Gobbler Grind Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Overland Park, KS
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Gobbler Grind Marathon is one of Kansas’ oldest marathons. An enduring tradition in the heart of Johnson County, Kansas for nearly three decades that connects Kansas and Missouri running communities together. This historic road race, held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving each year, is the Kansas Marathon you don’t … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 23):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 59 | 52 | 57 | 65 | 45 |
| L (°F) | 31 | 33 | 37 | 33 | 29 |
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Gobbler Grind Half Marathon Review
The Gobbler Grind Half Marathon is a well-organized and enjoyable race, perfect for runners looking for a fall challenge in the Kansas City area. The course takes you through scenic … MORE
The Gobbler Grind Half Marathon is a well-organized and enjoyable race, perfect for runners looking for a fall challenge in the Kansas City area. The course takes you through scenic parks, paved trails, and suburban streets, offering a mix of gentle rolling hills and flat stretches. While some sections can feel a bit isolated, the peaceful atmosphere makes for a great racing experience.
Packet pickup was smooth, and the race had a friendly, welcoming vibe. The volunteers were fantastic, providing clear directions and plenty of encouragement along the way. Aid stations were well-stocked, though spacing between them felt a little long in certain stretches.
Weather can be unpredictable this time of year, but race day conditions were manageable. The finisher medal and post-race refreshments were a nice touch, adding to the overall positive experience.
If you’re looking for a mid-sized, well-supported race with a local feel, the Gobbler Grind Half Marathon is a great choice. It’s a solid event for both first-time half marathoners and seasoned runners aiming for a strong finish before winter training kicks in.
Some course corrections needed, but fun!
Convoluted course though Corporate Woods. I saw a few early runners get turned around because the signs could have also used some volunteers or something to make it clearer which … MORE
Convoluted course though Corporate Woods. I saw a few early runners get turned around because the signs could have also used some volunteers or something to make it clearer which way to go as the course laps over and back upon itself in multiple places. A couple steep hills, but relatively short (linear) and not incredibily bad height wise, but they are there and they will slow you down. Probably half was on closed off asphalt roads and half was on asphalt park paths. The medal and shirt had a nice logo on it and while I heard a lot of complaints about the shirt being SO lightweight, I appreciated having something I can wear after a race in the warmer weather and not overheat. Honestly I’d probably do it again. I stuck with a pacer accidentally because of good conversation and ended up nearly PR’ing on a course I said I was going to take easy. Large showing for a non-road race and good energy before and after.
Nice, small race
This is a well-run race. It's a small race as far as numbers go, but they do a good job with it. Plenty of porta potties at the beginning. plenty … MORE
This is a well-run race. It’s a small race as far as numbers go, but they do a good job with it. Plenty of porta potties at the beginning. plenty of water stations on the course. There weren’t a lot of spectators, but i’m never bothered by that. Much of the course is run on asphalt paths through the business park section. If you’re looking for a nice race right before Thanksgiving, this is a good one
The weather made this race really hard
Overall not a bad course, I knew not to expect a lot of spectators becuase I have done the half many times but the marathon is very quiet and because … MORE
Overall not a bad course, I knew not to expect a lot of spectators becuase I have done the half many times but the marathon is very quiet and because it was so cold (upper teens , lower 20’s) I just didn’t want to be there. Not enough porta potties, only 8 and we had 4 races going on.
Decent race to check off another state.
Run fast, there won't be any food/drink at the finish if you're a run/walker for the half or full marathon. Very disappointing finish line. Was starving and had to "share" … MORE
Run fast, there won’t be any food/drink at the finish if you’re a run/walker for the half or full marathon.
Very disappointing finish line. Was starving and had to “share” a banana and a bag of popcorn with my spouse.
Well run event
Overall, a rather good event. There are lots of distances, but all of the courses are run together so be sure to watch the signs and listen to the volunteers … MORE
Overall, a rather good event. There are lots of distances, but all of the courses are run together so be sure to watch the signs and listen to the volunteers so you don’t make a wrong turn. The volunteers and aid stations were great, plus there was a myriad of Pacers which helped as the marathon can get rather spaced out. The whole thing runs around and through Overland Park so you don’t have to worry about cars, but it is several loops and out and back sections
Scenic & Organized
The entire course, 5K-Full Marathon, was beautiful as it goes through the Corporate Woods Business Park and then starts on the asphalt trails throughout the community of Overland Park. Beautiful … MORE
The entire course, 5K-Full Marathon, was beautiful as it goes through the Corporate Woods Business Park and then starts on the asphalt trails throughout the community of Overland Park. Beautiful woods, fields, and neighborhoods. At least for the Half Marathon, no streets had to be crossed except inside the Corporate Woods vicinity, but all streets there were blocked & monitored. Plenty of aid/water stations and quite a few spectators to cheer everyone. This particular race has very few hills, but lots of turns & creeks to cross. Gobbler Grind (Half) Marathon is one of my favorites.
