Bass Pro Shops Conservation Marathon & Cohick Half Marathon

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 News-Leader 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 Bass Pro Shops Federal Protection 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).