WELCOME TO THE 2022 HEARTLAND MARATHON
Thank you for registering and joining the Omaha Running Club for our signature event, the Heartland Marathon! We are thrilled to host hundreds of racers from across the country for the 2022 event.
Omaha Running Club prides itself on creating a safe, supportive environment for our participants. We have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of runners, spectators and volunteers. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 25, as we #RuntheHeartland!
Please consult the guide below and the Frequently Asked Questions page for additional details.
Tom Whitaker and Daren Konda, Race Directors
PACKET PICK UP
Saturday, September 25
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Downtown/Old Market
101 S 10th St
Omaha, NE 68102
You are welcome to pick up a packet for another racer. IDs are not required. Please make sure you coordinate carefully with others if you are picking up their packet so that there is no "lost packet" confusion.
Here are some helpful guides to help make the process as seamless as possible:
- Your bib number along with instructions of how to wear your bib will come in an email from our timing company. The email address is alanhigley@hotmail.com. Please watch for it as it will contain further race information. If you don't have your bib number at packet pickup, we will have a place for you to look it up. You do not need to know it beforehand.
- Proceed to the pickup line for your event.
- Tell our volunteer your bib number and he/she will give you your bib and shirt. You will be given the size that you put on your registration form. NO EXCHANGES…sorry.
- Changes or corrections in your registration may be made at packet pickup.
RACE SCHEDULE
The events start on the trail in Miller's Landing on the Omaha Riverfront. (1155 Gallup Drive on the Omaha Riverfront) All runners will be started in waves to allow for social distancing. A tentative schedule is listed below.
- 7:00 am – Marathon & Marathon Relay
- 7:15 am – Half-Marathon
- 7:30 am – 10k
- 1:00 pm – Course Closes
- 9:00 am to 2 pm - After Party at Dam Grill & Bar
The 2021 Heartland Marathon is the RRCA Nebraska State Marathon championship for the Central Region.
MOBILE APP
Visit the Google Play or Apple store and search for the official Precision Race Results app. Once downloaded, search for the Heartland Marathon event to access event logistics, relay information, live tracking and more.
GEAR CHECK
Gear check is not being provided in an effort to minimize physical contact between individuals. For your convenience, parking is very close to the start line.
PARKING
Please allow yourself enough time race morning to park. You can park in designated lots at:
-
- Dam Grill & Bar (River City Star), 151 Freedom Park Road, Omaha, NE (Host of the After Party)
- Gallup Riverfront Campus, 1001 Gallup Drive, Omaha, NE
PACERS
We have a tremendous team of volunteer pacers to help make your race day a success. Please note that the pacers have presently volunteered to participate in the indicated events, but due to circumstances beyond our control, one or more pacers may not be present, and we may not be aware of that situation as late as race day.
Half: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, 3:15
Full: 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15
COVID PRECAUTIONS
We are implementing the following precautions against the spread of COVID-19:
- Hand sanitizer stations will be available through the Start and Finish area and aid stations.
- We are using electronic timing, which allows runners to space themselves at the start of the races.
- Face masks are recommended for participants as they form up in the Start area. Trash receptacles will be provided adjacent to the chutes near the Start Line to allow for disposal of masks.
- We are staggering race start times to allow time for runners of each race to start.
- Participants, family, guests, and volunteers who have a current positive COVID-19 diagnosis, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or who have had a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 shall not attend the event.
RELAY TEAM INSTRUCTIONS
The Relay Exchange stations may become congested with team vehicles and spectator vehicles both converging on these locations.
Start (Distance of 1st leg – runner 1 will run approximately 5.5 miles): Located at Miller’s Landing on the south/east side of Gallup Drive. Cheer your first teammate off and head to the first exchange point! Parking is available in designated relay spots at the Gallup Riverfront campus at 1001 Gallup Drive, Omaha, NE.
Exchange #1 (Distance of 2nd leg – runner 2 will run approximately 5.9 miles): Exchange is located approximately at Mile 5.5, just south of Richard Downing Ave at 24th Street in Council Bluffs, IA. Exchange Point 1 parking is available at 3271 Marketplace Dr, Council Bluffs, IA (west of JCPenny). Park and take the trail on 34th Ave to 24th Street. Runner 2 will run south on the 24th Street Trail on the east side of 24th Street towards Veterans Memorial Highway.
