| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 54 | 71 | 61 | 44 | 70 |
| L (°F) | 37 | 47 | 52 | 32 | 45 |
and really enjoyed meeting the runners. I dressed up like a flying monkey complete with wings. Great organization and support. Course was ok. Not hills, more like upgrades. Brisk weather … MORE
and really enjoyed meeting the runners. I dressed up like a flying monkey complete with wings. Great organization and support. Course was ok. Not hills, more like upgrades. Brisk weather at start and wind wasn’t too bad. Overall, I would do this again.
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Ran this race as my Kansas race. The expo was quick and efficient. The morning of the race there were shuttles from 2 locations to cut down on the crowding … MORE
Ran this race as my Kansas race. The expo was quick and efficient. The morning of the race there were shuttles from 2 locations to cut down on the crowding at the start/finish. I found this helpful. I was pleased that the parking garage was sectioned off so that there was an area for runners to warm up that was not directly in the 35 degree weather.
The race itself had great support and markings. I did not find the course to be overly scenic or beautiful but it was not ugly. I was trying to figure out why they made the race too long, but can see that last year it was too short so apparently this is to make sure that they don’t have that problem again.
Finish line had enough snacks to satiate a runner if not anything exciting. There were multiple beers to choose from and they were not all Macro Breweries so that was nice. They also had chocolate milk which is always a nice touch.
Walking away I said to myself that they seem to have this race production dialed in. Would recommend doing it for anyone that wants a race that is not in KC but close to it.
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Very well organized, easy to find expo and hotels around the area. Parking was a breeze, close to the start and lots of porta potties. The race course was not … MORE
Very well organized, easy to find expo and hotels around the area. Parking was a breeze, close to the start and lots of porta potties. The race course was not that scenic and just a few hills. Post race was OK, bananas, bagels and beer. My husband has celiac so he got a banana.
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The race was good, but the shuttle to the start was late. I boarded the shuttle at the time suggested, but it took 30 minutes to go 3 miles to … MORE
The race was good, but the shuttle to the start was late. I boarded the shuttle at the time suggested, but it took 30 minutes to go 3 miles to the start. I would suggest an area to drop off shuttle riders that is not mixed in with the people parking in the garage. This caused a major backup.
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Last year the race was a bit short and didn't count for 50 staters, BQ's or Marathon Maniacs. They redeemed themselves this year. My Garmin read 26.38 at the end … MORE
Last year the race was a bit short and didn’t count for 50 staters, BQ’s or Marathon Maniacs. They redeemed themselves this year. My Garmin read 26.38 at the end of this year’s marathon. I love the Wizard of Oz theme even though I don’t prefer to dress up I loved seeing the costumes along the course. Very nice medal, ok t-shirt, post race food was not great, bagels, cream cheese, pretzels–but they did have chocolate milk, so that was a win.
The volunteers were great, aide stations were well stocked with Gatorade, water, Gu, some had fruit, cookies, pretzels. Nice Job Garmin!!
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I added this race to my list to knock off Kansas but didn't have the best experience. Positives: Pacers, aid stations, cool finisher medal, free parking and easy enough logistics. … MORE
I added this race to my list to knock off Kansas but didn’t have the best experience.
Positives: Pacers, aid stations, cool finisher medal, free parking and easy enough logistics.
Negatives: Smaller race field for the full marathon (especially if you’re slower), race was short (wasn’t a huge deal for me but MAJOR for BQ and 50 staters), the finish line was tore down when I finished, was some food but didn’t feel supported as I finished.
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It was short. Besides that not much to see running a lot of neighborhoods that is about it. Swag was good. Was just expecting a bit more I guess. MORE
It was short. Besides that not much to see running a lot of neighborhoods that is about it. Swag was good. Was just expecting a bit more I guess.
