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Each year, thousands of runners from around the country gather in the City of Fountains to participate in one of the Midwest’s favorite marathons and finish line festivals. And with a half marathon, 10k and 5k option, there’s a race distance for everyone!
In Kansas City, we’re known for our jazz, barbecue and passionate sports fans. But we’re also home to one of the best road races in the country: the Garmin Kansas City Marathon. As the largest race in the city, and one of the oldest in the region, it encapsulates much of what makes us one of the most captivating cities in the Midwest.
The weekend’s festivities begin with the two-day Health and Fitness Expo at Union Station. In addition to packet pickup, runners will be able to see the latest and greatest running technology from Garmin, as well as other vendors selling shoes, gear, fitness accessories and nutrition.
An enhanced VIP experience returns this year with premium amenities like parking at the closest designated lot, a tented and heated private space with its own bathrooms, coffee, snacks and gear check.
The course, which begins in front of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, takes runners on a scenic tour past some of our city’s iconic landmarks like the Country Club Plaza, WWI Museum and Memorial, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, historic 18th and Vine District and Ward Parkway. While considered moderately challenging, this Boston Marathon Qualifying Course sees a diverse mix of elite, amateur and new runners each year.
After the race, participants and spectators gather at the Finish Line Festival presented by T-Mobile, where runners receive complimentary barbecue and beer to celebrate their accomplishment, while enjoying live entertainment from local musicians. With the Nelson-Atkins on one end and Brush Creek on the other, it’s a beautiful Kansas City backdrop for everyone involved.
This is the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, which means your support directly impacts our ability to secure major sporting events like the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, the 2023 NFL Draft and—most recently—the history-making FIFA World Cup 2026. Those events create tens of millions of dollars in economic impact for the city and region, which help to drive opportunity and growth for local businesses.
The Garmin Kansas City Marathon has been recognized by RaceRaves, the leading online race finder and community review site for runners, as the “Best Marathon in Missouri.” It was also rated one of the top 20 Marathons on BibRave.com thus qualifying for “The BibRave 100: a Definitive List of the Best Races in America.”
Garmin Kansas City 5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathon
Saturday, October 21
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art South Lawn
