Madeline Todd's Staging Area

I was supposed to run the marathon, but it got cancelled so I ran the half.
Going into the race I was so excited to cross of South Dakota as state #7. However, due to inclement weather (which this race has a history of), the organizers emailed participants three days before the race (race was on Sunday and we got the email on Thursday). I don’t know who I wanted to blame more: the organizers for scheduling a marathon in late August or myself for knowing this race has a history of bad weather and signing up for it anyway. On race day, conditions were 75 degrees with 95% humidity and completely overcast. It had been years since I had been training for a 3:55 marathon, so I was proud of myself for my PR, considering the less than ideal conditions. I’m going to cross off South Dakota next year, but I will not be returning to this race.

The course itself was alright. We ran on sidewalks when we got to the falls area, which I didn’t love. I also heard there was a shortage of bathrooms during the race. I heard from a friend afterwards that he didn’t see a bathroom for a really long time and had to go in the woods. One think that I did like was the medal. I thought it was really well designed, and I’m proud to display it with my half medals. There was no issue with parking and the post race food was alright. There was no sports drink available after the race, which was surprising. Overall, this race is a hit or miss, so if you sign up for the full, don’t be shocked if it gets cancelled.

This was my 6th or 7th time running the Go! and I think it was the best yet. The race starts in Forest Park and ends in downtown under the Arch. The course has improved from years past by strategically placing hills at the beginning, except for the very cruel uphill finish. This was one of those finishes where you think you’re about to come across the finish line, but then turn the corner at mile 26.1 only to see a steep uphill finish. Other than that, I actually appreciated the 10 mile out and back along the river because it was very flat and the breeze felt pretty nice.

However, areas where the race could improve is the expo. It needs to be indoors. They should’ve known the the unpredictability of the weather that it could cause an issue with it being held outside. Moreover, because it was a general outdoor expo, there were very few running-focused booths. Along the race itself, the port potty’s were sparse, although there were probably 50 at the beginning and end. The end of the race few was pretty typical; however, they didn’t give us a bag to carry our goodies, so I wasn’t able to pick up everything they were handing out. Overall, it was an excellent day, and I recommend this race to anyone looking for a Missouri race.

My dad and I drove from St. Louis for this race and we were not disappointed. We did the half marathon (#8 for me). For the last couple of years it had rained during race day, but we got very lucky this year with sunshine and 65 degree temps. Every year, they have a different theme to the race and this year was 80’s themed. Everything was themed from e.g. the race expo, the medal, the bib.

The course itself had a large out-and-back section. This was between miles 5 through 8, if I remember correctly. I personally don’t like out-and-backs, but to each their own. The race was fueled with bananas, so if you’re use to other fueling sources like gels, I suggest that you bring your own. Another thing that I thought was really cute was the L’Oreal lipstick booth right before the finish line. I definitely recommend this race to midwesterners. The bling is awesome and an overall fun experience.