A Boston qualifier, the Bass Pro Fitness Series Conservation Marathon is an excellent race for both first-time competitors and seasoned athletes looking for an event with a great course and first class amenities. Local, regional, national and international runners and walkers will participate in the Bass Pro Conservation Marathon.
Routes wind participants through many beautiful neighborhoods, several flat paved trails, part of historic Route 66, around Missouri State University and through downtown Springfield. The course is mostly flat with a few rolling hills. The event starts in front of the Granddaddy of all sporting goods stores, Bass Pro Shops, and ends in front of our new Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, connected to the John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Center.
People run or walk marathons for many reasons including honoring someone special in their lives, meeting personal goals or striving for personal health and fitness. A marathon is a personal challenge like no other and whether this is your first or your 50th marathon, we want this experience to inspire you just like your efforts inspire others.
The Maynard Cohick Half-Marathon is a gold-standard race, perfect race for seasoned and beginner half-marathoners. Participants in the half-marathon start at the same time as marathon and marathon-relay. Half-marathoners and marathoners will run together for the first 10.3 miles; half marathon runners will break and run the last 5K to the finish while marathoners will continue to take in some of the beauty of Springfield.
Overall, the course is excellent in every way and it displays the beautiful Autumn foliage of the Ozarks. Runners can expect some rolling hills from miles two through five but the course is mostly flat and excellent for those who are seeking a personal record.
The route takes runners through the back of Mother’s Brewing Company while on Grant Avenue, just before mile five. Runners have been known to spend some time here, enjoying the specialty beverages being poured by volunteers from Mother’s!
The finish area is in front of both the new Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium and the John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Center.
The CMC Recycling 5K (3.1 miles) is great for both runners and walkers who want to have fun while achieving their fitness goals. This is the perfect race to do with family members and friends!
The 5K shares the last 3.1 miles of the Bass Pro Conservation Marathon and the Cohick Half Marathon routes. Participants in the News-Leader 5K will complete their race before most of the half marathoners enter this part of the course. The route takes participants through the neighborhoods behind the Bass Pro Shops store. There will be one aid station along the way with water and Powerade for participants. A great finish line waits for all 5K finishers, along with a medal to celebrate your accomplishment!
The Conservation Marathon Relay appeals to families, friends, co-workers and organizations looking to build relationships and teamwork. We offer two different categories to race under each including men’s, women’s and coed teams. The two different categories are: Corporate and Friends & Family. We do offer a category called the Battle of the Badges for our Law enforcement, medical personnel, fire fighters, first responders, etc.
Marathon relay teams are made up of five members, each running or walking one leg of the marathon. The first and third leg participants will each run a 10K (6.2 miles), while the second and forth legs will each run a 5K (3.1 miles); the last leg will complete a 12K (7.5 miles) in order to complete a full 26.2 marathon (10K, 5K, 10K, 5K, 12K).
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Favorite Race
This is a fantastic race, I’ve done it 13 times! The course is relatively flat. There are enough runners that it feels like a real race but not so many … MORE
This is a fantastic race, I’ve done it 13 times! The course is relatively flat. There are enough runners that it feels like a real race but not so many that it’s a circus. The medals are awesome!!! Weather is usually a bit chilly at the start but warms up nicely. Neighborhood/spectator support is great too!
A Great Run
This race really surprised me! Parking was easy, the course went through interesting neighborhoods, there was tons of neighborhood support, and the finish line was fun! I think this could … MORE
This race really surprised me! Parking was easy, the course went through interesting neighborhoods, there was tons of neighborhood support, and the finish line was fun! I think this could be a wonderful first marathon if anyone is considering it. The course is flat and the whole event felt easy.
The medal is a deer. I hate the medal and would have preferred a bass for Bass Pro. The medal reminds me of a dead stuffed deer. Barf.
A must do race in Springfield MO
This is a fun race that is equipped with plenty of aid stations and a lot of cheering spectators. It's a great environment for all levels of runners. MORE
This is a fun race that is equipped with plenty of aid stations and a lot of cheering spectators. It’s a great environment for all levels of runners.
One of the best
I served this year as a volunteer due to injury, this is still my one of favorite events. I've run the half 6 times, the full 2 times and the … MORE
I served this year as a volunteer due to injury, this is still my one of favorite events. I’ve run the half 6 times, the full 2 times and the relay 2 times. The course is great, the aid stations and neighborhood stations provide plenty of opportunity to get liquid. I’ve never had to carry water with me at this race. Love everything about this race.
3rd time pacing
This is a phenomenal event. The event, the course, the swag, the runners, all around one of my favorite races. Being able to Pace the last 3 years has also … MORE
This is a phenomenal event. The event, the course, the swag, the runners, all around one of my favorite races. Being able to Pace the last 3 years has also been rewarding, I love helping others meet their goals!
Well put together race
This is an entire weekend with a great expo and the race is well marked. It’s always the first weekend In November and lost of participation! MORE
This is an entire weekend with a great expo and the race is well marked. It’s always the first weekend In November and lost of participation!
Yearly must race
I’ve run the Bass Pro Fitness Series Half Marathon several times now, and it’s hands down one of my favorite races to come back to year after year. It’s the … MORE
I’ve run the Bass Pro Fitness Series Half Marathon several times now, and it’s hands down one of my favorite races to come back to year after year. It’s the kind of event that just feels right the moment you arrive—organized, energetic, and genuinely welcoming to runners of all levels.
This race holds an especially special place in my heart because it was also my first marathon. The course is well supported, the logistics are smooth, and the atmosphere makes a tough distance feel manageable and exciting.
