HEROES Event! Whether you plan to stroll our Honor Walk, walk or run our 5K, 10K, Relay, Half, or Full Marathons, this is the ONLY marathon in Missouri with this singular focus. Side benefits: boosting tourism and inspiring individuals to achieve a health & wellness goal. The Half and Full …
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HEROES Event! Whether you plan to stroll our Honor Walk, walk or run our 5K, 10K, Relay, Half, or Full Marathons, this is the ONLY marathon in Missouri with this singular focus. Side benefits: boosting tourism and inspiring individuals to achieve a health & wellness goal. The Half and Full Marathons are BOSTON QUALIFIERS and our sponsors and volunteers are second to none! You don’t want to miss this charity event.
“All gave some…some gave all.” We are free to run, thanks to the men and women who have defended this great country of ours. Join us for the all-charity Honoring our Heroes Marathon to raise funds for local veteran’s causes and to honor those who have served. The course isn’t for sissies. It is beautiful, hilly, rural country, but the course is almost entirely paved.
Experience fall in the Ozarks as you run, jog, or walk 26.2 miles of gently rolling hills in south central Missouri, in support of our military. The marathon will begin at the Commons Fairground in Salem and end at the beautiful Lions Club Park in Rolla. Most of the course will be along Highway 72. The marathon course time limit is seven hours.
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What realm hath I entered?
If you'd told me that morning that I'd be joining a parade led by Gandalf's little brother while a sweeper llama trotted across the finish line I'd have asked if … MORE
If you’d told me that morning that I’d be joining a parade led by Gandalf’s little brother while a sweeper llama trotted across the finish line I’d have asked if you needed medical attention. But that’s how we roll in Rolla…
There are so many things about this race I loved. I love point to point races, especially when transpo is easy and well-coordinated. I love highway races, because you just don’t get to do that a lot. I love small town races where the people show UP…they come out there and support the runners because they know that’s money coming into their businesses and they are proud of the show they put on. Rolla should be immensely proud of this event, as it went off smoothly from start to finish and can easily compete with a race magnitudes larger.
Okay first things first (or too late). I went in with…modest expectations. This isn’t Flying Pig. This isn’t Indy. There are no opening pyrotechnics. There is no low-pass flyover of military aircraft. This is not a high budget race. It does however punch well above its weight class. Unlike Good Life, which I think is horribly overhyped, this race I almost didn’t do because November already had 5 half marathons and a 50k (and a handful of other races) booked, but because it is quite a drive. I’m so glad we decided last minute to go do it though.
We found the location easily and had some very enthusiastic parking attendants direct us through the ample parking. Packet pickup was fast and we saw the food truck setting up, and a volunteer inside informed us that there was free chili after the race for participants. We were transported on actual coach busses, not school busses, so that was a far more comfortable (and less smelly) ride, and a nice touch I didn’t expect. The half start line is essentially the last half of the full marathon course. I was told the first part was far flatter, but more on that later. After a live singing of the national anthem (and one that was well done) we set out, and as the local military unit had seven guys out there who were also weighted down, my running buddy asked me how much ego was going to be involved in today’s race. I told her they were half my age, my ego was quite accepting that they were going to whoop on me, and I wasn’t going to overdo it with the 50k coming up a week later. Props to ccruiz03 for knowing me, and for looking out for me, even when the biggest threat is me. That said, when I saw them all take off at the same pace, I fell in, and said I wasn’t going to be the first to fall out, because a) I make bad life choices and b) there was just so much positive energy in the group that it was hard NOT to be lit up. I made it the first mile in formation with them and wasn’t the first or second to fall out, so I was happy to slow down. Great bunch of guys. Hope they are all happy with their time and hope to see them back next year.
As I said, I love highway races. I think they are beautiful, calming, and I love the scenery as it evolves from rural hills to the boundaries of the town and transforms into the downtown. I love point to point races because I feel like the race is a journey, and I am blessed with great traveling companions (thank you ccruiz03), to include the ones I meet on the course. This is a hilly race. There are three big inclines and a small one. I came in well under target pace until the first one, and I do a lot of hill work. This was a hill to make me toy with actually dropping below race pace, which I’m honestly proud to say on this less-than-easy course, I stayed above with the exception of the llama hug. More on that later.