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One of my favorite half marathons! This particular race involves most everything one could want; scenery of all types-parks, residential, business; plenty of hills to challenge, and plenty of flat … MORE
One of my favorite half marathons! This particular race involves most everything one could want; scenery of all types-parks, residential, business; plenty of hills to challenge, and plenty of flat areas to just enjoy the pace. Fellow runners are always pumped for this particular run, so this definitely adds to the excitement & fun. Just be prepared for any given weather. It’s early spring in the Midwest.
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Don't get caught up thinking about the location (Olathe) or if you aren't a fan of the Wizard of Oz.... Location is so close to Kansas City and the surrounding … MORE
Don’t get caught up thinking about the location (Olathe) or if you aren’t a fan of the Wizard of Oz….
Location is so close to Kansas City and the surrounding areas that there are loads of things to do… we spent almost a week there and still missed out on a lot of things.
From what I have been told the theme varies from year to year (within the Oz world) with 2022 being the year of The Witch. The volunteers, posters, signs, medals and such were all wonderful.
Only complaints were: Expo was really small, they cut the course 1/4 mile (doesn’t matter much to anyone except those trying to BQ) and apparently this year they had higher than usual winds, so strong that I got wind burn but aside from that the course was clearly marked and I felt safe the whole course.
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Pros: If you love the Wizard of Oz and Garmin this is the race for you! Wizard of OZ Theme Option to dress in costume or just take pictures of … MORE
Pros:
If you love the Wizard of Oz and Garmin this is the race for you!
Wizard of OZ Theme
Option to dress in costume or just take pictures of those in costume
Visit to Garmin Headquarters
Garmin Digital Badge
Overall fun Atmosphere
Cons:
Logistics could be improved.
Confusing shuttle and barely making the race
Mile markers off by .3 miles, do to a turn around cone be dropped to short
2nd water station out of cups
No direction or volunteer for final turn
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We had Oz tornadic-like wind gusts of 35-40 mph, and a quick, but powerful rainstorm at mile 18, but the rest of it was dreamy! We prepared for the hills … MORE
We had Oz tornadic-like wind gusts of 35-40 mph, and a quick, but powerful rainstorm at mile 18, but the rest of it was dreamy! We prepared for the hills (just rollers, nothing too scary) but couldn’t overcome that wind very easily. The RD and staff were SO kind to save us veggie burritos at the finish, when we made it known that the meat ones wouldn’t work for us, despite the half marathoners consuming all but what was tucked away for us. Plenty of GOOD beer and recovery drinks, staffed tables with fruit and granola bars and in the parking garage, to avoid the inclement weather. The shirt and medal are great, too! Funny enough, they mismarked the course, so it was a tad short, but I wasn’t trying to qualify or PR, so no biggie for me.
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This is a great race! Very well organized with excellent after race food and drinks. Excellent support along the route. Loved the shirt and medal. Loved this one! MORE
This is a great race! Very well organized with excellent after race food and drinks. Excellent support along the route. Loved the shirt and medal. Loved this one!
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Beautiful, scenic route with amazing course support. The race was very well organized and the people are all so very friendly! Great finish line food and 2 free beers! MORE
Beautiful, scenic route with amazing course support. The race was very well organized and the people are all so very friendly! Great finish line food and 2 free beers!
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This was my first race in Kansas and I was expecting some wind but nothing like what Mother Nature had in store. Packet pickup was easy and organized. Expo was … MORE
This was my first race in Kansas and I was expecting some wind but nothing like what Mother Nature had in store.
Packet pickup was easy and organized. Expo was small but expected.
The course was a good combination of hills, flat, residential, and paved trails.
Aid stations were plentiful but the second station did not have cups so that made it hard with it being so windy. I felt like the wind was zapping every drop of water from my body.
Several people dressed up which was cool.
There were several vendors at the after party so that was nice.
All in all it is a good race.
