FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL RACE INFORMATION
What if I have a question that is not answered below?
Please email info@sportkc.org and we’ll do our best to assist.
What day is the race?
The race always falls on the third Saturday in October.
2025 – Saturday, October 18
Does the race take place in Missouri, Kansas, or both? Where is the race located?
The race starts, takes place and finishes in the state of Missouri only.
Click here for travel information.
What distances are available?
Marathon: 26.2 miles
Half Marathon: 13.1 miles
10K: 6.2 miles
5K: 3.1 miles
Is the Garmin Kansas City Marathon part of a marathon series?
Yes, we have partnered with the IMT Des Moines Marathon to offer the I-35 Challenge. This event allows participants to complete two distances at two different races in back-to-back weekends. Click here to learn more and to register for the I-35 Challenge.
What amenities do I get for finishing?
All runners will receive a Garmin Kansas City Marathon branded participant shirt, finisher’s medal, FREE downloadable race photos, and FREE food, beer and massages at the Finish Line Festival presented by T-Mobile. Participants in the full and half marathons will also receive a KCM branded running beanie.
How many runners do you expect?
Approximately 2,000 in the marathon / 5,000 in the half marathon / 1,300 in the 10K / 1,200 in the 5K
What were the top times for winners last year?
Click here for race results.
Is the Garmin Kansas City Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes. Click here for more information on Athlete Registration for the Boston Marathon.
Full Marathon USATF Measurement Certificate
Half Marathon USATF Measurement Certificate
Is there an age requirement for the race?
Full Marathon participants are required to be at least 16 years of age to run.
Half Marathon participants are required to be at least 14 years of age to run.
There is no age requirement for the 10K or 5K.
Are walkers allowed?
We do not have a separate category for walkers, but many people do walk the half marathon, 10K and 5K. Walkers must be aware of the 6 hour time limit and must maintain at least a 14 minute per mile pace.
Will event merchandise be available?
Event merchandise will ONLY be for sale at the Health & Fitness Expo leading up to the race. Merchandise will also be available for purchase online after the race.
What other things are there to do in Kansas City over race weekend?
Our friends at Visit KC have a full list of things you can do when visiting Kansas City! Call 816-691-3800, go to www.VisitKC.com or stop by the Visit KC Visitor Information Center at 1111 Main St Suite 180, Kansas City, MO 64106
If you need additional support before, during or after the race, please contact info@sportkc.org and someone will be in contact about making the necessary accommodations.
REGISTRATION
When does registration close?
Online registration will close at 8pm on the Friday before the race. Late registration is available at the Health & Fitness Expo. There is NO race day registration. Click here for registration info.
Do you allow refunds?
Registration fees are non-refundable in all cases regardless of inability to participate or event cancellation. The race director reserves the right to cancel the event because of weather, natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstances which pose a significant danger to the participants.
Can I change race distances?
Yes, you may change your race at any time while registration is open. Click here for instructions on how to make the change. After online registration is closed, any changes will need to be made at Packet Pick Up. NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED ON RACE DAY.
Do you allow transfers from one person to another?
To transfer your registration, follow these steps. All transfers MUST be completed prior to packet pick up.
NOTE: In order to protect our participants and insure a safe event, each individual participating must be officially registered under his or her own name with accurate personal information. Failure to do so will void the registration and prohibit participation. Registration entries and race numbers cannot be transferred to another person once registration is closed under any circumstances or be used by registrant in subsequent years.
RESULTS & AWARDS
Where will Results be posted and finalized?
All results will be posted here but will not be finalized until the Wednesday following the race.
Are there Age Group Awards?
Click here to learn about awards and prizes.
Do you give out monetary prizes?
NO cash prizes are offered.
Will there be a post-race awards ceremony?
There will NOT be an awards ceremony on site.
COURSE
Is the course USATF certified?
Yes, the full and half marathon courses are USATF certified.
Full Marathon USATF Measurement Certificate
Half Marathon USATF Measurement Certificate
What is the distance between aid stations?
Aid stations are approximately 1.5 – 2 miles apart throughout the course.
What will be available at the aid stations?
Each aid station will have water and Powerade (Mountain Berry Blast) and a basic first aid kit with Band-Aids, Vaseline, etc.
Select aid stations will have fruit along with BOKA Energy gel for the full marathon participants.
No oral medication will be available at any aid station. Aid stations will NOT be equipped with Tylenol, Advil, allergy medicine, etc.
Is there a time limit for the event?
There is a 6 hour time limit for the marathon course. This is for each participant’s safety and security on race day. Participants must maintain a 14 minute per mile pace to make the course deadline. The split between the half marathon and full marathon courses, located at approximately mile 13, will close at 10:30am. Any runners who have not reached the split by that time will be directed to the half marathon course to finish. If a participant continues onto the full marathon course after the 10:30am cut off time, or fails to maintain the 14 minute pace after the split, they will be asked to move to the sidewalks and will no longer be on the closed race route as security and race support will be dismissed by our tail vehicle and the Kansas City Police Department.
