I have ran the last part of this course twice before in the relay with my sister. This is the first year I ran the whole half (Only because they … MORE
I have ran the last part of this course twice before in the relay with my sister. This is the first year I ran the whole half (Only because they got rid of the relay). The course is really quite flat except for mile10, which many call a hill, but I call a gradual small incline. I guess because it is really the only incline (except for the very beginning with a short hill) and the rest of the course flat. You run through farm area, Main Street St. Charles, the cute town of New Town, and Boshertown. It is a nice course with a lot of support and spectators to cheer you on. The swag is usually a nice long sleeved tech shirt/hoodie. The event is super well organized. Packets can be mailed to you for a charge or must be picked up prior to race day (NO race day packet pickup)
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Some Call Them Hills
I have ran the last part of this course twice before in the relay with my sister. This is the first year I ran the whole half (Only because they … MORE
I have ran the last part of this course twice before in the relay with my sister. This is the first year I ran the whole half (Only because they got rid of the relay). The course is really quite flat except for mile10, which many call a hill, but I call a gradual small incline. I guess because it is really the only incline (except for the very beginning with a short hill) and the rest of the course flat. You run through farm area, Main Street St. Charles, the cute town of New Town, and Boshertown. It is a nice course with a lot of support and spectators to cheer you on. The swag is usually a nice long sleeved tech shirt/hoodie. The event is super well organized. Packets can be mailed to you for a charge or must be picked up prior to race day (NO race day packet pickup)
One of my faves!
This is one of my favorite halves because it’s not super difficult and the course support typically is fantastic. It’s an interesting route with lots of twists and turns, and … MORE
This is one of my favorite halves because it’s not super difficult and the course support typically is fantastic. It’s an interesting route with lots of twists and turns, and the section that goes through Newtown is always fun! This year there were enthusiastic spectators, the usual wonderful DJ, and just the beauty of the little community. You don’t spend miles and miles on any one stretch (the longest section without turns is the only significant hill at mile 10) and the scenery changes from quaint Frenchtown to cornfields to Newtown and back again. I never stay for after parties, so I can’t speak to the entertainment. Like most post-race parties, there was nothing gluten-free except fruit, and though I enjoy chocolate milk, it would’ve been better cold. But the medals are always fun and extra bling-y, so this race is usually on my calendar. Enjoy!
Good finish line, eh course
Overall the race was fairly enjoyable, here’s the pros and cons: Pro - package pick up is rather easy, finding parking was not an issue, 5K the day before to … MORE
Overall the race was fairly enjoyable, here’s the pros and cons:
Pro – package pick up is rather easy, finding parking was not an issue, 5K the day before to create a fun race weekend, lots of finish line snacks and beer and photo ops
Cons – The first half of the course was enjoyable as you ran with a half marathon, you run right past the finish line though so that’s a little rough, plus then the fields clears out considerably. The second half of the course is far less enjoyable with you running on a gravel trail in more of an out and back situation, there’s virtually no support and the mental game can be tough
Moo'ved Real Quick Down the Katy Trail
Packet Pickup-We got into town at noon Friday and immediately picked up our packets at the St Charles Community College. Many signs for directions and then even displayed pictures on … MORE
Packet Pickup-We got into town at noon Friday and immediately picked up our packets at the St Charles Community College. Many signs for directions and then even displayed pictures on Facebook. We picked our cowbell, sticker, race instructions, and bibs within 5 minutes; the line doubled as we walked past. Then we zig-zagged through the expo to get our quarter-zip tech shirts.
Parking-It is suggested to arrive at 6AM so everyone has time to park. Waze circled us around from 5th street to avoid heavy traffic. We arrived at 6:30 and immediately decided to park on the side street. The boathouse parking just filled up as we walked by.
Start-Line-St Charles has its own bathrooms around Main Street but only one area around the start line had port-a-potty’s. The lines were less than 5 minutes. Yet, bag check had a single long line so we had to return to the car. An Email and the hard-copy race instructions suggested to bring the cowbell from packet pickup for everyone to play to Don’t Fear the Reaper at 7:20. There would be bins to drop them in when the race starts and we could pick them up at the BJC tent afterwards. They did not play the song. There were no bins and people were just dropping them on the side after the start line. A volunteer at the BJC tent said they did not collect cowbells. I would not advise taking your cowbell to the start line.