I originally signed up to run this one in 2020 for the 50 states quest but ended up running the virtual which was “Tin Man” themed that year. I then … MORE
I originally signed up to run this one in 2020 for the 50 states quest but ended up running the virtual which was “Tin Man” themed that year. I then had the opportunity to run the in live in 2021 and it was lion themed. Some runners dressed in costumes, which was fun. I love that the medal coordinates with the shirt and the Wizard of OZ character theme each year is a brilliant idea. The organization itself is well run and there were an abundant number of port-a-potties and parking close to the start, which is always appreciated, making it an easy process to get to the start ready to go. Overall, great atmosphere and attention to detail to make a fun race!
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You would expect Garmin to know how to put on a distance event- and they do! Plenty of parking at the start/finish in their parking garage. Plenty of porta-potties. Packet … MORE
You would expect Garmin to know how to put on a distance event- and they do! Plenty of parking at the start/finish in their parking garage. Plenty of porta-potties. Packet pickup was easy.
The race is run primarily on urban park trails and residential streets. The course has a couple of hilly portions (basically a repeat of an out and back portion), but otherwise was flat or rolling. There were plenty of volunteers and hydration stations. I did miss one marked turn and ran an extra 1/2 mile, but that was mainly on me. I struggled due to a recent illness, but the course is not too hard.
The race has a Wizard of Oz theme and several people ran in costume. It is not overdone, but made for some pretty ugly race swag (in my opinion.) Overall, a great race. I recommend it.
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This was the second time I have run this race. Due to postponement I got to run this race on my 42nd birthday. Small expo, but a quick and easy … MORE
This was the second time I have run this race. Due to postponement I got to run this race on my 42nd birthday. Small expo, but a quick and easy packet pickup. Driving into Garmin HQ made parking easy on the day of the race. plenty of porta-potties as well. The course was a mix of bike trails, neighborhoods, and downtown Olathe (nothing noteworthy). a little hilly, but it was well marked and the aid stations were great. The Olathe PD did a great job at traffic control and were very encouraging. Nice medal but it had the original date of the race….offered burritos and a few other snacks…didn’t see any beer….will run it again as it is only 10 minutes from my house and is a well organized event.
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Expo was normal for the covid era we are in, yet not impressed being slightly badgered by the water filter guy. I don’t want someone selling me something for my … MORE
Expo was normal for the covid era we are in, yet not impressed being slightly badgered by the water filter guy. I don’t want someone selling me something for my home at a sporting event expo. I wish he actually had water to pass out. Course was actually prettier than I expected although more rolling hills than I expected on the paved trail between mile 8-15 out and back. All the aid stations were well placed and great volunteers. I dressed up in a Dorothy costume so I got great fellow runner feedback and race volunteer motivation. I was pretty slow, but I did have Toto in a basket in tow. Due to covid this was postponed from April and I don’t know what the Emerald City celebration was suppose to be like as they felt they needed to cancel the after party. The finish was lack luster with minimal post race food and NO chocolate milk. I compared this to a very successful after party recently at Hartford CT with prepared food bags, beer tent, live music in a very spread out environment. I was a little more hopeful there would be a little more “hoopla” at the finish. It is a solid race for my 50 state endeavor. Oh and a helpful man at the expo entrance names Kelly suggested I go to the ymca for a shower, since I needed to check out of my hotel. It was perfect!!!
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It is NOT flat. Train for hills. Also be aware that if you opt for the parking shuttle you might not have a ride back to your car. Good race … MORE
It is NOT flat. Train for hills. Also be aware that if you opt for the parking shuttle you might not have a ride back to your car. Good race though, nice scenery and support. Lots of running on trails but they are very pretty and HILLY
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Good mixture of roads and asphalt running trails. Good support at the water stops, plenty of cheering and volunteers. The race pacer provided encouragement and inspiration to get to the … MORE
Good mixture of roads and asphalt running trails. Good support at the water stops, plenty of cheering and volunteers. The race pacer provided encouragement and inspiration to get to the finish line.
