marathon" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For the 2017 edition of this great course, the organizers made some subtle tweaks to the start/finish, so that the entire course was south of Stadium Blvd. in Columbia, MO. These tweaks made for a much safer course without compromising course difficulty. This Labor Day legend always has some annual measure of special difficulty in store for those runners who dare challenge it; in '17, difficulty came by way of dew points above 70°F for the better part of the course - which makes its volunteers and the spectators all the more appreciated. My only squawk: A bib personalized to HoA would've been preferable to the generic bib from the race management company (though the 'B' tag on the bib certainly beats the 'D' tag or especially the hard chip in the shoelaces).
Z. P. from Columbia, MO (9/7/2017) "Brutal Hills, incredible Race" (about: 2017) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon, and it was a doozy. The heat was 70 in the morning and 90 by the time of finish. Train for hills and expect heat. Incredible beautiful course. Amazing people who run it.
Edward Gerard Keller from Topeka, Kansas United States of America (9/8/2015) "Absolutely Fantastic Event, Joe Duncan Great!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This 56th Annual Running of the Heart of America Marathon was my 136th marathon completion. It was well supported, very challenging well paved, good Law Enforcement support and many volunteers. The Course is very challenging, running through some picturesque, runs along the Missouri River, with an awesome finish line and post race support Shuttle to an outstanding pizza feed. All Race officials and race director provide an excellent event, great technical shirt, plaques and finisher's medals, really nice Host motel 300 yards from the start of the race!!!! Will definitely run it again next year with many family and friends.
K. T. from Defiance, MO (9/8/2014) "Great first marathon!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. We were blessed with cool temperatures and little sun. I enjoyed the challenge of this course, the volunteers were spectacular, and water/Gatorade was plentiful. Most of the run was through beautiful scenery and not crowded by many runners. I enjoyed the peacefulness and quiet of this race. This little race has captured my heart and I will be back for many more.
l. b. from Bolivar Missouri (9/16/2013) "Best Marathon Ever" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 In December of 2012 I had a cycling accident that required a grueling recovery. I wanted a special race to be my first race back. HOA never disappoints. This was my fourth HOA and ninth marathon. I prefer this marathon to any other. Home town atmosphere, Ice baths, Pizza, it's the best.
B. W. from Missouri (9/4/2013) "Oh the hills!" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 My first 26.2. Those hills are brutal. The race was small and relaxed and everyone was so friendly. I know my time suffered from this tough course, but I couldn't have picked a better race to cut my teeth. Thank you for a great experience!
J. B. from St. Louis, Missouri (9/9/2012) "Great marathon!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the fifth time I have run this marathon and I always enjoy it. It is a great and challenging course, especially when it is 70 degrees at the start and over 80 degrees at the finish. I love the start in the dark. The volunteers are great, the price is greatly appreciated, and I swear by the ice bath at the end. Again, I love that ice bath! The medals are good enough but I really wish they would bring back the old cotton tshirts. I don't like the special fabric and the color the last two years is dreadful. I haven't worn the 2011 and 2012 shirts but I still wear my 2001-2003 shirts all the time. The Hampton is a great hotel and so conveniently located. Shakespeare's Pizza is great - all you can eat pizza for free with a great seating area and plenty of opportunity to meet fellow runners and the volunteers. Bring a water bottle to run with at the start because the first aid station is around the 4 mile mark. And go out slow! Wait until the top of Easley hill (right at the half marathon mark)before you pick up the pace. Don't run this if you are trying for a PR and don't like hard courses. Slow down and savor this marathon.
