Garmin Olathe Marathon in the Land of Oz
Olathe, KS
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Join us for a marathon, half marathon, 10k or kids run through the beautiful streets and trails of Olathe. The event began in 2003 as the Olathe Marathon, and is now hosted by Garmin at their world headquarters. The city of Olathe is just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Kansas … MORE
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Love the medal!!
Come for the swag! And the easy parking/start/finish line. Super easy race to navigate since it’s small. Love the medal and the t-shirt! Course was fine, mainly through neighborhoods, sidewalks, … MORE
Come for the swag! And the easy parking/start/finish line. Super easy race to navigate since it’s small. Love the medal and the t-shirt! Course was fine, mainly through neighborhoods, sidewalks, and pedestrian trails. Early start at 6:45 means early finish. Friendly people. Good little race for Kansas.
A low-frills marathon in the Land of Oz
To start, while the race begins and ends at Garmin HQ, Garmin itself is minimally involved to my knowledge. The race is hosted and organized by the city of Olathe, … MORE
To start, while the race begins and ends at Garmin HQ, Garmin itself is minimally involved to my knowledge. The race is hosted and organized by the city of Olathe, KS. I think it’s important to point this out, since people might see Garmin in the race name and think it’s a big-budget endeavor.
Pros:
* Packet pickup at the expo was quick and painless
* Pacer for the 4:30 did a great job announcing plans ahead of time for aid stations and different segments of the race
* Crowd support was surprisingly excellent, both from the community and the volunteers. The aid stations were well-staffed with people clearly communicating water/Gatorade and handing out plenty of each.
* Plenty of aid stations, roughly every 2-3 miles, at least 4 stations with fuel. I believe every station had water AND Gatorade.
* The medal is big and shiny and beautiful!
Cons:
* The route was not very exciting. About 1/3 of it was on a closed-off lane in the street, another 1/3 on a paved bike/walking path through the woods, and 1/3 on sidewalks.
* Post-run fuel as far as I saw was banana halves, bagel chunks, and chocolate milk. Since they were already sliced and tossed in a box for self-serve, the bananas and bagels were not very appealing.
* The hills on the back half are no joke. I trained on those hills, but hitting them on legs after >20 miles was a completely different beast from training at <20.
* Lack of porta-potties on the bike path, which accounted for the middle 1/3 of the race. Not a big deal if you don’t mind ducking behind a tree, but worth mentioning.
* The expo itself was tiny, and the race shirt was generic for all distances. I bought a nice customized shirt from a vendor after the race that had all of the Marathon and Half Marathon participants listed on the back.
Bottom line, this was a low-cost, low-frills race with big crowd energy right in my backyard. I am glad I ran it once, but I do not expect to repeat it.
I was expecting more
As a race that starts and finishes at the Garmin headquarters I was expecting more from Garmin. I know we were at their building, but that was really the only … MORE
As a race that starts and finishes at the Garmin headquarters I was expecting more from Garmin. I know we were at their building, but that was really the only signage that said Garmin. Garmin definitely missed the mark on embedding themselves in the endurance community here.
The packet pickup had a few exhibitors, but again nothing from Garmin devices. I didn’t find anything useful at the pickup. I was in and out in a few minutes.
The pre race bus from the suggested hotel area did not leave enough time for gear check and bathroom break before getting to the start. We arrived only 15 minutes before the start of the race and had to walk from bus drop off to race area.
Little to no crowd support on course.
The course utilizes a bike path in some spots which included running on gravel for a short distance. The biggest issue here was just how narrow the course was in those spots. The course is also never flat. You are constantly either going up or down which prevents locking in to a pace. The last few miles are a gradual uphill.
The finish line festivities were in the Garmin parking garage which provided protection from the elements, but didn’t really offer much.
Post race buses were not very well marked and the bus drivers didn’t exactly know where they were going. Considering this was a Garmin sponsored event, they should have had a Garmin GPS to guide them.
Overall this race was just ok. If I had it to do over again, I would pick a different Kansas race.
Nice race, nothing fancy
I like smaller races, easy to navigate to and from the race. Great parking in the Garmin garage. Plenty of porta potties and aid stations were about every two miles. … MORE
I like smaller races, easy to navigate to and from the race. Great parking in the Garmin garage. Plenty of porta potties and aid stations were about every two miles. The hills were mostly at the end of race (miles 17, 18) and I didn’t like running on sidewalks. I would recommend this race if you want to run a marathon without all the bells and whistles.