10:30am – Full Marathon Split Closed – Participants directed to the half marathon course
1:45pm – Race Ends – all support and security dismissed
Can I run with headphones?
While the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation along with the Garmin Kansas City Marathon discourages the use of iPods and headphones, we do not impose a ban on wearing such devices.
Can I push a stroller?
Strollers and baby carriers of any kind are NOT allowed in any of the events for the race. With the increased number of participants, the safety of all participants is a priority. In addition to strollers, any wheeled vehicle or mode of transportation is not allowed on the course including but not limited to bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, and hover boards.
Can I run with my dog?
Animals are NOT allowed on the course unless they are assisting visually impaired participants.
HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO/ PACKET PICK UP
When and where is the health & fitness expo/packet pick up?
Click here for information about the packet pick up at the Health & Fitness Expo.
Will parking be available at the Health & Fitness Expo?
Parking is FREE during packet pickup for all participants in the Union Station parking garage.
Is there race day packet pick up or registration?
There is NO race day registration or packet pick up.
Can someone else pick up my packet?
If you are unable to pick up your packet in person someone may retrieve it on your behalf. Your designated pickup person must bring their photo ID at the time of packet pickup.
RACE DAY
How is the race timed?
The Garmin Kansas City Marathon will utilize MyLaps© BIBTAG technology with your timing strip attached to the back of your bib. Be sure to wear the bib number visibly on the chest. Do not fold or crumple your bib number or tag and be sure to use a pin for EACH corner of the bib number. DO NOT pierce the tag itself. The BIBTAG system cannot be altered in any way prior to or during the event. Please DO NOT try to remove it!
What time does the race start?
Marathon and Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m.
10K will start at approximately at 7:30 a.m.
5K will start at approximately at 7:45 a.m.
Can I run with my Garmin GPS device?
Yes, participants are permitted to use their Garmin GPS device and other relevant watches or tracking devices. Garmin is a proud supporter of the Garmin Kansas City Marathon and we advocate and encourage their efforts to make fitness a lifestyle for everyone.
Are hydration packs/backpacks allowed?
Yes, personal hydration packs or backpacks are allowed during the race.
Do you have a gear check area?
Yes, gear check will be located in Frank A. Theis Park and participants may drop their gear prior to the race and retrieve it from the same location after the race. NOTE: Only the gear check bags handed out at packet pick up will be accepted at gear check on race morning. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Who takes the on-course and finisher pictures and how can I get them?
Race photos are provided by Finisher Pix and will be available approximately 48 hours after the race.
PARKING
Where can I park on race day?
Complimentary parking is provided for all participants at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Volker Campus, and the Country Club Plaza, just blocks from the start line. Nearly 3,000 spaces are available in the Cherry Street Garage and Rockhill Garage with additional lots throughout the campus. Parking first comes first serve. Click here for the Parking Map with addresses to each parking location on campus.
SPECTATORS
Can I track my runner digitally?
Click here for information on how to track your runner.
PACE TEAMS
Are there pace teams?
Yes, pace teams are available for the half and full marathon. The pace team service is complimentary. Stop by the pacer booth at the race expo to meet the pacers and pick up your complimentary pace band. On race morning, look for your pace team sign and line up accordingly. Click here for more detailed information regarding pace teams.
MEDICAL
Will there be a medical tent?
Yes, a medical tent will be onsite at the finish line to assist all participants.
What is available at each aid station?
Aid stations will be placed approximately 1.5 – 2 miles apart throughout the course.
Each aid station will have water and Powerade and a basic first aid kit with Band-Aids, Vaseline, etc.
Select aid stations will have fruit along with a power supplement for the marathon participants.
Energy gel will be available at select aid stations on the full marathon course only.
No oral medication will be available at any aid station. Aid stations will NOT be equipped with Tylenol, Advil, allergy medicine, etc.
HOTEL & TRAVEL
Is there a host hotel?
Yes, click here for hotel information.
Guide to Kansas City
Kansas City is full of things to do, places to see and food to eat. Take advantage of a long weekend during October and see all the different aspects of Kansas City. You can learn about other events and activities around Kansas City from our partner Visit KC. Visit their website or stop by the Visit KC Information Center at 1321 Baltimore Avenue, to see all Kansas City has to offer.
Still have questions?
Please email info@sportkc.org.
VIRTUAL RACE
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Best of all, your participant shirt and finisher medal will be shipped directly to you! Register for the Garmin Kansas City virtual 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon today!
Do I need to go to packet pickup?
Virtual participants DO NOT need to come to Union Station to pick up their packets. We will be mailing the virtual runners all their items.
When will I receive my participant items?
After race day, we will begin mailing out the participant items to our virtual runners.
Are there awards?
No overall or age group awards will be distributed.
Is there a specific app I need to utilize to time my run?
No, use your app of choice.