A. D. from Livermore, CA (9/5/2012) "Unique marathon, room to improve" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I did enjoy this race, and would recommend it, but only if you are looking for a unique marathon experience. This one is not for 1st timers, or those looking for a more conventional medium/large sized marathon (and with the support that goes along with them). Here were the positive aspects of this race: 1. Great small town feel, personality! Nice volunteers, packet pick up, no expo. The start feels more like a big running group doing a long training run. As long as you expect this, it is a nice change from the big-city marathons. 2. From about miles 8-20, I found the course scenery absolutely beautiful. That one mile (12) just before the challenging hill, that ran along the Missouri River was gorgeous. A true rave run moment. 3. Very nice pizza party at the end where the award ceremony was held. I enjoyed the pizza, and meeting some wonderful finishers, I really had a nice time getting to chat with the runners at my table, friendly, interesting people. I come across so many fascinating personalities and life stories at these races! And, the improvement opportunities: 1. Put volunteers, or even just signs on the final 1.5 miles! This was my 31st marathon, and I have never come across such a desolate final mile; I was convinced through most of the last mile I had run off course, no sign, volunteer, nothing. I kept slowing down to make sure there was someone behind me (I had purposely run a slow 1st half, to do a fast finish, so I did pass people from mile 12 to the end, and wound up in an odd gap with no one in sight before me, and runners far behind me). I did FINALLY pass the volunteers at the Broadway turn, but then no one to direct me to the finish shoot - I started to turn down 9th ave, and some nice spectator corrected me. Overall I lost time on this stretch that should have been the fast finish I planned, and the stress of wondering whether I had run off course for the entire final miles of the race is an experience I do not want to repeat. Just stick a few signs along the course to reassure the runners they are on track. 2. No one can change this, it is part of the race, but this course and the conditions are very difficult; this is not a marathon for the faint of heart. Humidity, heat, hills, and rough terrain on many parts - this is one of the toughest I have run, my new PW. Just be prepared, and reset your expectations if you think this may be a PR course. 3. About the course - although 8-20 are beautiful, the preceeding and final 6 miles of the race are mostly on the rough shoulder of a busy highway, with the view being strip malls and office buildings - not pretty. Prepare yourself for a final 6 miles on a not-scenic course. 4. I hate when people complain about medals and shirts, but this medal is not the best. Summing it up, set your expectations right, prepare for a charming small town, midwest, scenic course (from miles 8-20), do not require a ton of support, and you will have a great time at this race.
E. L. from Sylva, NC (9/18/2011) "A 'small' race, but WELL worth the effort." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The hills were a challenge, but the scenery made it all worth while. Volunteers were so great. Thank you to Shakespear's Pizzeria - great recovery food!! The red blinky lights didn't want to stay on, I saw many that had fallen off of runners. I was glad I had my own. I really did appreciate the drivers on the narrow road where we were running. They gave us a brake and some even smiled and waved back! I was really worried after reading the description, but so glad I ran this race! I gave 4 stars because the course was a real challenge to me, but I'm one of the 60+ group! It's OK to chuckle here!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]



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K. M. from NH (9/3/2019) "Exactly as described!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course was very pretty and even more challenging. The people and volunteers were fantastic. It started at 6AM and was dark for approximately 40 minutes. It started to get warm at the end but the collegiality was overwhelming with lots of enthusiasm. The hills were very tough but satisfying. The post race festivities were wonderful. It was convenience and the volunteers were very supportive. The relay racers were a welcome change from an overcrowded half marathon. Nice personalized bibs and both socks and a shirt! I highly recommend this race
Matthew Thomas from St. Louis County, MO (9/12/2017) "Welcome change to legendary marathon" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For the 2017 edition of this great course, the organizers made some subtle tweaks to the start/finish, so that the entire course was south of Stadium Blvd. in Columbia, MO. These tweaks made for a much safer course without compromising course difficulty. This Labor Day legend always has some annual measure of special difficulty in store for those runners who dare challenge it; in '17, difficulty came by way of dew points above 70°F for the better part of the course - which makes its volunteers and the spectators all the more appreciated. My only squawk: A bib personalized to HoA would've been preferable to the generic bib from the race management company (though the 'B' tag on the bib certainly beats the 'D' tag or especially the hard chip in the shoelaces).
Z. P. from Columbia, MO (9/7/2017) "Brutal Hills, incredible Race" (about: 2017) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon, and it was a doozy. The heat was 70 in the morning and 90 by the time of finish. Train for hills and expect heat. Incredible beautiful course. Amazing people who run it.
Edward Gerard Keller from Topeka, Kansas United States of America (9/8/2015) "Absolutely Fantastic Event, Joe Duncan Great!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This 56th Annual Running of the Heart of America Marathon was my 136th marathon completion. It was well supported, very challenging well paved, good Law Enforcement support and many volunteers. The Course is very challenging, running through some picturesque, runs along the Missouri River, with an awesome finish line and post race support Shuttle to an outstanding pizza feed. All Race officials and race director provide an excellent event, great technical shirt, plaques and finisher's medals, really nice Host motel 300 yards from the start of the race!!!! Will definitely run it again next year with many family and friends.
K. T. from Defiance, MO (9/8/2014) "Great first marathon!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. We were blessed with cool temperatures and little sun. I enjoyed the challenge of this course, the volunteers were spectacular, and water/Gatorade was plentiful. Most of the run was through beautiful scenery and not crowded by many runners. I enjoyed the peacefulness and quiet of this race. This little race has captured my heart and I will be back for many more.
l. b. from Bolivar Missouri (9/16/2013) "Best Marathon Ever" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 In December of 2012 I had a cycling accident that required a grueling recovery. I wanted a special race to be my first race back. HOA never disappoints. This was my fourth HOA and ninth marathon. I prefer this marathon to any other. Home town atmosphere, Ice baths, Pizza, it's the best.
