Heart of America Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Justin L.
Kansas City, MO

  (09-15-2009)

"This was a bargain at $25!!! The shirt was extremely nice, the organization was wonderful and the course was challenging. I really enjoyed the scenery and the enthusiasm of the spectators. I appreciated starting at 6:00am as this allowed for us to run in the "cooler" weather. Would definitely recommend this to other runners. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

david b.
Alton, IL

  (09-14-2009)

"This is a marathon everyone should do at least once! If you think you're hot stuff, this one may take you down a peg or two! Several major hills compete with frequently warm temperatures and high humidity. Good Luck! You're gonna need it! Yet it's a great time and a REAL accomplishment!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Andy E.
Columbia, MO

  (09-14-2009)

"This is my favorite smaller marathon. At $25 it is a bargain. I ran it as my first marathon in 2004 and every year since. It is a challenging course so be prepared for the hills. It has been humid every year I have run it and often foggy. This year was no exception. Some years there is also heat. This year was not as bad as last year.

The course is what it is along some roads with no shoulder, but it is tradition and they aren't going to change it. The hills are what make this marathon interesting. It is not boring and the course is very scenic taking you down to the Missouri River and then you get to climb up the big Easley hill.

The organization is always exceptional. Being the 50th annual, this year the marathon was more of a big deal with a banquet and post-race pizza party.

This marathon is great if you like an intimate marathon with a lot of personality and an extra challenge with the hills, heat, and humidity!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Suzette .
Columbia, MO

  (09-12-2009)

"It was my first marathon! Tough course for a beginner, but worth it! Not an elite runner so I finished near the end. Didn't feel a bit of shame from the crowd or organizers! Joe Duncan and the CTC should be proud! Thanks. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

David W.
Cameron, MO

  (09-11-2009)

"This race was awesome for my first marathon. I felt so relaxed with the laid back organization and crowd. The aid stations were satisfactory. The spacing was a little sporadic, but I knew from their website that this was a possibility. The course itself was probably a lot harder than most people would expect. I had trained very well so it didn't faze me, but I would expect it to be difficult for most novice marathoners. The roads were NOT closed during the race. There were some tricky areas with traffic coming from both directions on some country roads without shoulders. Was not a huge problem. The year I ran, it was nice and cool, but being a Labor day run it could very well get into the 90's on race day. Be prepared for the heat and humidity!! There were only about 300 runners this year, which was one of, if not the biggest turnout they've had. Don't expect thousands of people. This is actually a real neat part of this run. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Katherine L.
Columbia, MO

  (09-09-2009)

"This is not a prissy race, but the satisfaction of doing something this unique & challenging makes it very worthwhile and a lot of fun. I found the huge hills throughout actually easier than the long gradual hill that comes about mile 24. The race is small, and mostly on narrow, winding, hilly roads. Aid stations & volunteers are great. The crowds are small, but the reception and ice baths available at the finish feel so good! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Hugh E.
Columbia, MO

  (09-09-2009)

"Gotta love those hills. I'd like to see a bigger crowd and more musical groups."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009