The Heartland Series, running from Saturday, July 6 to Friday, July 12, 2024, is a hallmark event for runners seeking to experience a variety of Midwestern landscapes across seven states in seven days. With race times adjusted to accommodate the time zones of the participating states, Ohio and Michigan races kick off at 7:00 AM (ET), while Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota start at 6:00 AM (CT), ensuring an early morning cool for all participants.
An early start option is available for marathon, half marathon, and 50K participants, allowing them an additional hour before the official race time each day, catering to those who prefer a quieter course or need extra time to complete their race. Packet pickup is conveniently scheduled the day before the series begins, at the Defiance County Fairgrounds in Hicksville, Ohio, with race day packet pickup also available one hour before the start, ensuring flexibility for all runners.
The Heartland Series stands out for its inclusive “no runner left behind” policy, welcoming participants of all paces with no time limit, and encouraging walkers to join the event. Although pets are not permitted for safety reasons, strollers are welcome, making it a family-friendly series.