Fun for Kansas
I’m working through all 50 states, and chose this one for Kansas. I traveled from TN for the weekend, and it was a fun race, though not especially spectacular. The … MORE
I’m working through all 50 states, and chose this one for Kansas. I traveled from TN for the weekend, and it was a fun race, though not especially spectacular. The course was through some nice neighborhoods and greenways, with more hills than I expected, but just enough to keep it interesting.
Swag was a cotton blend shirt and a nifty medal. The Oz theme was fun, and some people dressed up for the race (I ran as the Tin Man).
Parking and morning-of packet pick up were great. Weather as pretty ideal, mid 50s, low 60s and overcast.
Overall, not among the most amazing races I’ve done, but I’m satisfied with it for my Kansas race. 🌪️
Nice Kansas Race!
I thought this was a nice, fun, themed race. Swag was very nice! The only thing I felt could have been better was the post race food. It was only … MORE
I thought this was a nice, fun, themed race. Swag was very nice! The only thing I felt could have been better was the post race food. It was only bagels, chocolate milk, granola bars and bananas.
More porta potties!
I was so excited for this race and the medal! It was super cute medal I just wish it was bigger! I medal whore I admit it. Tshirt was an … MORE
I was so excited for this race and the medal! It was super cute medal I just wish it was bigger! I medal whore I admit it. Tshirt was an ugly color. The course was pretty easy not the most exciting visually. My biggest complaint was the lack of porto potties at different stages of the race. There was a long line at the first 2 stops and didn’t want to wait the 10-15 min.
Just heartbroken
I trained (and paid for) a full marathon. It was the most exciting moment the entire race until I crossed the half marathon finish line instead of marathon finish line. … MORE
I trained (and paid for) a full marathon. It was the most exciting moment the entire race until I crossed the half marathon finish line instead of marathon finish line. I didn’t know this immediately though. They still gave me a marathon medal so that was even more confusing. Then, some guy gave me a plaque saying I was 1st place in my age group. After I found out I ran off course and didn’t finish the 26.2 my heart was totally broken. I saw no signs, no warnings, nothing of a split from the two races. Now looking back I didn’t see many markers after awhile. Such a huge disappointment. The after party was ho hum and the swag was fine, but who wants a marathon medal and plaque they didn’t earn? I will run a marathon someday, but it won’t be here.
Not blown away
Selected this race as is the closest Kansas race to home, reviews and the Royals were in town this year. - Expo was small but had what you may need … MORE
Selected this race as is the closest Kansas race to home, reviews and the Royals were in town this year.
– Expo was small but had what you may need for gels, extra gear. I was there late day befor the race and had an easy time getting my number and shirt.
– Course was well marked and had some slight hills with the greatest elevation change around mile 15 but overall is relatively flat. Nothing overly scenic about the course.
– Swag: Cotton/polyester t-shirt, large medal of the logo for this year’s race.
– Typical post-race food: bagels, granola bars and I believe they had bananas. They did have an expansive selection of beer – six or seven varieties to choose from. No electrolyte drinks when I finished (around 4:30 for marathon) but I did receive a bottle of water immediately upon crossing finish line and that was appreciated.
– May want to roll dice on other options for a race in Kansas.
Nice race but slightly disappointing
Overall, this was a nice race for the area. However, I thought with the name and backing of Garmin there would significantly more to it. I was a bit disappointed … MORE
Overall, this was a nice race for the area. However, I thought with the name and backing of Garmin there would significantly more to it. I was a bit disappointed because of that. Otherwise the race was similar to mid-level races we run in Dallas all the time.
I was not able to make the health expo and early packet pickup due to travel complications, so I can’t speak to that part of the experience.
Race day, I arrived early since I had to do day of packet pickup. Arriving that early, parking was easy. There were volunteers flagging us into the parking structure, simple and easy. Early packet pickup was equally easy. They were ready to go ahead of the 6am on the website which was appreciated!
Weather was chilly the morning of. The wind is what made it a bit biting, I wore my normal winter race gear which included hat & gloves. It warmed up a bit as the race went along, but the wind was still biting, even in the last half mile! Otherwise, it was great weather, beautiful blue skies.
Again, race wasn’t that much. We lined up right next to the parking structure, not a lot of big fanfare. They did staggered wave stage, which was fine, didn’t really bother me much. Website said no music, but we all had our headphones, didn’t change anything.