Exchange #2 (Distance of 3rd leg – runner 3 will run approximately 3.4 miles: Exchange is located approximately at Mile 11.4, north of Harrah’s Casino, and immediately north of the Dodge Riverside Golf Club in Council Bluffs, IA. Parking is available in the large parking lot north of Harrah’s on the west side of the trail. Runner 3 will run north on the trail.
Exchange #3 (Distance of 4th leg – runner 4 will run approximately 5.9 miles): Exchange is located approximately at Mile 14.8, (same location as Exchange Point 2) north of Harrah’s Casino, and immediately north of the Dodge Riverside Golf Club in Council Bluffs, IA. Parking is available in the large parking lot north of Harrah’s on the west side of the trail. Runner 4 will run south on the trail.
Exchange #4 (Distance of 5th leg – runner 5 will run approximately 5.5 miles): Exchange is located approximately at Mile 20.7, (same location as Exchange Point 1) just south of Richard Downing Ave at 24thStreet in Council Bluffs, IA. Exchange Point 4 parking is available at 3271 Marketplace Dr, Council Bluffs, IA (west of JCPenny). Park and take the trail on 34th Ave to 24th Street. Runner 5 will run north on the 24th Street Trail on the east side of the 24th Street toward Richard Downing Ave.
Exchange #5 (OPTIONAL): This will allow team members to finish as a team. The team member wearing bib XXX-5 MUST cross the finish line first, other runners shall remove their timing chip on their bib before crossing the finish line. Exchange point is located under the west side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Go meet your teammate by Omar the troll to finish the relay and celebrate your accomplishment!
SPECTATORS
All spectators should maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact with runners (i.e. no high fives with runners). Please follow all traffic laws. Do NOT stop in the middle of the road and impede traffic.
AWARDS & RESULTS
Finisher medals will be provided in the Finish area. Awards presentations will be located near the finish line. Approximate times are:
- 10K, 9 a.m.
- Half Marathon, 10:30 a.m.
- Marathon, Marathon Relay and U.S. Army MVP and Seven Core Values Volunteer Award, noon
MEDICAL INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS
Runners’ Responsibilities
In registration and pre-race communications, all runners are advised to prepare for the physical demands of their race with proper training. Runners who have a current positive COVID-19 diagnosis, are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or who have had a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 shall not attend the Packet-pickup or Race Day events.
Finish Line Medical Tent
The finish line medical tent is staffed and supplied to treat common marathon-related injuries and illnesses, and to begin stabilization procedures for severe problems. Any runner who requests assistance will be evaluated in the medical tent and treated based on our protocols for runner medical care. The medical team may authorize transportation to a nearby hospital in case of serious injury or illness. No media, family or friends of ill or injured runners are allowed in the medical tent or area because of privacy, confidentiality, biohazard and crowding issues.
Impaired Runner Policy
Medical personnel are authorized to remove from the race course any runner deemed medically impaired without an automatic disqualification. To be allowed to continue the race, a runner must:
- Be able to proceed in a straight path toward the finish line;
- Be able to explain who they are, where they are on the course, and what they are doing;
- Look clinically fit to proceed with good skin color and body appearance;
- Be able to maintain a reasonable running posture.
AFTER PARTY
Join us after the event at The Dam Grill & Bar for a great after-party. Conveniently located near the finish line, the after-party will include a DJ, drink specials, a live band and more! This is a great way to celebrate the race with fellow participants, volunteers and friends.
Heartland participants will receive a complimentary soda and cookie and a Buy One Get One coupon for drinks, including alcoholic beverages. Enjoy DJ Farley beginning at 9 AM followed by live music starting at 2 PM with “Straight to the Islands”. Any runner showing their race bib can get a 1/2 off cruise ticket for a Public Sightseeing Cruise from 2-3 PM! Thank you to the Dam Grill & Bar for being a Heartland Marathon sponsor! See you on the River!!
HOST HOTELS
Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Downtown/Old Market
101 S 10th St
Omaha, NE 68102
Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-321-2211 or online.
Rooms are available at a discounted rate of $97 USD per night, Friday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 26. The last day to book at the discounted rate, pending availability, was Friday, Sept. 3.
Four Points by Sheraton
330 N 30th St.
Omaha, NE 68131
Rooms are available at a discounted rate of $97 USD per night. The last day to book at the discounted rate, pending availability, was Friday, Sept. 14.
Queen Room: use code, HEMHEME
King Room: use code, HEMHEMC