The aid stations come every two miles, and there is nobody there projecting the attitude of “I have to be here because somebody told me to”. Everybody was cheering enthusiastically and were prompt and methodical in the handoffs of water and gatorade. Honestly, you’d think they had been given an actual block of instruction on how to do it well, and rarely did I ever have to even break stride, much less stop. With about 4.5 miles to go you see the Rolla 4 (miles) highway sign. I knew there were two more hills left, and my knee was starting to ache a little. Probably something about “overuse.” I can’t say, as I’m not sure what that word means. That’s what my doctors and physical therapist called it. Some Latin term I guess. I snapped a picture of the sign running by and hit the downhill with renewed vigor, because even over the traffic (many of whom honked support as they passed or rolled down their window to cheer) I could hear the aid station volunteers up ahead, and I really wanted to catch the runner in front of me by the aid station. I wish I could remember her name, as we had rubberbanded for so long, but if you’re reading this, I’m proud of you, you looked strong out there, and hope I got to convert you to RaceRaves. The final handful of miles are through or beside a park, and on the streets of residential Rolla. When you clear the park and hit the commercial zone, you’ll turn right and see a giant hill in front of you. Luckily, this one you do not crest, but turn off into the parking lot you started at, and complete your last mile (-ish) around the lake before crossing under a giant flag held by the two firetrucks for a short downhill and left turn to the finish line. That last mile around the lake is incredibly moving, as it has signs up honoring the fallen and signs up for all the different wars fought by members of the community. I have nine combat patches, so these miles are always moving, and I’m glad that it was the final mile, where I got a good solid boost to finish strong whereas I otherwise might have tapered off since I was well above target time but too slow to hope for a PR. There was only one mile that was above target time (by fifteen seconds) and it was at mile 11 or 12 when I stopped to take a picture and hug the llama that the Llama Mama (obviously) had out for a stroll to support the runners. I wish I’d gotten her story, but I was trying to maintain momentum. I will say that’s a happy little llama who really likes posing for the camera.
The swag was exceptional. The medal was a very stylish raising of the flag at Iwo Jima with a beautiful background. I saw some pictures of the medals from other years, and they seem to always knock it out of the park there, so this wasn’t a one-off. The shirt was a soft cotton T with the logo from the race across the front. I’ve already worn it out to the grocery store and had people ask about it.
So the title. ccruiz03 and I went to lunch, because the chili was extraordinarily salty. I’m low sodium because of the heart attack, which of course I get to up on race day, but it’s made me really sensitive to oversalted food, which even my race buddy admitted it was. While we were having some of the best Napolitano pizza and an extensive flight of wine, I realized I was third in my age group, so we drove back to Rolla for my certificate (in lieu of age group award). When we went back to pick that up, we saw the final marathon participant enter the parking lot to begin his final mile around the lake. To say it was clear that he had given his all would be an understatement. The official time cutoff is listed at 7 hours, his ended up being close to 7:30, but nothing was shutting down, nobody was wrapping up and he was cheered like he was the first person there.
I have a special place in my heart for all back of the packers. I’m one. I know what it’s like to be giving everything and still see everyone pass. When they told me I may never run again, and if I did it would be measured in feet not miles, I started this journey of running outside of the military. Let me tell you, it’s way more fun on this side. A heard a lady from Bass Pro’s Springfield race say on a video one time that she likes to be there when the last people come in because “they are the ones that have a story” I have no idea what this man’s story is, but it was an honor to share the course with him. I’m no stranger to going back and running in extra people after I finish a race. I don’t want anyone to ever finish alone. I wish I could have sprinted back out and met him earlier, but Rolla stepped up and filled in for me. As he rounded the lake, this half-naked man with a killer walking stick he was using for support was followed by a half dozen or so other people cheering him on, and there picking up the rear was Llama Mama and her llama, with the latter occasionally slipping into a trot to catch up. That I could backtrack the final causeway, render salute and join Gandalf’s trip to the shire (llama included) … I mean…this guy’s trip across the finish line is without a doubt in the top 5 memories I have of racing this year, and it’s been a really, really good year. Thank you, Rolla, sincerely, for coming correct. Llama Mama….we love you so much.