I have now been in two races with corrals and I was excited this had one too. The race instructions say to enter through the sidewalk on Riverside to your goal pace (mine was 9:00 min/mile). However, it became jammed and I was stuck farther back at the 12:00 min/mile. The sidewalk was also packed with spectators and I think they should open the side from the Katy Trail as well.
Course-This course was perfect for a PR. At first, I disliked the thought of returning to the start line with the half marathoners. Returning to the cheering crowd and the party was just the boost I need to start my second half. The Katy trail begins at mile 12 which felt a lot smooth on my sore hips. The cheering at New Town in the first half was also a big boost. I think this area has the potential to be the same block party like Mariemont at the Flying Pig Marathon. Unfortunately, you must cross a grated bridge (twice) which sadly someone was injured on. The second half of the marathon was mainly on the Katy Trail and I loved the new footing. Near the turn around, you cross the Missouri River which was a nice view (I only thought about jumping in once) and run on paved path for a few miles.
Nearly the last mile, people were cheering and ringing bells. It definitely helped me push harder even though I was in pain. Thank you to the crowd for that boost!
The weather was in the 60s with overcast with a light breeze. It felt perfect outside.
Volunteers-Volunteers were great! Clearly said where I needed to go and told you whether they had water or gatorade. Although the map said there are only two stations with gels, even the next stations might have someone handing them out. The announce was also collecting information on approaching runners from family or friends in the crowd (…his/her #th marathon; plans on running the Iron Man; etc) which brought more interest.
Finish Line-I was given my connector medal. Although it is was the same as the 5k and half marathon, I displayed my blue Marathon ribbon with pride. I was also quickly given a bottle of water. My snacks waited for me outside the finish line area. There were halved bananas, a chocolate chip Chewy Bar, chips, and chocolate milk (including a towel). I’m not sure what brand the beer was but it was a light beer. Finally, I got to ring the BIG PR cowbell and it was felt good!
I haven’t run many halfs or full, but first one someone wasn’t handing out beer on the course! (Not that I would have partaken).
Beautiful downtown St Charles
Well organized at the start, easy parking, plenty of porta potties, lots of volunteers. The course had some very beautiful portions but overall thought it left a little to be … MORE
Well organized at the start, easy parking, plenty of porta potties, lots of volunteers. The course had some very beautiful portions but overall thought it left a little to be desired. Awesome high quality jacket this year instead of a t shirt. Everyone was very friendly & helpful.
eh.
Ran this race for fun with a friend. I didn't hate it, but not sure if I would go back again. The course was nice. Through a nice (cookie-cutter) neighborhood … MORE
Ran this race for fun with a friend. I didn’t hate it, but not sure if I would go back again. The course was nice. Through a nice (cookie-cutter) neighborhood and along the Katy trail (It would have been nicer to stay on the trail for the whole race honestly!)
1 MAJOR Negative and a few smaller negatives:
– Packet pickup ended at 2pm! And there was NO RACE DAY PICKUP! If you have to end PP early, that’s one thing, but you MUST offer it on race morning to compensate! This was completely inconvenient and definitely something they need to address! We emailed the RD begging to pick up later or on race day. We were able to make arrangements and I know we weren’t the only ones. As a Race Director myself, This is definitely something that needs to change to allow people flying in or driving to the race. 2pm and no race day pickup = bad first impression = bad review.
-Plastic cups. (enough said). They had plastic cups for water (paper cups for Gatorade). At every water stop, we were kicking and tripping over plastic cups. Never a good idea.
-When the half & full start together in a race with several thousand, having a more staggered start is wise. There were self-corral signs up which helped some, but the first 3 miles of the race were really crowded.
Great atmosphere and swag
This was first and maybe only full marathon. Lots of entertainment and crowd support the first half of the race. The crowd support and entertainment were lacking on the marathon … MORE
This was first and maybe only full marathon. Lots of entertainment and crowd support the first half of the race. The crowd support and entertainment were lacking on the marathon course. Marathon is small and had I not had friends surprise me and run with me. I would have ran a lot of it by myself. But not real difficult course at all.
Mo' Cowbell PLEASE!
What a great race! The race crew, the spectators, the course.....all in all a class act! Would run this one again any day. Flat and fast course - there is … MORE
What a great race! The race crew, the spectators, the course…..all in all a class act! Would run this one again any day. Flat and fast course – there is one gradual hill but it really wasn’t that bad. Ample water stations.
