Show Me Your Free State Ultra
Saint Joseph, United States • 24 Oct 2026
Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra
The Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra is a long-distance running event held in St. Joseph, Missouri. The race starts and finishes at the Rosecrans Memorial Airport. While the event begins in Missouri, the majority of the route is located across the river in Kansas. The course features a 25-mile loop that follows the Missouri River, passes through the Gladden Bottoms, and skirts the Loess Hills.
The terrain consists of approximately 10 miles of paved roads, 1 mile of dirt road through cornfields, and the remaining sections on gravel or crushed limestone levee trails. The course is primarily flat with an elevation gain of approximately 138 feet per loop.
Participants can choose from the following distances:
- 100-Mile (4 laps)
- 50-Mile (2 laps)
- 50-KM (1 lap plus a 3-mile out-and-back)
- Marathon (1 lap plus a 1.2-mile finish loop)
- Half Marathon (Out-and-back format)
Manned aid stations are positioned along the course, providing water, electrolyte drinks, soda, and various snacks such as fruit, salty items, and sweets. Unmanned water stations are also available between the main stops. Runners in the 100-mile and 50-mile categories are permitted to use drop bags and may have pacers after completing their first lap.
The event enforces specific safety requirements, including the use of headlamps and reflective gear for those running before sunrise or after sunset. Primitive camping is available at the airport in designated areas. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.