As I later learned that if you do the race twice in a row, you get your name in the book for the race, it looks like ccruiz03 and I have no choice but to return next year. Honestly, with the show they put on, there never really was much of a choice.
For what it’s worth, I hear the first half of the full is pretty flat. I thought about doing it, but I’m not sure I want to run the hills of the half after 13 miles, so that part remains undecided. Whatever length you decide. I hope you get some llama time, too.
….and those military guys? Beat three of ’em.
A race worthy of its name…..and a llama
My running partner and I missed out on our local Veterans Day races due to other race scheduling conflicts. As former Army, Veterans Day races are particularly important to him, … MORE
My running partner and I missed out on our local Veterans Day races due to other race scheduling conflicts. As former Army, Veterans Day races are particularly important to him, so I was gladly indulged the last-minute registration. He’ll argue that I tried to get out of the race, but I try to get out of every race in favor of sleeping in on a Saturday morning. My lost sleep was completely worth it.l amd more. Honoring Our Heroes marathon provided big-race amenities with small town flair, dedicated volunteers, and even a llama. I didn’t expect to walk away and immediately penciling it in my planner for next year.
Honoring Our Heroes race literally has a race and/or distance for everyone in the family. Marathoners started at 7am and half marathoners, 10k and 5k runners started at 8am. Runners can partake in the official ruck division or marathon relay. Marathoners and half marathoners board coach buses, a nice upgrade over traditional school buses used for shuttling, at their respective times for a scenic preview of the point-to-point course en-route to the start line. With all the different race options, it was truly impressive how well the start line played out. There were no cluttered corrals, bob-and-weave or annoying announcer reminders of delayed starts. Even though the half-marathon, 10k and 5k started at 8am, we never crossed paths due to the different start lines.
Once at the start line, runners should brace themselves for a HILLY highway course. This is a tough course. There are no gentle rolling hills, no clouds to pick or trees to hugs. The shadeless highway was a bit cooler thanks to the low 60s temperature. If it were any warmer, it would have only made this course that much harder. Yet, I loved the challenge. I took advantage of the first mile’s downhill because mile two was a straight uphill. The next two miles followed the same pattern. The next big downhill starts prior to mile 7 until the short hill at around 8.4, which was quickly followed by the downhill. Prior to the race, my running partner and I were worried about the long uphill from mile 9.7 to 12.5 but, honestly, it did not feel that rough. A good portion of that section is on the tree-lined park path, providing a scenic distraction. As someone who struggles with hills, I have come to appreciate the steep hills. Rolling hills make it difficult to establish a pace or take full advantage of the downhill. I may never love a hill, but it’s much easier to conquer when you can see it and get the reward on a long downhill stretch. Runners reach the best part of the course as they turn into the last half mile circling the park’s small pond. The “Honor Walk” boasted signs for more than 20 servicemen and women. I wanted to honor them by running and reading each sign. I did a mix. Once out of the park and onto the lot, the huge American flag, hoisted by firetrucks, waves runners into the finish line.
In recent races, I’ve experienced missing cups, distracted volunteers and inconsistent distances. None of this can be said about Honoring Our Heroes. With attentive volunteers ready to stay for the long haul, each station included water, different types of fuel and truly working efficiently. It was nice to have a variation of Gatorade flavors because sometimes, there is only so much orange flavor I can take on a race. I appreciated that instead of rows and rows of water cups, only to be dumped later, the volunteers measured supplies as to reduce waste, but not at a cost to the runner. Again, the amazing volunteers were ready for the long haul. Since the course is on the unclosed highway, runners are cheered on by honking cars rather than music booming from a DJ booth. It may sound questionable but trust me – it works. I was encouraged by waving drivers, passengers recorded runners on a highway and the peaceful beauty of the sky on a cool fall morning.
The finish line festivities combined hospitality, attention to detail, supportive fanfare and real restrooms. Yes, real restrooms make the list because it allowed me to actually clean-up and change rather than sneak into a gas stationand do it. It’s not an over-the-top finish line, but sincere and personal. A local food truck gave free lunches to runners, homemade chili was offered inside the Lions Club, where volunteers and runners could sit and watch the livestream of finishers. An assortment of water, Gatorade and fuel were available for our choosing outside. It felt more like a casual family get-together than an extravagant party with an assembly line of goodies at the end. This is what I mean by small town flair. We were invited to the family cookout without being official family members.