Race course was mostly thru neighborhoods and wooded, paved trails. The paved trails were nice. There’s not much to see on the course otherwise, standard long run fare in my opinion. Finish was okay, nothing terribly special. Limited/Standard after race fare and some a couple vendor booths.
Regarding the swag, the finishers medal is very cool. Can’t complain about that. Shirt is a standard finishers shirt, again nothing to get too excited about.
In summary, I think I was more underwhelmed than anything for a race that has the backing of Garmin. I expected…more.
Fine race, nothing special
Overall a fun race but not one of my favorites. It's a smaller race so there are far fewer people running it. I was alone most of the race but … MORE
Overall a fun race but not one of my favorites. It’s a smaller race so there are far fewer people running it. I was alone most of the race but it was well marked (except for one place where I missed a turn but the 3:30 pace group quickly corrected me since they made the same mistake).
The course was kinda hilly but not too bad (I live/train in Chicago for reference). There weren’t a ton of spectators but the ones who were out (including cops and volunteers) were great and so encouraging and I loved the signs that Garmin made for the volunteers that were Wizard of Oz themed 🙂 It would have been cool to have a yellow brick road carpet at the finish line.
Running through the forest preserve and on the trail was pretty and I wish we could have run there more rather than through neighborhoods.
The weather was cold and windy at the start but I warmed up quickly with the sun out. The website says no headphones but a lot of people wore them no problem.
The medal is really pretty and sparkly which I love! The expo was small but had the essentials for a marathon.
Overall I wouldn’t do this marathon again but I did have fun despite running one of my slower times. I imagine it’s one of the better marathons in Kansas for anyone looking to do 50 marathons in 50 states. It was well run and I loved how the t-shirts (you had to buy though) had the name of everyone who ran the marathon and the half on the back!
Skip Olathe - course not marked properly
About the only positive to this race is the cool medal and easy parking. The first issue was a lack of communication from the race after signing up. After paying … MORE
About the only positive to this race is the cool medal and easy parking.
The first issue was a lack of communication from the race after signing up. After paying my entry fee, I never received another email from the race with any info.
The expo was incredibly small. One vendor selling shirts for the marathon, which admittedly were better then the race shirt given out. One vendor selling race accessories, like fuel, and fueling belts. Several local businesses were there, but also several water filtration companies with no business being there. Garmin was also there offering a small discount on their products, but it wasn’t any better then any other race I have been too. They were handing out lots of electrolyte samples, I think I walked out with different bottles. Very small.
Parking was easy as there was ample room in the lot right by the start line which was nice. They did a wave start which was not announced until start time. Not a big deal, but would have been nice to know about before hand.
The race through some urban areas to start and there were some people out supporting the runners, but not many. The race then connected onto several trails that run from Olathe out to Lenexa and back. Several times we had to switch to alternate sides of the road and it did not always seem clear which side of the cones we should be running on, especially in the neighborhoods. Aid stations were ok. The initial aid stations had several tables and more volunteers, however as we got further into the race, they shrunk drastically and there were only portajohn at each. At one aid station, no one was there to hand out liquid, you had to grab it off the table.
The last 8 miles of the course had significant uphill gain. The biggest error on the part of the race was failing to properly mark a turn which caused a significant number of runners to have to double back causing an additional .5 to 1 mile length on the overall route. Reading reviews, issues with course length seem to be a trend.
There was no afterparty. No music, no vendors. A small area set up to grab a granola bar, bagel, and milk.
Overall, not a great experience.
Welcome to Oz
This morning the weather was great at my house and 10 degrees cooler windchill upon arrival. There is nothing to block wind out there, so be prepared accordingly. Also be … MORE
This morning the weather was great at my house and 10 degrees cooler windchill upon arrival. There is nothing to block wind out there, so be prepared accordingly. Also be aware that parking backs up, so it’s going to be a slow crawl down the last mile to the parking lot.
My performance was possibly the worst of any half I’ve done, but a week after Boston Tough Ruck I wasn’t going to be PR’ing anyway. I do feel like this would have been a fast course for me on any other day, and the scenery through Olathe ran the gamut from downtown to residential areas. Every aid station I went by the volunteers were super motivated and it was well set up with gatorade up front then water and the volunteers were doing a great job of keeping the tables fully stocked as well as handing them to participants.
