Prerace communications were great. There was a bib pickup but not really an expo as this is a small race. We had a 7:00 start which went off on time … MORE
Prerace communications were great. There was a bib pickup but not really an expo as this is a small race. We had a 7:00 start which went off on time and smoothly. For a small race there was an abundance of pacers. The race course was easy after the first lap. I would of liked more course markings if I was running alone. The RD does not like mile markers so we were watching our watches more than normal. The shirt and medal were themed to the race and I doubled this race with Lincoln Marathon. Race day was okay early but the heat and wind came in at the finish- Please note I took my time.
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Would do it again
Prerace communications were great. There was a bib pickup but not really an expo as this is a small race. We had a 7:00 start which went off on time … MORE
Prerace communications were great. There was a bib pickup but not really an expo as this is a small race. We had a 7:00 start which went off on time and smoothly. For a small race there was an abundance of pacers. The race course was easy after the first lap. I would of liked more course markings if I was running alone. The RD does not like mile markers so we were watching our watches more than normal. The shirt and medal were themed to the race and I doubled this race with Lincoln Marathon. Race day was okay early but the heat and wind came in at the finish- Please note I took my time.
Small town race in Kansas
It's not the best known race in Kansas, but the small town atmosphere was a nice change. I chose this race because it was on a Saturday and I planned … MORE
It’s not the best known race in Kansas, but the small town atmosphere was a nice change. I chose this race because it was on a Saturday and I planned to run Lincoln the next day in Nebraska. It was only a 3 hour drive between the two and I was able to knock off two states in a weekend.
The course was an out and back which was mostly on roads, but also went through a park. It was part of the Chisholm trail. It wasn’t the most scenic race I’ve done, but the view was still nice and not monotonous. The road was closed to traffic which was nice. Overall, the course was mostly flat. There were a couple rollers in there just to mix it up.
Just over 100 finishers for the half. Not too many spectators, but the town was happy to have us there. Lots of yards and businesses had signs welcoming us.
Shirt has ok. I believe it was just a normal cotton t-shirt. Race medal was nice. It resembled the campaign buttons for Eisenhower which made it unique.
Overall, I enjoyed the area and the race.
Great small town race with awesome theme
Theme: This was a wonderful race in a small, Kansas town. Furthermore, with it being the hometown of Eisenhower, there's a great theme of "Ike" that "runs" through the shirts, … MORE
Theme: This was a wonderful race in a small, Kansas town. Furthermore, with it being the hometown of Eisenhower, there’s a great theme of “Ike” that “runs” through the shirts, medals, etc. The “I like Ike” finisher medals are easily one of my favorites! In addition, the race starts/finishes at the Eisenhower library/museum/home! Unfortunately, due to COVID, they were all closed in 2021, but in future years, it would be a great experience to enjoy post-race.
Course: As expected, the course is relatively flat. There are a few hills, but nothing major. I actually appreciated running OUT of town to enjoy the beauty of the fields of Kansas. Looping through the park was also a nice addition, especially to get some shade on a sunny day. I only have 2 “areas for improvement”: 1. There were no mile markers. In the days of GPS, it’s likely not necessary, but it’s nice to confirm where you are on the course. 2. Coming out of the park, there needs to be someone directing folks in the correct direction. (I saw a few folks turn to go back toward the start after their first loop…which was wrong) Otherwise, I really liked the course, as well as the timing mats at all of the turn arounds.
Overall, for his first year as RD, Steve Cathey did a great job! He was present at packet pick-up and made sure to go over the map with us. He also was very present on race day, which is a great sign. I saw him repeatedly go out on the course and run toward the finish with many of the last finishers. He clearly loves this race and has a passion for his community.
I highly recommend this Kansas race!
Sweet little race
Under new race direction this year, the size of this race was perfect for post-pandemic running. The double out and back was kind of tedious, but I read that the … MORE
Under new race direction this year, the size of this race was perfect for post-pandemic running.
The double out and back was kind of tedious, but I read that the course might change next year. I would love to see part of the race go through the actual town – up and down the beautiful (flat) roads with historic mansions to look at.
Abilene is a sweet little town and everyone (runners and volunteers) was friendly and cheerful. Had a great time.
Small town marathon in the heartland
This marathon was on a 13.1 mile course that was repeated twice. The course started at the Eisenhower Visitor's Center and was basically shaped like a three-leafed clover, with two … MORE
This marathon was on a 13.1 mile course that was repeated twice. The course started at the Eisenhower Visitor’s Center and was basically shaped like a three-leafed clover, with two of the leaves repeated for each round of the course. It was a little confusing, but there were course monitors that made sure we went the right way. The volunteers at the aid stations were very helpful, and there were course monitors riding horseback along the far end of the course, which was along the old Chisolm Trail. The medals were a play on the “I Like Ike” buttons which were very nice. They had food at the finish, but I skipped that part because of the need to shower before my late check out time from my motel. All in all it was an enjoyable weekend, and the organizers asked for feedback from the runners so they could continually improve the experience.
My favorite marathon
Very flat, very fast. I've ran this marathon 4 years in a row, and am getting ready to go back for a 5th year in a row. I've gotten a … MORE
Very flat, very fast. I’ve ran this marathon 4 years in a row, and am getting ready to go back for a 5th year in a row. I’ve gotten a new Masters PR every time I run it. I’ve BQ’ed the last 3 times I’ve run it. The weather is cool, but never too cold. It hasn’t gotten too hot, finish temps are usually low 60’s. It’s the best supported marathon I’ve run, with aid stations every mile. It’s small, but that means no long bathroom lines, and I was able to park about 50 yards from the start/finish line. It’s wide open, out in the country, so the air is clean and fresh. I didn’t think I would like the double out-and-back course, but now I LOVE it. We get to see all the other runners in the race, several times. Going back out on the course after the 13.1 turn around can be mentally tough, but that does’t last long when you see the other runners. Once you get to the 19.5 mile turn around, all you have to do is get home, and that doesn’t seem too daunting. And you get a nice gradual downslope at 23 miles, when your legs are killing, and by that time you can see the town, and know the finish is very close. At the finish line, it’s all you can eat pancakes and sausage!