HalfRuns
Garmin Kansas City Marathon

Garmin Kansas City Marathon

Kansas City's largest race winds through historic neighborhoods and past iconic landmarks.

Race Date

Oct 17, 2026

Location

Kansas City, MO

Standout76

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Big Crowd EnergyWell OrganizedGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is the city's premier annual running event, drawing participants from across the nation. This large-scale race, now in its third edition and growing, offers a tour through Kansas City's most vibrant areas, showcasing landmarks like the World War I Museum & Memorial, the Country Club Plaza, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Runners can expect a course that highlights distinct neighborhoods such as Waldo and Westport, and the historic 18th & Vine district. With a median field size of around 2,800 finishers and growing, the event provides a lively atmosphere. Approximately 21% of participants are repeat runners, underscoring the race's appeal.

Recognized as "Best Marathon in Missouri" by RaceRaves and listed among the top marathons on BibRave.com, this event offers a compelling experience for runners from about 44 states. The typically mild race-day weather, with average temperatures between 48–67°F, adds to its draw.

Race-provided description

Don't miss your chance to participate in Kansas City's largest and most exciting annual race event that takes runners on a tour through the coolest neighborhoods and past the most beautiful landmarks - including the World War I Museum & Memorial, the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Waldo, Westport, 18th & Vine and more! 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.” Finally, it was 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.” In order to protect our participants and ensure a safe event, each individual participating in this event must be officially registered under their own name with accurate personal information. Failure to do so will void the registration and prohibit participation. 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.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

Shirt Size

Start Location

4701 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.2 Miles3.1 Miles13.1 Miles

Quality Score

Standout76
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size15/15

~2,837 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

21% returning runners

Course & details8/15

6 timing sources · 8 photos

National draw10/10

runners from 44 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:07:53

Weather5/10

typical high 67°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

48°

Afternoon (High)

67°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

57%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Garmin Kansas City Marathon?

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Garmin Kansas City Marathon take place?

It takes place in Kansas City, Missouri.

What distances does the Garmin Kansas City Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.

Is the Garmin Kansas City Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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