Show Me Your Free State Ultra
Saint Joseph, United States • 24 Oct 2026
Event overview
The Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, in St. Joseph, Missouri. All races begin and end at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. Distances offered:
- 100-mile
- 50-mile
- 50-kilometer
- Marathon (26.2-mile)
- Half marathon (13.1-mile)
The race uses a 25-mile loop as the primary course unit. Longer distances complete multiple loops or additional out-and-back segments.
Course and on-course support
The 25-mile loop follows riverbank terrain, Gladden Bottoms, and parts of the Loess Hills, and crosses into Kansas for much of the route. Surface types include paved road (~10 miles), about 1 mile of dirt through a cornfield, and the remainder gravel or crushed limestone levee trail. Elevation gain is about 138 feet per loop. Major crossing at US Highway 36 in Wathena is monitored by volunteers. The course is marked with yellow paint, signage, directional arrows, and mile markers every 5 miles.
Manned aid stations are located around the loop and provide water, sports drink, salty snacks, fruit, sweets, and hot items after sunset. Unmanned stations offer water and limited snacks. First aid supplies are available at stations. Wildlife sightings are common along the route.
Rules, logistics, and participant policies
Age minimums: 18+ for 100/50/50K, 15+ for the marathon with guardian, 12+ for the half with guardian. No refunds or transfers. Drop bag rules and limits apply for 50- and 100-mile runners; crew access is allowed only at specified locations and crew vehicles may not enter unpaved roads. Pacers are permitted for 50- and 100-mile runners after the first lap and must follow pacer rules. Primitive camping is allowed in a designated area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.