Frisco Railroad Run
Willard, MO
- 50 Miler, 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
All Frisco Railroad Run races are out-and-back on the Frisco Highline Trail (fine-crushed hard-packed gravel)! Each race is USATF certified, including a Boston Qualifier marathon. Start and finish in Willard, MO and enjoy the breathtaking adventure in-between! The flat and scenic course offers an incredible out-and-back, rail-to-trail journey! From stocked-up … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 25):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 77 | 76 | 59 | 65 | 58 |
| L (°F) | 56 | 59 | 50 | 46 | 45 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Flat course, Fun people, worth the trip!
This is a small field of runners, small town race, put on by the local running club. Well the members of the local running club are the nicest, most accomodating … MORE
This is a small field of runners, small town race, put on by the local running club. Well the members of the local running club are the nicest, most accomodating people you will ever meet. They made you feel like you too were w resident of Willard. They had the best stocked aid stations i have ever seen. Each stop was as well as a 7-11 store. Gels, candy, uncrustables, water, nuun, pickle juice and more. I had a great time and reccomend this race to anyone doing the 50 states marathon quest and needs Missouri. Be aware, the course is mainly gravel and it is a challenge
Me so slow in Frisco
This event is put on by the Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners (OMRR) running club. It has very good representation from the local running community. Race packet pickup on Friday is … MORE
This event is put on by the Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners (OMRR) running club. It has very good representation from the local running community. Race packet pickup on Friday is at the local Fleet Feet Running store. For an out of towner like myself, this location is nowhere near the race location at Willard Middle school, but they offer a great option for out of towners to do packet pickup on race morning at the Middle School. I’m trying to knock out the 50 states and this was my choice for Missouri over St. Louis, because I’ve gravitated to the smaller, easy logistics of the smaller events. This is run on the old Frisco Railroad, so it’s a out n back on flattish hard packed dirt/gravel. I found the course deceptively challenging. I read it to be flat, but could feel more gradual climbing than I expected going out. Miles 12 and 13 descend to the turn around and miles 14 and 15 really climb from the turnaround. Honestly, the course was very ho-hum to me. It’s nicely shaded and the exact same view for 13.1 out and back. I appreciated the energy of the local cross country teams at the aid stations. Nice little finish area with nice age group and Masters awards. Local Massage company was there and I got a great post marathon massage! Springfield Airport is super close and convenient. I tend to struggle with out n back events on Rail Trails, so doubtful I’ll do this one again, but I knew what I signed up for! Interesting in that the OMRR offer a 50 Miler, 50K, Marathon, HM, and 8K staggered at different times Saturday morning. Thank you OMRR and nice folks of Missouri!
Flat course, great people
This is the flatest course I’ve ever ran. The gravel was not always crushed limestone or packed down, making traction sometimes a little difficult. All the runners and the volunteers … MORE
This is the flatest course I’ve ever ran. The gravel was not always crushed limestone or packed down, making traction sometimes a little difficult. All the runners and the volunteers were great people and I had a great time. Plenty of aid stations gave you a reason to take a quick break
The best small town race around.
I have to say, I found Karen the race director to be extremely helpful and accomodating. I had a few special requests due to health concerns and all my questions … MORE
I have to say, I found Karen the race director to be extremely helpful and accomodating. I had a few special requests due to health concerns and all my questions were answered fully and quickly.
In addition, from the minute I got to packet pickup, till the moment I drove back to the hotel, all the staff and race support were overwhelmingly attentive.
Now for the race. In addition to the marathon, a 50 miler, a 50k and a half are all run simultaneously . Pretty flat out and back on a mostly gravel reclaimed train tracks. The aid stations were frequent and had just about anything you could want. Water, food, gels, tailwind, chips pb+j, soda etc. the volunteers were super supportive and helpful.
Chatted with numerous others, who all said the same thing and many come back every year. Once I get my 50 states, I will be back to join them again.
Excellent Race
Overall Rating: Excellent! Course Difficulty: This course is a super easy out and back rail trail; starting with paved trail for 2.5 miles and the rest being gravel and cinders. … MORE
Overall Rating: Excellent!
Course Difficulty: This course is a super easy out and back rail trail; starting with paved trail for 2.5 miles and the rest being gravel and cinders. There is a really long low grade uphill from the turnaround to the about mile 20.
Course scenery: True to rural Missouri; pasture, woods and shade.
Race Production: Really good. Everything was where it was supposed to be and when it was supposed to be there. Pre-race communication was excellent. There was a pretty long line at race check in, but I think I just got there at a busier time than normal. It flowed quick and no issues. Chip timed, aid stations every 2.5 miles, wonderful aid station staff.
Race Swag: Really good. Excellent t-shirt and custom finish buckle.
My Performance: Not great. This could be a very fast course, but as a training run, my legs were already tired. There was also wind, a little bit of heat (80 degrees), and humidity to deal with. I walked most of the last 5 miles out of pure exhaustion, but all part of the greater plan.
Final notes: This is an excellent race, especially for first timers. The 50 miler may be a little tight with a 14 hour time limit (early start), but is certainly doable. There is a lot of support throughout, and a friendly running community to get to know. If you’re looking to cross MO off of your list, this is a good one.
Flat, enjoyable trail race. Out and back
It was fun! It was flat. Pretty fast course. I enjoyed it. The people who put on the race do a really good job! No complaints. Plenty of porta potties … MORE
It was fun! It was flat. Pretty fast course. I enjoyed it. The people who put on the race do a really good job! No complaints. Plenty of porta potties too on the route.
Nice people, flat course
It was great to find a marathon open during COVID. The course is an out-and-back on the Frisco trail, an old railroad bed. The trail was mostly gravel which made … MORE
It was great to find a marathon open during COVID. The course is an out-and-back on the Frisco trail, an old railroad bed. The trail was mostly gravel which made for a nice soft running surface. Scenery was Missouri farmland. This course is very flat.
There were aid stations every 2.5 miles that were well-stocked with drink, gels, and other food. The volunteers were enthusiastic and helpful.
This was a great experience. My one quibble would be that the shirt was a regular t-shirt instead of wickaway, but it was a nice design. Medal was very nice. Go run this one!
Amazing Race!
I loved this race! From the director to the volunteers to the course it was all great! This course is great for a first time at a distance or for … MORE
I loved this race! From the director to the volunteers to the course it was all great! This course is great for a first time at a distance or for a PR chance! It is a wide and even trail making it easy to enjoy the run.