One of the standout parts of this race is the community support. From volunteers who truly care, to spectators who show up and cheer loud, you can feel the encouragement from start to finish. It’s motivating, uplifting, and exactly what you want when you’re pushing yourself through big miles.
Whether you’re chasing a PR, running your first half or full marathon, or just want an event that’s consistently well done and fun, the Bass Pro Fitness Series delivers every single time. It’s become a yearly tradition for me, and one I’ll keep recommending to anyone looking for a memorable race experience.
So much fun!
Easy course. I loved the neighborhood participation. The finish line food options were great! Also a great medal. I can’t wait to run it again next year! MORE
Easy course. I loved the neighborhood participation. The finish line food options were great! Also a great medal. I can’t wait to run it again next year!
Loved it!
Such a great race! The expo was full of local business. The race itself was excellent! The community comes together and there is. So much presence and support! I loved … MORE
Such a great race! The expo was full of local business. The race itself was excellent! The community comes together and there is. So much presence and support! I loved the themed neighborhoods and the course was pretty! It’s nice and flat which is a huge bonus. Highly recommend.
Great race regardless of experience
This is a great course with great community involvement. Many years of running this one and I always look forward to it each year. Definitely recommend signing up regardless of … MORE
This is a great course with great community involvement. Many years of running this one and I always look forward to it each year. Definitely recommend signing up regardless of where you are in your running journey.
The Cohick Half Marathon is amazing!
Everything about this race is amazing. Registration, packet pickup, course markings, swag, finish line food—you will not find another race that is done better than this one. Even though the … MORE
Everything about this race is amazing. Registration, packet pickup, course markings, swag, finish line food—you will not find another race that is done better than this one. Even though the event is big and people come from all over, it is friendly and just a wonderful experience. Sign up for this one!!!
Exhilarating experience!
This race was very fun and it was my first time doing it. I was apart of the marathon relay portion. The energy from everyone on the side lines was … MORE
This race was very fun and it was my first time doing it. I was apart of the marathon relay portion. The energy from everyone on the side lines was awesome and kept me moving. I would recommend this race to anyone!
Great event
This is a well planned, extremely well implemented event every year, and its a great course in Springfield! This was my first year doing the relay and it was so … MORE
This is a well planned, extremely well implemented event every year, and its a great course in Springfield! This was my first year doing the relay and it was so much fun!
Excellent race, very well ran.
Great support and participation. I have ran this on several occasions and am never disappointed in it. Helped pace this year and that was a wonderful experience. MORE
Great support and participation. I have ran this on several occasions and am never disappointed in it. Helped pace this year and that was a wonderful experience.
Favorite Race Series
Bass Pro Shops puts on top knotch races! The course is well marked with pretty flat course for a 5k. The medal and other SWAG is always my favorite and … MORE
Bass Pro Shops puts on top knotch races! The course is well marked with pretty flat course for a 5k. The medal and other SWAG is always my favorite and unique to the Bass Pro Series of races. The pick up is a fair with lots of vendors to look at and visit with. They have anything a runner would need with experts there to ask questions if you have them. The support after the race is also the best with tons of food, you can get a short massage, visit a trainer, anything you might need and it is all included.
Love this race event!
I love this event. I typically run the full marathon and plan to do so again hopefully this next year, but whether running the half or the full the route … MORE
I love this event. I typically run the full marathon and plan to do so again hopefully this next year, but whether running the half or the full the route is great, the aid stations are placed every two miles which is also great, and the volunteers are the best!!
Registration is a cinch and the bling is amazing. The after amenities are also the best! The food fuel options are great and free massages are also offered by a great team from Loehr Chiropractic. Take a chance and do this race! You won’t regret it!!
Great Race!!!!
This was my first half marathon and I loved it!! The course was great with challenge and recovery. The aid stations every two miles was perfect and the volunteers were … MORE
This was my first half marathon and I loved it!! The course was great with challenge and recovery. The aid stations every two miles was perfect and the volunteers were amazing! And ALL THE VIBES!!! this race has some of the best cheering along the whole course. Oh and I cant forget about the volunteer on the bike ! he was amazing, he seemed to show up every time I would start to get into my head and cheer us on to push harder and farther! Just an awesome time the whole way through. Defiantly would run again and will tell everyone else to give it a go 🙂
Great race
Such an awesome race to do! Amazing aid stations every 2 miles with porta potties! The atmosphere at this race is awesome!! The expo is great with tons of vendors. … MORE
Such an awesome race to do! Amazing aid stations every 2 miles with porta potties! The atmosphere at this race is awesome!! The expo is great with tons of vendors. The post race area is one of the best of any of the races I’ve done!
Repeat runner, LOVE this race!
This is one of the best organized marathons that I have ran to date! The volunteers are so cheerful, the expo is awesome. Starting at the Bass Pro building is … MORE
This is one of the best organized marathons that I have ran to date! The volunteers are so cheerful, the expo is awesome. Starting at the Bass Pro building is super convenient and there’s even an indoor place to warm up while waiting for the start. The course is well marked and plenty of aid stations. I love how they have different neighborhoods that put up their own aid stations and own cheering. There is a pretty significant hill at the end but just mentally prepare for it and it’ll be great!
Great race!
From the efficiency to the packet pick up, to the race gear, to the expo, to the start line, to the aid stations, to the hype on the sidelines, to … MORE
From the efficiency to the packet pick up, to the race gear, to the expo, to the start line, to the aid stations, to the hype on the sidelines, to the finish, my favorite race every year. This was my first year doing the full marathon, although I have been a half marathon or relay participant over 10 years.