The 2026 Course.
26.2 miles · Marion to Urbana · Cedar Valley Nature Trail
The 2026 Jams Marathon begins at Lowe Park in Marion, Iowa. From the start line, runners proceed south through Marion via the CeMar Trail, joining the Cedar Valley Nature Trail at Hiawatha at approximately Mile 6.
From Hiawatha, the course follows the Cedar Valley Nature Trail northward in a single, uninterrupted corridor through the unincorporated communities of Robins and Center Point, with aid stations operated by Committee volunteers at four locations along the route.
The course terminates at the JAMs Coffee Bar in Urbana, Iowa, where the official finish line is administered each year on the storefront patio. The 2025 finisher remarked that the final mile, while flat, "felt long."
- DISTANCE
- 26.2 miles
- SURFACE
- Paved & crushed limestone
- ELEVATION GAIN
- ~180 ft
- SANCTIONING
- USATF-uncertified
- COURSE TYPE
- Point-to-point
From Marion to Urbana.
Schematic. Official GPX file available to confirmed entrants.
Aid Stations.
| MILE | LOCATION | PROVISIONS | CAPTAIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2 | Hiawatha Trailhead | Water, electrolyte mix, bananas | M. Halverson |
| 12.4 | Center Point (south) | Water, gels, oranges, restrooms | P. Albrecht |
| 18.6 | Center Point (north) | Water, electrolyte mix, cookies, encouragement | R. Brouwer |
| 23.8 | Urbana Pavilion | Water, cold towels, "view of finish" | S. Drewes |
Official Course Rules.
- All runners must complete bib pickup at Lowe Park between 4:00 and 4:50 AM. Late arrivals will be permitted to start but will not be officially timed.
- Bibs must be worn on the front of the torso and visible at all times. Bibs affixed to the rear, hip, or thigh will not be recognized by Committee timing personnel.
- Pacers are permitted after Mile 18. Pacers are not permitted to carry provisions, music, or conversation on behalf of the runner.
- Headphones may be worn at the runner's own risk. The Race Committee recommends single-ear use only on shared trail segments.
- Coffee may be consumed at any point on the course, including during the race.
- Runners must not, under any circumstances, finish the race before the Race Director.
- Course-cutting, drafting behind motorized vehicles, and "rideshare-assisted segments" are grounds for disqualification.
- The finisher mug is the property of the runner upon receipt and may not be returned for exchange.
Spectator Information.
Spectators are welcome at the JAMs Coffee Bar finish line and may also gather at the Mile 12.4 aid station, though there is little to see there. Parking at the finish line is available on adjacent streets. The Race Committee asks spectators to refrain from re-entering the trail corridor during active competition.