I will absolutely do this race again. The Tshirt has a nice weight to it and the Oz logo, but is nothing special if you’re not wed to the area. The medal was similarly the Garmin in the Land of Oz logo of the year, but it’s nicely made and decently weighted. This race is the third and final race in the Heartland 39.3 series, so if you also are doing that you get the extra award and swag for Heartland 39.3. That was exceptional this year with a heavy cutout medal with the names of the three races and a zip up windbreaker with drawstring hood and NO sponsors on the back, only a classy 39.3 logo with the race names on the front, just in case you need more incentive for the race.
Fun!
-lots of porta potties at start -well marked course -good pacers -fairly flat course (some hills, nothing major) -one thing they could improve on is the communication about shuttles MORE
-lots of porta potties at start
-well marked course
-good pacers
-fairly flat course (some hills, nothing major)
-one thing they could improve on is the communication about shuttles
Up, Down & All Around the Burbs
I'm probably partial to this course since I'd run on the trail in Olathe for years before entering this marathon, and we had a great family reunion for the race … MORE
I’m probably partial to this course since I’d run on the trail in Olathe for years before entering this marathon, and we had a great family reunion for the race as a result. But if you’re up for a test at a well-run event, you’ll feel it on the hills through the neighborhoods, and revel in the wide, paved, woodsy trails. Decent spectator support, and all amenities are covered: as they should be, by GARMIN!
Loved this race...I was a pacer
and really enjoyed meeting the runners. I dressed up like a flying monkey complete with wings. Great organization and support. Course was ok. Not hills, more like upgrades. Brisk weather … MORE
and really enjoyed meeting the runners. I dressed up like a flying monkey complete with wings. Great organization and support. Course was ok. Not hills, more like upgrades. Brisk weather at start and wind wasn’t too bad. Overall, I would do this again.
Very Smooth Production
Ran this race as my Kansas race. The expo was quick and efficient. The morning of the race there were shuttles from 2 locations to cut down on the crowding … MORE
Ran this race as my Kansas race. The expo was quick and efficient. The morning of the race there were shuttles from 2 locations to cut down on the crowding at the start/finish. I found this helpful. I was pleased that the parking garage was sectioned off so that there was an area for runners to warm up that was not directly in the 35 degree weather.
The race itself had great support and markings. I did not find the course to be overly scenic or beautiful but it was not ugly. I was trying to figure out why they made the race too long, but can see that last year it was too short so apparently this is to make sure that they don’t have that problem again.
Finish line had enough snacks to satiate a runner if not anything exciting. There were multiple beers to choose from and they were not all Macro Breweries so that was nice. They also had chocolate milk which is always a nice touch.
Walking away I said to myself that they seem to have this race production dialed in. Would recommend doing it for anyone that wants a race that is not in KC but close to it.
nice race nothing spectacular.
Very well organized, easy to find expo and hotels around the area. Parking was a breeze, close to the start and lots of porta potties. The race course was not … MORE
Very well organized, easy to find expo and hotels around the area. Parking was a breeze, close to the start and lots of porta potties. The race course was not that scenic and just a few hills. Post race was OK, bananas, bagels and beer. My husband has celiac so he got a banana.
Good Race, but Shuttle was Late
The race was good, but the shuttle to the start was late. I boarded the shuttle at the time suggested, but it took 30 minutes to go 3 miles to … MORE
The race was good, but the shuttle to the start was late. I boarded the shuttle at the time suggested, but it took 30 minutes to go 3 miles to the start. I would suggest an area to drop off shuttle riders that is not mixed in with the people parking in the garage. This caused a major backup.
Garmin Olathe Marathon Redeems itself!
Last year the race was a bit short and didn't count for 50 staters, BQ's or Marathon Maniacs. They redeemed themselves this year. My Garmin read 26.38 at the end … MORE
Last year the race was a bit short and didn’t count for 50 staters, BQ’s or Marathon Maniacs. They redeemed themselves this year. My Garmin read 26.38 at the end of this year’s marathon. I love the Wizard of Oz theme even though I don’t prefer to dress up I loved seeing the costumes along the course. Very nice medal, ok t-shirt, post race food was not great, bagels, cream cheese, pretzels–but they did have chocolate milk, so that was a win.
The volunteers were great, aide stations were well stocked with Gatorade, water, Gu, some had fruit, cookies, pretzels. Nice Job Garmin!!