In search of a great destination for your next race? Make your way to America’s heartland for a favorite tradition that showcases all the city has to offer, from first step to finish line.

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon invites runners to enjoy a tour of KC as they notch another 26.2 miles. The race begins with the city’s famous shuttlecock sculptures and winds through several beloved neighborhoods along the way. After the medals have been awarded, there are plenty of popular landing spots for a well-deserved celebration.

Start making your plans for a one-of-a-kind race—along with an unforgettable visit—in the City of Fountains.

The Race

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon returns each autumn, inviting runners to participate at full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K distances. This year, the race takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The marathon starts and ends at Theis Park. It’s just across the street from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where a sprawling sculpture park features several larger-than-life shuttlecocks that have become KC icons. Once you’ve finished your distance, it’s the perfect place to gather with fellow runners and commemorate your accomplishment by enjoying Kansas City style BBQ and local beer.

Once the race officially begins, runners will encounter many of the community’s most significant and recognizable locations while navigating the route. Consider it a totally unique tour through the Heart of America.

One of the map’s first highlights, the striking architecture of the Country Club Plaza, regularly surprises first-time visitors. Designed to resemble the streets of Seville, the district opened in 1923. Today, it’s home to several of the city’s most stunning fountains in addition to soaring, Spanish-inspired towers. It’s certain to be a memorable sight on race day.

The route then makes its way by Westport (Kansas City’s oldest entertainment district, founded as its own town in 1833) before delivering an unmatched view of the KC skyline. The city is on full display during miles 3 and 4, where racers pass the National WWI Museum and Memorial, along with the city’s historic Union Station.

The next several miles wind through the heart of Downtown Kansas City. Sightseeing highlights include the Moshe Safdie-designed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, and Town Topic—a glowing burger stand in operation since the 1940s and a favorite among famous figures, including the Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

Midtown’s historic homes and green spaces offer a scenic setting heading into the marathon’s midpoint. Then, the second half of the race traces a path through several of Kansas City’s most beautiful residential neighborhoods along Brookside Boulevard and Ward Parkway. It’s also a chance for runners to find new energy from the support of a local crowd, with spectators emerging from their homes and gathering to cheer on the effort each year.

Loose Park is a treasured urban park and the final landmark before the finish line. Upon returning to Theis Park, the Finish Line Festival waits to welcome racers with local barbecue, drinks and live music.

Famous sights

Anyone who’s curious about the locations on display during the race can return for a closer look at several local cultural staples. Some of the most noteworthy destinations along the route are great options for any post-race weekend itinerary, including:

Country Club Plaza: Within buildings inspired by the streets of Spain, the Country Club Plaza is home to an array of local and national retail brands. Plenty of excellent hotels and dining options can also be found within the district.

Westport: With origins as an 1830s trading post, Westport has now established itself as a storied entertainment district. Sports bars, cocktail lounges and award-winning restaurants coexist within rows of historic brick buildings.

National WWI Museum and Memorial: Step inside to browse the world’s most expansive collection of artifacts from the Great War. Plus, the institution offers sweeping views of the KC skyline.

Union Station: Kansas City’s historic train station takes on new life as a favorite gathering space. Restaurants, a rotating exhibition gallery and Science City—a hands-on STEM wonderland for kids—are among Union Station’s popular attractions.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: Home to the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City, the Kauffman Center is one of the city’s most distinctive architectural sights.

Museums at 18th & Vine: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum preserve significant stories of athletics and art, their roles in advancing American civils rights and their direct ties to Kansas City.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: The sprawling collection contains more than 5,000 years of artwork housed inside a stunning Beaux-Arts structure. Plus, general admission is always free.

Local traditions

A pair of Kansas City’s most significant pastimes—jazz and barbecue—lend themselves perfectly to post-race revelry. The burnt ends, brisket, pulled pork and sausage on dozens of menus across the region are enough to curb any appetite.

Although the restaurant options are virtually endless, the KC BBQ Experience has plenty of insights to guide diners to the perfect smoked delicacy. (Tip for marathoners: Many of the most popular barbecue joints draw long lines on weekends, so it might be worth planning for a bit of recovery time before getting back on your feet and joining the crowd.)

Meanwhile, it’s easy to slide into a corner table at one of the city’s favorite jazz clubs, like TheBlue Room, The Phoenix, Green Lady Lounge or Black Dolphin, and enjoy a restful evening of live music.

Ways to celebrate

Ready to raise a glass? Cocktail bars, breweries and bars in a series of popular entertainment districts provide the perfect setting for the toast to your athletic accomplishment.

Head to the Crossroads Arts District for an assortment of breweries and distilleries, return to Westport for drinks and live music late into the night, or make your way to the River Market for hole-in-the-wall bars that have established themselves as local treasures. Keep reading for more of the city’s favorite cocktails.

Competitors who opt to refuel with caffeine will find an above-average collection of coffee shops throughout the area. Head inside Union Station to enjoy Parisi Coffee, or check out many more of Kansas City’s coffee shops here.

Sports capital

After the marathon concludes, Kansas City’s competitive nature continues. The Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting KC and the Kansas City Current are all in season in October. Pick up tickets to a game or find a favorite sports bar to keep an eye on the score in a more casual atmosphere.

Plus, check out the Kansas City Power & Light District, where a giant outdoor screen invites a crowd to cheer on the home team throughout football season. It’s at the heart of the district in the KC! Live Block, surrounded by two stories of bars and entertainment venues.

Ready to continue showing off your own athleticism? The College Basketball Experience is just across the street and offers the chance to put your skills to the tests against many of the sport’s greatest legends.

More races in Kansas City

Planning a visit to the Heart of America before or after the Kansas City Marathon? Runners can take their pick of races all year long at various distances.

Sept. 16, 2026
Plaza 10K: With a fast and flat course, the race highlights the beautiful Country Club Plaza.

Nov. 26, 2026
Thanksgiving Day 5k Run & Family Stroll: KC’s original Thanksgiving Day race features a “finisher donut” instead of the typical finisher medal.

Feb. 7, 2027
Groundhog Run: Enjoy KC’s only big winter race at a 5k or 10k distance. Held in the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis underground caves, the temperature remains at a comfortable 60 degrees.

Late April 2027
CCVI Trolley Run: The Trolley Run offers a unique 4-mile race distance across Waldo, Brookside and the Country Club Plaza.

Mid-May 2027
Hospital Hill Run: The Hospital Hill Run is KC’s oldest road race. It features 5k, 10k and half marathon distances, with several challenging hills along the way.