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Loved this race...I was a pacer
and really enjoyed meeting the runners. I dressed up like a flying monkey complete with wings. Great organization and support. Course was ok. Not hills, more like upgrades. Brisk weather … MORE
and really enjoyed meeting the runners. I dressed up like a flying monkey complete with wings. Great organization and support. Course was ok. Not hills, more like upgrades. Brisk weather at start and wind wasn’t too bad. Overall, I would do this again.
Very Smooth Production
Ran this race as my Kansas race. The expo was quick and efficient. The morning of the race there were shuttles from 2 locations to cut down on the crowding … MORE
Ran this race as my Kansas race. The expo was quick and efficient. The morning of the race there were shuttles from 2 locations to cut down on the crowding at the start/finish. I found this helpful. I was pleased that the parking garage was sectioned off so that there was an area for runners to warm up that was not directly in the 35 degree weather.
The race itself had great support and markings. I did not find the course to be overly scenic or beautiful but it was not ugly. I was trying to figure out why they made the race too long, but can see that last year it was too short so apparently this is to make sure that they don’t have that problem again.
Finish line had enough snacks to satiate a runner if not anything exciting. There were multiple beers to choose from and they were not all Macro Breweries so that was nice. They also had chocolate milk which is always a nice touch.
Walking away I said to myself that they seem to have this race production dialed in. Would recommend doing it for anyone that wants a race that is not in KC but close to it.
nice race nothing spectacular.
Very well organized, easy to find expo and hotels around the area. Parking was a breeze, close to the start and lots of porta potties. The race course was not … MORE
Very well organized, easy to find expo and hotels around the area. Parking was a breeze, close to the start and lots of porta potties. The race course was not that scenic and just a few hills. Post race was OK, bananas, bagels and beer. My husband has celiac so he got a banana.
Good Race, but Shuttle was Late
The race was good, but the shuttle to the start was late. I boarded the shuttle at the time suggested, but it took 30 minutes to go 3 miles to … MORE
The race was good, but the shuttle to the start was late. I boarded the shuttle at the time suggested, but it took 30 minutes to go 3 miles to the start. I would suggest an area to drop off shuttle riders that is not mixed in with the people parking in the garage. This caused a major backup.
Garmin Olathe Marathon Redeems itself!
Last year the race was a bit short and didn't count for 50 staters, BQ's or Marathon Maniacs. They redeemed themselves this year. My Garmin read 26.38 at the end … MORE
Last year the race was a bit short and didn’t count for 50 staters, BQ’s or Marathon Maniacs. They redeemed themselves this year. My Garmin read 26.38 at the end of this year’s marathon. I love the Wizard of Oz theme even though I don’t prefer to dress up I loved seeing the costumes along the course. Very nice medal, ok t-shirt, post race food was not great, bagels, cream cheese, pretzels–but they did have chocolate milk, so that was a win.
The volunteers were great, aide stations were well stocked with Gatorade, water, Gu, some had fruit, cookies, pretzels. Nice Job Garmin!!
Not my favorite
I added this race to my list to knock off Kansas but didn't have the best experience. Positives: Pacers, aid stations, cool finisher medal, free parking and easy enough logistics. … MORE
I added this race to my list to knock off Kansas but didn’t have the best experience.
Positives: Pacers, aid stations, cool finisher medal, free parking and easy enough logistics.
Negatives: Smaller race field for the full marathon (especially if you’re slower), race was short (wasn’t a huge deal for me but MAJOR for BQ and 50 staters), the finish line was tore down when I finished, was some food but didn’t feel supported as I finished.
They shorted the course. Yikes.
It was short. Besides that not much to see running a lot of neighborhoods that is about it. Swag was good. Was just expecting a bit more I guess. MORE
It was short. Besides that not much to see running a lot of neighborhoods that is about it. Swag was good. Was just expecting a bit more I guess.
Challenging as Always
One of my favorite half marathons! This particular race involves most everything one could want; scenery of all types-parks, residential, business; plenty of hills to challenge, and plenty of flat … MORE
One of my favorite half marathons! This particular race involves most everything one could want; scenery of all types-parks, residential, business; plenty of hills to challenge, and plenty of flat areas to just enjoy the pace. Fellow runners are always pumped for this particular run, so this definitely adds to the excitement & fun. Just be prepared for any given weather. It’s early spring in the Midwest.