Ring that Cowbell ... Total PR Course
Perfect weather. Great location. Flat course. What else could I have asked for? I enjoyed every moment of this race and I am ALREADY planning on a repeat visit next … MORE
Perfect weather. Great location. Flat course. What else could I have asked for? I enjoyed every moment of this race and I am ALREADY planning on a repeat visit next year!
Not bad!
MO’ Cowbell was my 47th marathon state and came a week after a hot marathon in New Hampshire. It was also a redo for Missouri, when my earlier race this … MORE
MO’ Cowbell was my 47th marathon state and came a week after a hot marathon in New Hampshire. It was also a redo for Missouri, when my earlier race this year was canceled due to lightning. Luckily for me, the weather was pretty nice in St. Charles! I’d guess that it could be a real problem if the heat and humidity stuck around but it was a cool 55 degrees in the morning, though it did heat up some by 10:30-11 in the sun. But hey, low humidity and some good shady parts helped!
Here are the pros in my opinion:
– Friendly race – great communication, great volunteers and PD support
– Easy packet pickup (no day-of pickup)
– Good quarter-zip top in lieu of a T-shirt
– Fun Cowbell age group award
– Country Inn and Suites is easy walking distance to start/finish plus the historic St Charles Main Street. Very cute and good restaurants nearby.
– Well marked course and turns.
– Good food and runners’ village at the finish area.
– Lots of timing mats.
So-so’s:
– The course is okay; it runs through some neighborhoods, near highways, and on part of the Katy Trail. Many parts are shaded but there are some tough spots in the sun after the halfway point and out to about mile 20 it’s pretty desolate. Also, the half is running to the finish when the full keeps straight and parallels the finish. Kind of demoralizing, though when you are coming back in the last mile it’s nice to have people cheering. Also, only a couple of hills to worry about, otherwise flat!
– I think there were 11 or 12 aid stations. I wish I had carried my own water for the second half but it worked out okay.
Cons:
– Expo is a good 20 minutes away from the course and my hotel. Not a big deal but not convenient.
– I’d suggest more water stops in the second half.
– Medal is cute but not awesome.
– There’s a half marathon relay, never heard of that before, so once or twice you may get passed by some fresh legs!
– Skip the app and just check the site for results.
Overall, I enjoyed this marathon and I think it’s a good option for Missouri. You can luck out with the weather and it’s a nice area to stay in and run. It’s a friendly and well-organized race and they strive for it to be fun and festive, which I think they succeeded in doing. Be prepared for some empty areas in the back half and consider carrying your own water if the weather is looking warmer.
And if you have a fever, make sure to get MORE COWBELL!
MORE COWBELL
Great race, relatively new on the scene (this was their 6th year) but still really well ran. Course was great, flat and fast with only one large hill; primarily on … MORE
Great race, relatively new on the scene (this was their 6th year) but still really well ran. Course was great, flat and fast with only one large hill; primarily on the scenic Katy Trail and winding through gorgeous downtown St Charles. I will be coming back for my 26.2 sticker in 2019!
It was ok
-Fairly crowded for the entirety of the course -This is just a personal thing, but I like to visit with people while I run (or at least say hi and … MORE
-Fairly crowded for the entirety of the course
-This is just a personal thing, but I like to visit with people while I run (or at least say hi and wish them well), and there were many miles of this race that were dead silent…creepily, eerily, hauntingly silent…just earbuds and footsteps…not sure what that was about, and I know it wasn’t planned, but out of 12 races in 2016, this is the only one that was this quiet. If you’re like me and enjoy conversing with other participants, this is a different culture of people, and it may be as confusing to you as it was to me.
Flat and fast is right
Other than one modest hill around mile 10, this course is about as flat and fast as it gets around here. The race is very popular and it isn't hard … MORE
Other than one modest hill around mile 10, this course is about as flat and fast as it gets around here. The race is very popular and it isn’t hard to see why, as it is perfect for those looking to set a new PR!
Good Value Race!
Fairly easy/flat course. Very cold (50's) and windy today. I started out too fast and tried to slow it down half-way but the wheels began to fall off for me … MORE
Fairly easy/flat course. Very cold (50’s) and windy today. I started out too fast and tried to slow it down half-way but the wheels began to fall off for me at mile 20. Decent route with an out and back on the last 10K which is very helpful. Good race support and scenic trails but the weather was a challenge.