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Garmin Olathe Marathon

Race Details:

What This Race Counts Toward:

Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes

Garmin Olathe Marathon Description

The Garmin Olathe Marathon, hosted at Garmin’s world headquarters just outside Kansas City, brings a “Land of Oz” theme to a Boston-qualifying, mostly-out-and-back course through the streets and trails of Olathe, Kansas each April. Rolling hills define the route, with the biggest elevation change coming around mile 15. Race weekend also includes a half marathon, 10K, and Munchkin Marathon for kids, with SmartPace pacers on hand to help runners of every level hit their goal time. It’s a welcoming, well-organized Midwest race with over two decades of history.

Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.

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Garmin Olathe Marathon Additional Details:

The Land of Oz theme runs through every part of race weekend here, costumed volunteers staff themed aid stations, signage nods to characters from the story, and plenty of runners and spectators show up dressed the part, turning an ordinary Kansas road race into something closer to a costume party with a finish line. Aid stations keep water and Gatorade flowing throughout, with GU appearing at select stops for runners who plan their fueling around it. The commemorative medal has become something of a keepsake among regulars, paired with a tech shirt runners tend to actually wear again rather than shelve. Parking and packet pickup near Garmin’s headquarters keep logistics simple, letting the focus stay on the theme, the community turnout, and the genuinely enthusiastic crowd support along the rolling course.

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Mostly Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours (full), 4.5 hours (half)

# of Finishers

Half Marathon: 1,200+

Marathon: 450 to 550

Elevation Details

Elevation Gain: 891 ft
Elevation Loss: 891 ft

Average Temperature

Train Smarter for Race Day

A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.

Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.

Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.

Things to Do in Olathe, KS, USA

Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.

Outdoors & Trails

Heritage Park

Bike or hike the trails at Heritage Park, one of Johnson County’s largest parks with an 18-hole golf course and dog park — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.

Landmark

Johnson County Historical Society Museum

Explore artifacts from the county’s founding families at the Johnson County Historical Society Museum downtown — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race weekend.

Museums & History

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm

Take a stagecoach ride and see 19th-century farm demonstrations at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm — an easy, low-impact stop after race day.

Sports & Entertainment

Kansas City Automotive Museum

See a rotating collection of vintage vehicles at the Kansas City Automotive Museum, refreshed every 4 to 6 months — a relaxed, indoor way to spend an afternoon after race day.

Scenic Drives & Viewpoints

Lake Olathe

Take in views at the 258-acre Lake Olathe, with a swim beach, marina, and trails around the water — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day after racing.

Hotels & Lodging Near the Garmin Olathe Marathon

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