
St. Joseph, United States of America · Saturday 24 October 2026
St. Joseph sits in northwest Missouri along the Missouri River, a historic town that served as a crucial outfitting point during America's westward expansion. The October setting brings pleasant autumn weather to the region, with cooler temperatures ideal for distance running. The area maintains a small-town character with tree-lined streets and a genuine community feel, making this an intimate racing experience rather than a large-scale spectacle. The course is refreshingly straightforward for marathon runners. With virtually no elevation change across the 42.2 kilometers, it's a true flat route that rewards steady pacing and efficiency rather than technical footwork. Runners can expect a road-based loop that stays manageable throughout, with the terrain remaining consistent and predictable. This kind of course favors those building fitness or chasing time goals, as there's nothing to break your rhythm or steal energy with unexpected climbs. The October conditions in Missouri should provide comfortable running, though you'll want to prepare for potential wind and bring adequate hydration strategy since the flatness means limited natural variation to break the monotony.
Adjusted Time
3:52:32
Time difference: -7.5 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Show Me Your Free State Marathon is a full marathon held in St. Joseph, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 24 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 0m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 0m above sea level.
This is a very flat course with only 0m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 0m to 0m above sea level — a 0m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Show Me Your Free State Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Show Me Your Free State Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Show Me Your Free State Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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