What a Wonderful Race!
Don't get caught up thinking about the location (Olathe) or if you aren't a fan of the Wizard of Oz.... Location is so close to Kansas City and the surrounding … MORE
Don’t get caught up thinking about the location (Olathe) or if you aren’t a fan of the Wizard of Oz….
Location is so close to Kansas City and the surrounding areas that there are loads of things to do… we spent almost a week there and still missed out on a lot of things.
From what I have been told the theme varies from year to year (within the Oz world) with 2022 being the year of The Witch. The volunteers, posters, signs, medals and such were all wonderful.
Only complaints were: Expo was really small, they cut the course 1/4 mile (doesn’t matter much to anyone except those trying to BQ) and apparently this year they had higher than usual winds, so strong that I got wind burn but aside from that the course was clearly marked and I felt safe the whole course.
Theme great, logistics off
Pros: If you love the Wizard of Oz and Garmin this is the race for you! Wizard of OZ Theme Option to dress in costume or just take pictures of … MORE
Pros:
If you love the Wizard of Oz and Garmin this is the race for you!
Wizard of OZ Theme
Option to dress in costume or just take pictures of those in costume
Visit to Garmin Headquarters
Garmin Digital Badge
Overall fun Atmosphere
Cons:
Logistics could be improved.
Confusing shuttle and barely making the race
Mile markers off by .3 miles, do to a turn around cone be dropped to short
2nd water station out of cups
No direction or volunteer for final turn
Beautiful course, great production
We had Oz tornadic-like wind gusts of 35-40 mph, and a quick, but powerful rainstorm at mile 18, but the rest of it was dreamy! We prepared for the hills … MORE
We had Oz tornadic-like wind gusts of 35-40 mph, and a quick, but powerful rainstorm at mile 18, but the rest of it was dreamy! We prepared for the hills (just rollers, nothing too scary) but couldn’t overcome that wind very easily. The RD and staff were SO kind to save us veggie burritos at the finish, when we made it known that the meat ones wouldn’t work for us, despite the half marathoners consuming all but what was tucked away for us. Plenty of GOOD beer and recovery drinks, staffed tables with fruit and granola bars and in the parking garage, to avoid the inclement weather. The shirt and medal are great, too! Funny enough, they mismarked the course, so it was a tad short, but I wasn’t trying to qualify or PR, so no biggie for me.
Well organized race and pretty course
This is a great race! Very well organized with excellent after race food and drinks. Excellent support along the route. Loved the shirt and medal. Loved this one! MORE
This is a great race! Very well organized with excellent after race food and drinks. Excellent support along the route. Loved the shirt and medal. Loved this one!
Fantastic race
Beautiful, scenic route with amazing course support. The race was very well organized and the people are all so very friendly! Great finish line food and 2 free beers! MORE
Beautiful, scenic route with amazing course support. The race was very well organized and the people are all so very friendly! Great finish line food and 2 free beers!
Windy Fun!
This was my first race in Kansas and I was expecting some wind but nothing like what Mother Nature had in store. Packet pickup was easy and organized. Expo was … MORE
This was my first race in Kansas and I was expecting some wind but nothing like what Mother Nature had in store.
Packet pickup was easy and organized. Expo was small but expected.
The course was a good combination of hills, flat, residential, and paved trails.
Aid stations were plentiful but the second station did not have cups so that made it hard with it being so windy. I felt like the wind was zapping every drop of water from my body.
Several people dressed up which was cool.
There were several vendors at the after party so that was nice.
All in all it is a good race.