Now, what’s all these talk about of a llama? This was not ballon or stuffed animal llama. The festive, selfie-loving llama posed with runners close to mile 11. When jkelling and I went back hours later for his 3rd place age award (Go jkelling!!), we arrived in the nick of time to greet the last marathoner….and a galloping llama. It was perfect! The llama walked in the last marathoner, who slowly picked up other supporters to walk him in. Although, we had finished the race three hours prior, the finish line was still intact. There was no “let’s hurry up and go”. Nope. Honoring Our Heroes honored every runner with heart and soul. I honestly did not expect to love this race so much. I am not such want I expected (definitely not a llama), but I guess it’s hard not to fall in love when organizers put such a sincere effort into the race. I mean there is a reason why I already marked the third Saturday in November on my calendar.
Small race with a lot of heart
This definitely is a smaller event, but is so well put together. The communication beforehand is great, they offer a pasta dinner the night before, packet pick up morning of … MORE
This definitely is a smaller event, but is so well put together. The communication beforehand is great, they offer a pasta dinner the night before, packet pick up morning of and buses to the start line. There are plenty of aid stations with very enthusiastic volunteers. They really stick to the theme and have American flags throughout and do a great job at honoring our veterans.
Great small-town event!
This is a very well organized, small event (<100 marathoners). If you're looking to just check Missouri off your list or looking for a last minute race to jump into, … MORE
This is a very well organized, small event (<100 marathoners). If you're looking to just check Missouri off your list or looking for a last minute race to jump into, this is your race. It is also a memorial event for current and past veterans, which gives this race a personal feel. They do a fantastic job of communication, pre-race organization and transportation. This is a point to point and we were able to wait indoors after being dropped off. The course was very well marked with mile markers visible from a distance. Each aid station was well manned and stocked. The volunteers were plentiful and enthusiastic!! The course was challenging due to rural countryside and rolling hills but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The medal is first rate, the long sleeve t-shirt is nice. There weren't any overall or age group awards that I'm aware of but that doesn't bother me. I would recommend this event and would also participate again.
Rolling hills on a highway
This was my first half marathon, and perhaps it was good to be ignorant of the fact not all courses are this hilly. The event includes a pasta dinner with … MORE
This was my first half marathon, and perhaps it was good to be ignorant of the fact not all courses are this hilly.
The event includes a pasta dinner with the packet pickup on Friday and features guest speakers in keeping with the event’s name, honoring those who served in the military.
As for race morning, use the port-a-potties at the park because there are only two at the starting line for the half-marathon.
It’s a point-to-point race, so a bus takes runners to the half-marathon start, which is the middle of nowhere. The ride offers a preview of much of the course. They were still setting up gear check after we arrived. It was chilly, but everyone got off the bus for the 20 to 30 minutes before the race. I believe the bus had a bathroom that was available in addition to the two port-a-potties.
There is a pre-race ceremony. It was shorter than expected and I was in line for one last restroom visit when the countdown for the start began.
This is not chip-timed, there are no split times on the course.
It was a great day to run. The course has long rolling hills, but the good news is that the reward for the hills is the downhill runs that follow. Two of the three hills on the highway are in the first four miles; the one up to Fugitve Beach (mile 4) seems to be the biggest at about 150 feet. As a first-time runner of this distance, the first 10 miles running on the shoulder of a highway felt good. The last 5K, however, also is gradually uphill (more than 100 feet; I just saw the elevation map for this run for the first time recently). It is on a paved trail. Given the winter weather, part of the trail had some slippery patches to navigate.
This is definitely a challenging course (halfmarathons.net says 658 foot gain) but that makes other half marathons look manageable by comparison.
I was happy with my run.
The aid stations are abundant, well-spaced and provide good boosts. Runners can vote for the most enthusiastic. The stations are important because this is a point-to-point course that is very rural for the first nine miles, so a lot of running alone.
Nice shirts and finisher medals.
The post-race gathering also is done well, with food and massage services. Nice awards for age group winners (I think I was the only one in my group). The post-race gathering is indoors, which makes it very comfortable.
A lot of veterans run the race and the focus is on the military, which makes for a good atmosphere.
I would run this race again, keeping in mind to be prepared for the situation at the start and the course itself.