Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra-Marathon
Welcome to the SMYFS Marathon and Ultra!
Join us in Saint Joseph, Missouri on October 24-25, 2026.
Our Vision
Welcome to St. Joseph, Missouri! The Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra is designed to showcase the stunning beauty of the "Show Me State" and the "Free State," where Missouri and Kansas converge along the Missouri River valley. Our goal is to provide all participants an unforgettable running experience in a welcoming environment that they and their supporters will cherish forever. All proceeds will benefit Saint Joseph School District Cross Country and Track & Field programs.
Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra Sponsorship Drive
Why is the SMYFS Marathon and Ultra seeking sponsors?
The Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra is committed to delivering a world-class racing experience for every participant—whether 50 runners or 500 toe the line. To do that, there are essential services we must provide regardless of registration numbers, including professional timing, safety and support vehicles, course sanitation, staffed and heated aid stations, generators, and professional photography. These are fixed costs that must be secured well in advance of race weekend. Sponsorships play a critical role in helping us cover these expenses, ensuring the event is safe, professionally run, and successful no matter how many runners ultimately register.
How might sponsoring the SMYFS Marathon and Ultra benefit my business?
Sponsors receive recognition and visibility through race apparel, signage, digital promotion, and social media outreach, connecting your brand to a positive, well-organized community event. Just as importantly, your sponsorship directly supports local high school student-athletes, allowing your business to demonstrate tangible investment in the Saint Joseph School District and local communities.
Sponsoring the Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra provides meaningful visibility and goodwill within a highly engaged and loyal community. Our runners, volunteers, and spectators represent a wide range of professionals, families, and endurance athletes who value commitment, discipline, and local support—qualities that align closely with successful businesses.
What makes sponsorship of the SMYFS Marathon and Ultra different from a typical donation?
We understand that many businesses are already generous supporters of school athletics and other worthy causes. Sponsoring the Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra is different because it is not simply a donation—it is a partnership built on mutual responsibility and shared values.
When a business sponsors this event, we view that commitment as a covenant. Our obligation as race organizers is to deliver a safe, professional, and well-executed event that reflects positively on every sponsor involved. We take seriously the trust our sponsors place in us, and we work deliberately to ensure that their name is associated with an event that is well-organized and worthy of public confidence.
That same standard guides how we approach sponsorships. We intentionally seek partnerships with businesses known for quality, exceptional customer service, and ethical business practices—organizations whose reputations align with the values we want this event to represent. In that sense, sponsorship is selective on both sides.
The result is more than financial support for student-athletes. It is a collaborative effort to create something enduring: a high-quality community event that benefits young athletes, showcases responsible local businesses, and strengthens trust between all involved.
What should I do now?
If you believe your business would be a good fit for the Show Me Your Free State Marathon and Ultra, we invite you to take the next step. Please download our Sponsorship Packet to review available sponsorship levels, benefits, and timelines.
If you have questions, would like to discuss a custom sponsorship opportunity, or simply want to learn more about the event, we welcome the conversation. You may contact the race director directly at director@showmeyourfreestate.org.
We would be honored to partner with businesses that share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and support for student-athletes.
The Course
The name "Show Me Your Free State" reflects the unique geography of this race. The course starts and finishes in Missouri but the majority of the route is located in Kansas. The Missouri River famously changed course after the 1951 flood, leaving a section of Missouri to the west of the river. The 25-mile loop course crosses this historic region — following the riverbank, traversing the Gladden Bo
Our Partners
Chris Rigby, Agent, American Family Insurance
Chris Rigby is your American Family Insurance agent serving Wathena and the surrounding areas. Chris operates an office located right next to our second manned aid station at the intersection of Treece Road and US Highway-36 so you will never forget how to find him!
DuVall Lawn Care
Locally owned and operated by Brian DuVall, his company was founded on one simple principle: quality lawn care comes first. DuVall Lawn Care understands that every property is unique, which is why they take the time to provide personalized service for each of their customers. DuVall's licensed professionals, certified by the Missouri Depa
Locally owned and operated by Brian DuVall, his company was founded on one simple principle: quality lawn care comes first. DuVall Lawn Care understands that every property is unique, which is why they take the time to provide personalized service for each of their customers. DuVall's licensed professionals, certified by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, bring both expertise and care to every job. Give them a call today at (800) 723-4124.
Pathfinder Pest Solutions, Inc.
Pathfinder Pest Solutions, Inc.
Pathfinder Pest Solutions offers pest control services that protect your home year-around. Their treatments are specific to the season and seasonal pests for the area. All of Pathfinder's technicians are licensed and insured. Quality pest control service is their number one priority. Give Pathfinder Pest Solutions a call today at (816) 39
Pathfinder Pest Solutions offers pest control services that protect your home year-around. Their treatments are specific to the season and seasonal pests for the area. All of Pathfinder's technicians are licensed and insured. Quality pest control service is their number one priority. Give Pathfinder Pest Solutions a call today at (816) 396-8003 to discuss their pest control programs and find out which one best fits your needs.
Horizon Cycling
Pathfinder Pest Solutions, Inc.
Horizon Cycling has been St. Joseph's premier local bike shop since 2012. Horizon sells Trek, Electra, Esker, Revel, and Santa Cruz bicycles as well as all manner of accessories and apparel. Not only that, but their expert technicians perform everything from tune-ups to complete re-builds.
Anderson Automotive Group
Anderson Automotive Group operates new and used automobile dealerships in St. Joseph, Missouri, as well as in Lincoln and Grand Island, Nebraska. Anderson Automotive's new car offerings include the Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Kia brands. Anderson's expert technicians provide service on all makes and models as well.
Armstrong's Heating and Cooling
Bart and Hunter Armstrong and the team at Armstong's Heating and Cooling provide exceptional customer service and value. Bart and Hunter have over three decades of combined experience as HTC-certified HVAC technicians. Armstrong's proudly sells Lennox, Trane, and other quality equipment and they have the skills and know-how to service all types of commercial and residential HVAC systems.
McElwain Aerial Spraying
McElwain Aerial Spraying is a family owned and operated aerial spraying service based in Wathena, Kansas. McElwain Aerial Spraying's founder, Floyd, went for his first airplane ride on March 15th 1972, and continues to lead the company to this day. McElwain's services include fungicide, cover crop, and fertilizer application.
Tubes Bike Shop
Tubes is a full-service bicycle shop with the ability to repair most major bicycle parts and systems. Tubes also has a bar featuring two beers on tap and a variety of other refreshments, as well as ample seating at the bar or in the mezzanine. Additionally, Tubes offers shower facilities for cyclists and runners who need to clean up afte
Tubes is a full-service bicycle shop with the ability to repair most major bicycle parts and systems. Tubes also has a bar featuring two beers on tap and a variety of other refreshments, as well as ample seating at the bar or in the mezzanine. Additionally, Tubes offers shower facilities for cyclists and runners who need to clean up after a hard day on the trails. 1826 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, Missouri.
Mile-90 Photography
Mile-90 Photography
Mile-90 Photography is the Midwest's premier sports event photography service specializing in ultramarathons and trail races. Mile-90 photographers will be on the course throughout the race to capture photos of all ultramarathon participants, course scenery, and candid shots of spectators and support crews. These high-resolution photograp
Mile-90 Photography is the Midwest's premier sports event photography service specializing in ultramarathons and trail races. Mile-90 photographers will be on the course throughout the race to capture photos of all ultramarathon participants, course scenery, and candid shots of spectators and support crews. These high-resolution photographs may be downloaded for free and will be archived on the Mile-90 website.