Intertwined at the Gobbler Grind
Chose the Gobbler Grind for my Kansas Marathon because the date fit for me. Pros: Very enthusiastic volunteers on a freezing November morning. (real feel of 14 at the start). … MORE
Chose the Gobbler Grind for my Kansas Marathon because the date fit for me. Pros: Very enthusiastic volunteers on a freezing November morning. (real feel of 14 at the start). Nice, but very thin long sleeved hoodies for the Full.
Cons: prepare for a long line at packet pickup! I had shorter waits at NYC and Boston! tip: choose the consierge option when you sign up. (kinda odd for a marathon of 160 finishers) Most of the course is on an asphalt bike trail through a pretty wooded area. There are no killer hills, but enough small bumps to feel it by mile 20. It was one of the more confusing courses I’ve run. It’s a double loop with several out n back sections, so you continually repeat sections/turns, going in different directions depending on which mile you’re on. Once the 5K/10K/Half runners finish, the Marathon get very lonely, which I don’t mind as long as the turns are marked well. I got a little sidetracked between 20 and 21 and it took me a while to make sure I was on the correct loop/direction. I was never so happy to see a Mile marker as I was for marker 21!! Honestly, not a bad race, but it’s one I won’t repeat.
First BQ
This is one of the many marathons we are lucky enough to have in KC. I had been eyeing this race due to its closeness and ability to operate during … MORE
This is one of the many marathons we are lucky enough to have in KC. I had been eyeing this race due to its closeness and ability to operate during the COVID year. This is a fine race with no frills and very few course spectators outside of the folks watching the trail from their back decks. The race was all asphalt trail in 2020. It now does some loops around Corporate Woods on roads that are necessary due to the poor condition of the trails. Be ready to self-support and enjoy the solitude of the beautiful trails. A decent race and a value close to home for me.
Fun fall marathon
Good marathon (this was my second), overall fairly flat, though there are a few hills in the first half (miles 8-10ish) and one towards the end (20ish). The course is … MORE
Good marathon (this was my second), overall fairly flat, though there are a few hills in the first half (miles 8-10ish) and one towards the end (20ish). The course is a modified out-and-back; there’s a big loop in the first half that’s not repeated on the way back, and a small side out-and-back in the second half. The course is Boston-certified and ended up measuring about right on my watch, though the individual mile markers were often way out of line (a runner ahead of me actually moved the mile 15 marker from where it’d been put at something like 14.3 to where it needed to be…the mile 26 marker was something like 0.4-0.5 mi from the finish…basically, way too far off to just be the difference between my running watch GPS and reality!).
I wish I’d brought water/electrolytes with me; despite being in November it warmed up a lot and while there were a good number of aid stations, I needed a bit more. The folks on the course were supportive, though I had to get my own water at one station (they had cups filled but didn’t hand them to you, NBD just not what I expected, especially when the station was set back off the course).
I thoroughly enjoyed and still enjoy my finisher’s blanket and hoodie, they are great! This one is on my consideration list for this year.
Scenic Woods
I ran this race 4 years ago as part of the Harvest 39.3 (3) half marathon series. Its difficult for me to distinguish among the 3 races as they were … MORE
I ran this race 4 years ago as part of the Harvest 39.3 (3) half marathon series. Its difficult for me to distinguish among the 3 races as they were all so close together in timing. We were featured on an advertisement the following year which was flattering.
Kansas City Suburb Race
My Uncle lives in Overland Park so this was an easy 4 drive from St. Louis. It has been over 10 years since I ran this race so I don't … MORE
My Uncle lives in Overland Park so this was an easy 4 drive from St. Louis. It has been over 10 years since I ran this race so I don’t remember too much. The shirt and medal are nice. This knocked out a half or full for Kansas and was inexpensive.
Gobbler Grind It Out
Small town race. Not a ton of amenities, but an easy rolling hills, with some road camber race. Not a lot of spectators along the local trails course, but a … MORE
Small town race. Not a ton of amenities, but an easy rolling hills, with some road camber race. Not a lot of spectators along the local trails course, but a way to get a race done before the Thanksgiving holiday.