B. W. from Missouri (9/4/2013) "Oh the hills!" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 My first 26.2. Those hills are brutal. The race was small and relaxed and everyone was so friendly. I know my time suffered from this tough course, but I couldn't have picked a better race to cut my teeth. Thank you for a great experience!
J. B. from St. Louis, Missouri (9/9/2012) "Great marathon!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Heart of America Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the fifth time I have run this marathon and I always enjoy it. It is a great and challenging course, especially when it is 70 degrees at the start and over 80 degrees at the finish. I love the start in the dark. The volunteers are great, the price is greatly appreciated, and I swear by the ice bath at the end. Again, I love that ice bath! The medals are good enough but I really wish they would bring back the old cotton tshirts. I don't like the special fabric and the color the last two years is dreadful. I haven't worn the 2011 and 2012 shirts but I still wear my 2001-2003 shirts all the time. The Hampton is a great hotel and so conveniently located. Shakespeare's Pizza is great - all you can eat pizza for free with a great seating area and plenty of opportunity to meet fellow runners and the volunteers. Bring a water bottle to run with at the start because the first aid station is around the 4 mile mark. And go out slow! Wait until the top of Easley hill (right at the half marathon mark)before you pick up the pace. Don't run this if you are trying for a PR and don't like hard courses. Slow down and savor this marathon.
A. D. from Livermore, CA (9/5/2012) "Unique marathon, room to improve" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I did enjoy this race, and would recommend it, but only if you are looking for a unique marathon experience. This one is not for 1st timers, or those looking for a more conventional medium/large sized marathon (and with the support that goes along with them). Here were the positive aspects of this race: 1. Great small town feel, personality! Nice volunteers, packet pick up, no expo. The start feels more like a big running group doing a long training run. As long as you expect this, it is a nice change from the big-city marathons. 2. From about miles 8-20, I found the course scenery absolutely beautiful. That one mile (12) just before the challenging hill, that ran along the Missouri River was gorgeous. A true rave run moment. 3. Very nice pizza party at the end where the award ceremony was held. I enjoyed the pizza, and meeting some wonderful finishers, I really had a nice time getting to chat with the runners at my table, friendly, interesting people. I come across so many fascinating personalities and life stories at these races! And, the improvement opportunities: 1. Put volunteers, or even just signs on the final 1.5 miles! This was my 31st marathon, and I have never come across such a desolate final mile; I was convinced through most of the last mile I had run off course, no sign, volunteer, nothing. I kept slowing down to make sure there was someone behind me (I had purposely run a slow 1st half, to do a fast finish, so I did pass people from mile 12 to the end, and wound up in an odd gap with no one in sight before me, and runners far behind me). I did FINALLY pass the volunteers at the Broadway turn, but then no one to direct me to the finish shoot - I started to turn down 9th ave, and some nice spectator corrected me. Overall I lost time on this stretch that should have been the fast finish I planned, and the stress of wondering whether I had run off course for the entire final miles of the race is an experience I do not want to repeat. Just stick a few signs along the course to reassure the runners they are on track. 2. No one can change this, it is part of the race, but this course and the conditions are very difficult; this is not a marathon for the faint of heart. Humidity, heat, hills, and rough terrain on many parts - this is one of the toughest I have run, my new PW. Just be prepared, and reset your expectations if you think this may be a PR course. 3. About the course - although 8-20 are beautiful, the preceeding and final 6 miles of the race are mostly on the rough shoulder of a busy highway, with the view being strip malls and office buildings - not pretty. Prepare yourself for a final 6 miles on a not-scenic course. 4. I hate when people complain about medals and shirts, but this medal is not the best. Summing it up, set your expectations right, prepare for a charming small town, midwest, scenic course (from miles 8-20), do not require a ton of support, and you will have a great time at this race.
E. L. from Sylva, NC (9/18/2011) "A 'small' race, but WELL worth the effort." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Heart of America Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The hills were a challenge, but the scenery made it all worth while. Volunteers were so great. Thank you to Shakespear's Pizzeria - great recovery food!! The red blinky lights didn't want to stay on, I saw many that had fallen off of runners. I was glad I had my own. I really did appreciate the drivers on the narrow road where we were running. They gave us a brake and some even smiled and waved back! I was really worried after reading the description, but so glad I ran this race! I gave 4 stars because the course was a real challenge to me, but I'm one of the 60+ group! It's OK to chuckle here!

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Marathon Details - Heart of America Marathon