Great Theme Race…well logistics at start
I originally signed up to run this one in 2020 for the 50 states quest but ended up running the virtual which was “Tin Man” themed that year. I then … MORE
I originally signed up to run this one in 2020 for the 50 states quest but ended up running the virtual which was “Tin Man” themed that year. I then had the opportunity to run the in live in 2021 and it was lion themed. Some runners dressed in costumes, which was fun. I love that the medal coordinates with the shirt and the Wizard of OZ character theme each year is a brilliant idea. The organization itself is well run and there were an abundant number of port-a-potties and parking close to the start, which is always appreciated, making it an easy process to get to the start ready to go. Overall, great atmosphere and attention to detail to make a fun race!
Well-organized, fun race
You would expect Garmin to know how to put on a distance event- and they do! Plenty of parking at the start/finish in their parking garage. Plenty of porta-potties. Packet … MORE
You would expect Garmin to know how to put on a distance event- and they do! Plenty of parking at the start/finish in their parking garage. Plenty of porta-potties. Packet pickup was easy.
The race is run primarily on urban park trails and residential streets. The course has a couple of hilly portions (basically a repeat of an out and back portion), but otherwise was flat or rolling. There were plenty of volunteers and hydration stations. I did miss one marked turn and ran an extra 1/2 mile, but that was mainly on me. I struggled due to a recent illness, but the course is not too hard.
The race has a Wizard of Oz theme and several people ran in costume. It is not overdone, but made for some pretty ugly race swag (in my opinion.) Overall, a great race. I recommend it.
Hometown Race on my birthday
This was the second time I have run this race. Due to postponement I got to run this race on my 42nd birthday. Small expo, but a quick and easy … MORE
This was the second time I have run this race. Due to postponement I got to run this race on my 42nd birthday. Small expo, but a quick and easy packet pickup. Driving into Garmin HQ made parking easy on the day of the race. plenty of porta-potties as well. The course was a mix of bike trails, neighborhoods, and downtown Olathe (nothing noteworthy). a little hilly, but it was well marked and the aid stations were great. The Olathe PD did a great job at traffic control and were very encouraging. Nice medal but it had the original date of the race….offered burritos and a few other snacks…didn’t see any beer….will run it again as it is only 10 minutes from my house and is a well organized event.
Solid race. I made my own fun this year!
Expo was normal for the covid era we are in, yet not impressed being slightly badgered by the water filter guy. I don’t want someone selling me something for my … MORE
Expo was normal for the covid era we are in, yet not impressed being slightly badgered by the water filter guy. I don’t want someone selling me something for my home at a sporting event expo. I wish he actually had water to pass out. Course was actually prettier than I expected although more rolling hills than I expected on the paved trail between mile 8-15 out and back. All the aid stations were well placed and great volunteers. I dressed up in a Dorothy costume so I got great fellow runner feedback and race volunteer motivation. I was pretty slow, but I did have Toto in a basket in tow. Due to covid this was postponed from April and I don’t know what the Emerald City celebration was suppose to be like as they felt they needed to cancel the after party. The finish was lack luster with minimal post race food and NO chocolate milk. I compared this to a very successful after party recently at Hartford CT with prepared food bags, beer tent, live music in a very spread out environment. I was a little more hopeful there would be a little more “hoopla” at the finish. It is a solid race for my 50 state endeavor. Oh and a helpful man at the expo entrance names Kelly suggested I go to the ymca for a shower, since I needed to check out of my hotel. It was perfect!!!
Good race in a nice place
It is NOT flat. Train for hills. Also be aware that if you opt for the parking shuttle you might not have a ride back to your car. Good race … MORE
It is NOT flat. Train for hills. Also be aware that if you opt for the parking shuttle you might not have a ride back to your car. Good race though, nice scenery and support. Lots of running on trails but they are very pretty and HILLY
Nice Course Room to Run
Good mixture of roads and asphalt running trails. Good support at the water stops, plenty of cheering and volunteers. The race pacer provided encouragement and inspiration to get to the … MORE
Good mixture of roads and asphalt running trails. Good support at the water stops, plenty of cheering and volunteers. The race pacer provided encouragement and inspiration to get to the finish line.